Fwix Positions Itself Carefully in Location Information Market
May 4, 2011
“Fwix Launches Read/Write Business Listings API,” announced ProgrammableWeb.com. Fwix’s aim is to incorporate businesses’ real-world location data into their application programming interface (API). By doing so, and doing so thoughtfully, Fwix hopes to claim the position of standard underlying geodata platform. The story said:
Fwix is committed to concentrating its efforts on three key aspects of its product. Having valuable content to offer based on location and a well-organized database of places are two of them. The third is a built-in monetization opportunity through an integrated location-based ad network. Shirazi says the major growth opportunities for Fwix are in the platform itself, so having a way to translate that growth into profitability is key. Rather than creating a barrier to adoption by charging for access in order to make money, Fwix is actually offering developers a share in revenue that its location network makes possible.
Smart, but Fwix isn’t the only company on this trail. Competitors such as CityGrid are pursuing similar tactics. Helping Fwix in its endeavor is database builder Factual, who is already building what they call “the definitive database of local businesses and points of interest from around the world.”
Is the future of local virtual consolidation of information and technical services? Perhaps the importance of the Fwix initiative is a Petri dish for achieving depth and breadth using multiple tie ups? One benefit we perceived is a sharp reduction in operational and other costs.
Cynthia Murrell, May 4, 2011
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