Media brands have already started using the tools, which include a platform for the development of applications and advanced in-app data analytics as well as channels for distribution and monetisation. For example, Sports Illustrated used Velti's iPhone SDK to create its ad-supported "freemium" SI 2010 Swimsuit app. Three weeks after launch, SI had delivered 570,000 downloads with a 10% conversion to paid users, according to SI.com managing editor Paul Fichtenbaum. By the end of March, SI had delivered more than 700,000 downloads.
Velti's new tools enable the distribution of rich media advertising in apps running on iPhone and iPad, Android, Symbian, Windows and BlackBerry devices. The tools offer integration of interactive marketing into the mobile experience, monetisation of applications and delivery of engaging campaigns.
A key characteristic of Velti's SDK for iPhone is its local landing page functionality, giving the mobile app user landing pages including mobile internet sites, video, email, maps and SMS, all without leaving the application.
The Velti tools can deliver and manage many types of ads, including banner, interstitial, expandable banner, text banner, full-screen, HTML canvas, pre-roll/post-roll and shakeable video. The ad types can integrate numerous calls-to-action including click to call, click to app stores, click to email, click to landing page, click to buy and click to map.
