Macheen Inc. Launches Global Service Platform for Internet-Included Connected Devices
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New Company Aims to Drive 100% Attach Rates for Consumer Electronics, Computing and Gaming Devices
AUSTIN, Texas-- Macheen Inc. formally launched today and announced the general availability of its global service platform for Internet-included connected devices. Backed by DFJ Mercury, a partner in the DFJ Global Network of venture funds with a total of $7 billion capital under management, Macheen makes it possible for consumer device manufacturers and retailers to ship products already connected to the Internet, right out of the box, across multiple countries and regions. Consumers enjoy no-hassle connectivity; network operators expand their wholesale business via the booming "consumer machine-to-machine" (consumer M2M) market; and device makers and retailers brand their services and cement ongoing relationships with their end users.
Macheen's comprehensive, end-to-end solution is built on a unique, scalable, cloud-based service platform and a global set of network operator relationships. Device makers and retailers sign on as tenants of Macheen's platform and work with Macheen to customize its "white label," pre-connected broadband data service to best fit their device rollout plans. Macheen manages the entire process, including payments, settlements, customer service and more. This allows the tenant to focus on providing a truly unique connectivity experience for its consumers. Macheen's patent pending technology enables new content business models for always connected laptops, tablets and other consumer electronics devices.
"We are in the beginning stages of a massively connected world," said Ned Hill, Managing Director at startup capital firm DFJ Mercury. "Some estimate there will be more than 1.5 billion non-phone connected consumer devices by 2014 and a significant attendant increase in communications and connected services on those devices. Macheen is at the forefront of enabling these services with an innovative platform that can unlock the broader market opportunity for all players in the eco-system."
First Publicly-Announced Tenant: Dell Inc.
Dell has chosen Macheen to power its new integrated mobile broadband service, Dell NetReady, available on select Dell laptops in Germany, with plans to roll out to other regions in 2011. NetReady offers flexible, pre-connected Internet with no commitment, great value and one click access. "Service by Macheen" ensures Dell customers have mobile broadband network access through a new platform built on a series of Macheen's wholesale broadband agreements with various leading network operators and related software and services.
Catalyzing New Business Models Through "Internet-included" Connectivity
"'Internet-included' means devices ship 'hot,' already connected to the Internet," said Richard Schwartz, CEO and President of Macheen. "Our goal is give device makers and retailers a way to painlessly bring these devices to the market, and to 'attach the unattached.'"
Macheen's service platform eliminates the need for device makers and retailers to invest upfront or manage telco complexity multiplied on a global stage. It scales across multiple regions and countries, providing the opportunity for tenants to focus on the services that will build lasting, profitable customer relationships.
"Business models for connected devices require they are actually connected, but that's been really hard to pull off," said Schwartz. "Creating something like Amazon's Kindle, where connectivity happens magically in the background and the user just clicks and buys, was an industry innovation, but done with a lot of heavy lifting.
"Now, with Macheen, any device maker or electronics retailer can deliver always-available, out-of-the-box connectivity under its brand, customized to fit its business goals, customer segments and global go-to-market needs--all without upfront investment, complicated partner relationships or business risk."
Experienced Team to Lead Macheen
As President and CEO of Macheen, industry veteran Richard Schwartz is driving the success of his fourth venture-backed startup. Schwartz previously served senior leadership positions at Openwave, Vignette and Borland. Glenda Akers, who brings 30 years of senior executive leadership in product development at Fortune 500 companies and startups, is Vice President of Products. James Trotter, with more than 15 years experience with various industry leaders, serves as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Jayne Walters brings more than 30 years of high-tech financial experience to her role as Chief Financial Officer.
Additional Information and Resources
o Blog post from Macheen's CEO, Richard Schwartz, about the launch of the
company
o Background and bios on Macheen's seasoned executive management team
o Follow Macheen on Twitter or Facebook
o Dell NetReady announcement (German)
o Dell NetReady offering (German)
About Macheen
Macheen is a leading enabler of Internet-included connected devices. Our proven, multi-tenant cloud-based platform makes it easy to sell and market pre-connected devices that sustain profitable relationships with the consumers who buy them. Macheen enables new business models for device makers, retailers, content providers and network operators alike. We deliver breakthrough value to significantly increase adoption rates and drive market penetration of connected devices and content services. Macheen is a global corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with a wholly owned subsidiary in Germany (Macheen GmbH).
Visit www.macheen.com.
SOURCE Macheen Inc.
CONTACT: Alisa Davis, 1-415-593-8446, Alisa.davis@text100.com, for Macheen Inc.
Web Site: www.macheen.com
