Swiss Post: Ultra-modern technology on a conventional stamp
Swiss Post is issuing the world's first stamp with an integrated BeeTagg, combining a conventional stamp with ultra-modern technology. Swiss Post's partner in this first tagging venture is Schweiz Tourismus, which is using the stamp and integrated BeeTagg as part of its winter advertising campaign. The mobile tagging solutions have been developed by Swiss Post subsidiary yellowworld AG.
The Swiss Post BeeTagg special stamp was created in conjunction with Schweiz Tourismus and Swiss Snowsports. This image, together with the BeeTagg, is part of Schweiz Tourismus's 2007/2008 winter advertising campaign aimed at getting people excited about the winter season in Switzerland. Schweiz Tourismus is incorporating the BeeTagg in its campaign as an additional means of communication, enabling its customers to order catalogues and brochures as well as taking part in a competition.
Some time ago, a new application was developed for the mobile phone, increasing its versatility even further. The new technology is called mobile tagging and is available regardless of which service provider the user has chosen. It enables the user to establish a connection to a predefined and mobile-friendly web page via their mobile phone. The BeeTagg is a two-dimensional code that looks like a honeycomb and functions in a similar way to a bar code. The user simply installs the free BeeTagg reader, then scans the tag incorporated into the Swiss Post stamp with the camera on their mobile phone. The reader recognizes the tag and connects the phone to a predefined web page.
Easy to use
The whole thing is incredibly simple: all the user has to do is start the reader, mobile phone camera at the BeeTagg and click, exactly as if they were taking a photo. BeeTaggs can be used to add a link to any object, thus connecting it to the World Wide Web. The mobile tagging solutions have been developed by Swiss Post subsidiary yellowworld AG, and use the in-house service platform, while the BeeTagg technology was developed by Swiss company connvision AG, which provides products and solutions for mobile phones.
Information compacted into a tiny space
Similar codes have long been used in Japan, but what distinguishes the BeeTagg from these is the fact that it was developed and optimized specifically for mobile tagging. The BeeTagg does not look like a conventional technical barcode. It can incorporate logos, pictures and text. As even tiny BeeTaggs can still be read, they are particularly suitable for products with densely packed information, for example stamps, newspapers or packaging.
Future-oriented technology
Mobile tagging has enormous potential and opens up new methods of marketing and communication. By incorporating BeeTaggs into adverts or billboards, companies can enter into contact with potential customers and direct them to their websites.
The first applications using the new BeeTagg have already been launched in Switzerland, and there is considerable interest in the new technology. Swiss Post's special stamp will now also help to raise its profile. Meanwhile, yellowworld has already developed more practical applications for mobile tagging. For example, PostAuto Switzerland began a pilot test last summer, with BeeTaggs attached to around 100 bus stops giving users access to the bus timetables. Another example of successfully combining print and online media is the initiative launched by Swiss Post in August that enables people to use mobile tagging in their search for apprenticeship positions. Services such as mobile tagging are part of Swiss Post’s strategy of expanding its core business with innovative technologies and generating growth along the entire value chain.
