Interchange Launches SMS LOCAL Wireless Local-Search and Nationwide Directory Assistance Beta

November 4th, 2005

Interchange Corporation, a leading provider of local and national paid-search services, today launched its new SMS LOCAL(TM) wireless local-search beta. SMS LOCAL enables consumers to quickly and easily search for products, services and businesses by location using text-message (SMS) enabled mobile phones and devices.

Using the shortcode 56225 (L-0-C-A-L on most phones), SMS LOCAL provides fast access to millions of national and local U.S. business listings by product, service, business name, and location, including proximity to landmarks. SMS LOCAL returns listings containing business name, address, phone number and distance.

"SMS LOCAL is designed to allow wireless users to search for local businesses, products and services easily. It brings the power and flexibility of our proprietary Keyword DNA(TM) local-search technology directly to consumers via their text-message enabled mobile phone or device," said Heath Clarke, Interchange CEO. "This represents a strategic step in our mission to enable consumers and businesses to find and connect with each other -- anytime, anywhere.

Not only is SMS LOCAL much more flexible than current 411 directory assistance services, it represents a substantial cost saving to consumers each time they use it. Our goal is to make the easy to remember LOCAL shortcode as ubiquitous to SMS directory assistance in the future as 411 is today."