InfoSpace debuts new content platform

InfoSpace formally launched its mCore software suite this week, the result of the company’s transformation from a content distributor and aggregator to a content platform provider that draws in multiple technologies, including search, portal, messaging and storefront and Web/WAP solutions. Both Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile are expanding their relationship with InfoSpace to adopt all or part of the mCore platform.

InfoSpace exited the mobile content business last fall, choose instead to develop the technology that powers content discovery and delivery rather than publishing and distribute games, ringtones and applications itself. To reach that aim, InfoSpace has partnered with several other companies to provide specific components of the platform. Fast Search & Transfer is supplying its white label mobile search solution, while InfoGin is supply its Intelligent Mobile Platform, which renders World Wide Web pages into a mobile format.

InfoSpace officials said it has adopted the mantra that a unified platform—as opposed to individual powerful but unconnected elements--are crucial to the success of mobile content services. With that aim in mind, it sought to make mCore a modular but integrated offering with a strong focus on mobile search. The approach allows carriers to deploy what components they like or the entire suite into their existing mobile infrastructure. For instance, an InfoSpace spokesperson said, mCore’s storefront component competes directly with the platform services offered by Motricity, but in AT&T’s MEdia Mall, mCore’s content delivery solutions integrate with Motricity’s platform.

Verizon Wireless committed on Monday to using the InfoSpace/InfoGin web solution to power its Mobile 2.0 service. And recently Virgin Mobile signed on to deploy the entire mCore suite in the U.K.