Followap

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This article is about the company until 2006. For the current incarnation of the firm, see NeuStar.
Followap, Inc.
IndustryTelecommunications
Internet
Computer software
Founded1 January 1999 Edit this on Wikidata
FoundersBen Volach
Dan Volach
FateAcquired
SuccessorNeuStar, Inc.
Headquarters
Staines-upon-Thames Edit this on Wikidata
,
United Kingdom Edit this on Wikidata
ProductsMobile Messenger
Interconnect Platform
Presence Platform
BrandsiFollow
Number of employees
180 (2006)
Websitewww.followap.com Edit this on Wikidata

Followap was a company that developed mobile instant messaging (MIM) and presence software for mobile operators. It was founded in 1999 and managed by Dan Volach and Ben Volach in the United Kingdom.[1][2]

Followap launched the first commercial mobile messenger service in 2000 in partnership with Eircell, Ireland's mobile network operator.[1] It later worked with several European mobile operators, such as Bouygues Telecom in France, to supply messaging and presence platforms.[3]

According to the company, Followap's customers included the Vodafone Group, Hutchison 3G Group, BT Group, Turkcell, Telecom Italia, Wind, and VimpelCom.[1]

Followap developed messaging platforms that allowed mobile network operators to provide interoperable instant messaging services.[4] In March 2003, Followap announced that its iFollow v2.2 product was certified under the Wireless Village/OMA IMPS standard for instant messaging and presence.[5] The company also reported partnerships with handset manufacturers, such as LG, which introduced its IM client for mobile phones.[6] It further claims that Turkcell selected its solution for its “TurkcellMessenger” service and that it supports standards such as OMA, 3GPP, and IETF (including XMPP).[7]

The company was acquired by NeuStar for approx. $140M in cash, in November 2006. Investors included Sequoia Capital and Carmel Ventures.[8][1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Followap – Company History". Followap. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  2. ^ "Followap". Startup Luxembourg Directory. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  3. ^ Light Reading. "Followap Expands Presence". Light Reading. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  4. ^ Sylvers, Eric (2006-07-10). "Wireless: Medium and messaging - Instant versus text - Technology - International Herald Tribune". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
  5. ^ "Followap Announces General Availability of iFollow v2.2 – Certified Wireless Village / OMA IMPS". Followap. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  6. ^ "LG Introduces Followap's IM Client to its Mobile Phones". Followap. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Turkcell Selects Followap's Presence and IM Solution; Turkcell Messenger Enables Innovative Presence-Aware Communication Services". Followap. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  8. ^ "NeuStar Buys Followap for $139M". Light Reading. 28 Nov 2006.