Bebo Launches Open Mobile Tools

Social networking site Bebo has launched Bebo Open Mobile to develop partnerships and increase tools available to customers.

Bebo's Open Mobile program will allow operators, handset manufacturers, and software developers to create, promote, and distribute tailored content and applications through mobile social media.

"Bebo Open Mobile is a new way to expand the power of social networking to program members," Sean Kane, global head of Bebo Mobile, said in a statement released Monday. "The Bebo Open Mobile suite of tools is designed to move mobile communication and user relationships forward by delivering a simple and more ubiquitous experience to users"

Kane said the tools will help partners capitalize on "a rapid and global shift towards mobile social networking."

Bebo Open Mobile integrates partners' mobile services and offers tools to reach the site's 50 million users through mobile networks and devices and rich media. The tools allow partners to take advantage of and develop the mobile Internet, messaging, and software through customized navigation, mobile advertising support, and enhanced statistics.

The toolkit includes Bebo Open Mobile Messaging and a mobile development API toolkit. Partners can access Bebo users' interface for scalable and feature-rich two-way messaging and creative new applications, widgets, and interfaces.

The site also offers its partners tools to track user engagement.

Bebo supports online media, community, self-expression, and entertainment. Its users discover, create, and share digital content. AOL acquired Bebo last year for around $850 million in cash to complement AOL's e-mail, instant messaging, and other services, while increasing its user base.