Jinny is an Irish-based software company that sells services to mobile operators. It mostly works in the areas of messaging and mobile media, but today sees the launch of a service called Call Router that offers some interesting new features to both operators and subscribers. Of most interest is a set of subscriber services that allows you a huge amount of control over calls from “undesired” numbers.
What’s the story?
There are a bundle of services included in Call Router, but they all fall into two main categories: services aimed at operators, and services aimed at their subscribers.
Subscriber services – there are three services here to make subscribers’ lives easier:
Call screening: this service is based on “undesired” callers. It’s a blacklist feature that lets the operator intercept calls from anyone you don’t want to ring you. If they do call you, the call is blocked and they’re sent a text explaining that you’re not available. To let you know what has happened, you’re sent a text with the mobile number and time the call was made.
Call management: this service is based on the screening one, but it helps you to make sure you’re not missing important calls. If someone tries to call you and can’t get through (if you’re roaming, for example, or out of coverage), the system will notify you via SMS with the time and mobile number.
Call collect: for pre-pay customers. It allows you to start a call even if you don’t have the credit for it – and the person you’re ringing is given the option to pay for the call or leave you hanging.
Operator services – voice mail
Voicemail routing: this service is pretty simple. Operators tend to license their voicemail system out to a service provider. What Call Router allows is for an operator to have multiple voicemail providers on board at one time. The operator can then set up its own provisions to make sure that subscribers are always routed to the voicemail system that is most appropriate for them.
What we think?
Call Router is just the latest release in a larger package from Jinny called Call Completion. The entire system works around providing value-added service to actual voice calls – which is part of a growing trend. For most mobile owners, voice calls are still at the same level they were when they first bought a phone. There’s no follow-up, reportage or options for dropped or missed calls. The services are pretty basic, and quite clunky to use. Companies like Jinny and addafix (see our report) are adding layers of services around those calls, so if something doesn’t quite work out with either an outgoing or incoming call, the subscriber as options.
Of course, the real problem here is that while those services seem very useful to me, I can’t have them. Call Router is an operator service – so if you want it, you’ll have to write to your service provider!
