Mobile Barcodes At the airport with Iain McCready CEO Neo Media

So, because Neo Media sponsored GoMo News I spent a lot of time with Iain McCready from Neo Media during CTIA in September.

Because I am badgered by NeoMedia fans on a daily basis I had also come prepared at CTIA with a number of questions from them. The problem is that commentators or NeoMedia shareholders that write to me think I am a financial analyst and ask some questions that I simply don’t understand. As an industry analyst I prefer to talk about what I am skilled it.

So, during the meetings at CTIA I tried to tackle a few questions with Iain but it was tough as we were always with different people and in very social locations. So once when I spoke to Iain to address one of the questions he was saved by a leading mobile handset vendor coming over wanting to speak to him.

So, after CTIA I thought that was it as I made my way to the airport and didn’t address the questions that I had. But at the airport I got a message from Iain asking to join him at the airport lounge. So, I did. This time we were on our own, I helped myself to a lovely glass of Champagne and I had two hours with him on our own – so I let loose.
I explained, Iain. I have so many Neom fans reading my blog asking me questions on strategy and things that only you can answer, would you mind if I just addressed a couple of the questions.

Iain, “sure Bena. Didn’t we cover most of these in the first interview?”.
Bena “yes – but since then a couple of people have been asking me to ask the same things over and over again and even though I don’t know them – I feel like I have a duty”.

Iain “fire away”.

1. How confident are you about the future of NeoMedia and mobile barcodes? A few people have left and changes made is that a big issue?

Bena. I am convinced of the success of NeoMedia and the mobile barcode space. I am frustrated by the past and am focused on the future. We are at a major cross roads as a company and we have everything to play for.

I have a strong team that will grow. Excellent backing and everyone in the company knows that we are sitting on the cusp of something huge.

People leave business all the time its just part and parcel of a growing company.

2. I hate to ask you but what about patents and things?

I am so confident. I speak to so many people on a daily basis. There is no point in shouting and screaming and finger pointing. At the end of the day we are a company with the patents and with a vision and with people that have created data matrix codes.

We are in a promising position now and the most amazing brands such as Ralph Lauren are using our services. This is leadership at every level.

We are not in breach of any patents. We don’t have a business model that relies on other people’s technology and we are very proud of that.
3. I love Ralph Lauren. I am not sure if you are aware of it but during CTIA several times the Ralph Lauren mobile barcodes case study appeared in the presentations from mobile advertising companies and agencies.
No. I didn’t know that and thank-you. It’s great to be endorsed at all levels.

4. I know we work in a very competitive environment so you can’t unveil the strategy but is it readers, barcodes, brands – will Neo Media become an agency? What is the future?

The world is our oyster. We are strategically in the best position in the market. We have a backpocket full of patents. We are not aggressive –but we are in favour of relationships with everyone. Our dream is for mobile barcodes everywhere and with that vision – we will progress.

We believe in standards and advancement and that is the future.