IncentiveDirect create innovative online reward and motivation systems.

We've been jumping up and down like Mad March hares this month. Spring is here and things are really taking off. We'll be revealing new features, new clients and new ideas over the coming months.

Strap yourself in - this is going to be a hell of a ride.

So, whether you're an existing client, or have expressed an interest in the iD-points incentive system, we hope you find this e-mail useful and informative.

/01. Touch in, touch out, to the future.

The future of incentives is connected and mobile.

As part of our research for our presentation at the VA conference (formerly known as the Voucher Association) this week, we decided to take a look into emerging technologies and what they might entail for the motivation and incentives sector.

What we found could signal massive changes for the motivation industry.

The convergence of mobile phones and Near Field Communication devices (the technology used in 'tap and go' cards such as London Underground's Oyster) will fundamentally change the way that we all pay for goods and services in the future, and turn your mobile phone into a e-Wallet payment device for low-cost purchases, a verification device for online e-commerce transactions, a travel card, an eTicket for planes and trains, and even an identity card or membership card.

It logically follows that gift vouchers and stored value cards will also move to e-Vouchers, both credited and redeemed through your phone. But the connected nature of mobile technology could allow a mobile incentive solution that utilises tap'n'go to offer the added value benefits that an online system has to offer - 2-way communication, online redemption, tracking and auditing, and sweepback of non-redeemed value.

This convergence may enable the combination of the power and flexibility of an online system with the product choice and personal shopping experience that vouchers offer.

These developments excite us, because our business is founded on the principles of continued evolution of our systems. Could this be the future of incentives?

/02. iD-points is set to go mobile.

We're working on delivering iD-points via mobile technology.

As part of our move into the mobile arena, we are pleased to announce that our mobile SMS functionality for iD-points is now entering the user testing phase, prior to rollout to all End Users in the near future.

What this means is that, once live, End Users can also elect to receive system notifications such as point rewards, monthly reminders, and campaign expiry warnings via SMS text as well as by e-mail.

Once we have evaluated the impact of this service, we will look to add additional services such as user initiated SMS texts for balance enquiries, help messages etc.

We are also looking at improving the user experience for users accessing iD-points using a web browser on a mobile phone.

/03. New products for March.

We're adding more new products each month than ever before. Here are some highlights for this month:

Sony PlayStation 3
Finally, the third generation Sony Playstation is here. Featuring stunning graphics capabilities and awesome number crunching power with its Cell processor, built in networking for online multiplay, and a Blu-ray DVD drive for playback of the new DVD format.

Needless to say, initial stocks are very limited, so we are selling these consoles as bundles with additional controllers and some of the best launch titles including Resistance: Fall of Man. Once our stocks sell out it is uncertain when we will be able to get more units.

Slazenger sunglasses
We've added a great selection of cool sunglasses from quality brand Slazenger. Available in a number of styles these offer great value for your points. With Summer fast coming now is the time to get some cool shades.

Sennheiser headsets
New this month is a collection of headsets from renown headphone manufacturer Sennhesier, specifically for computer and multimedia use. The neckband model pictured here is comfortable and less likely to slip off your head during a frenzied moment of Star Wars Battlefront. With integral microphones they are also ideal for using with internet telephony such as Skype.

/04. Second look at new brochure.

The new iD-points brochure has finally gone off to the printers. Here's another sneak peak.

More details and full PDF of content next month.

/05. Our contact details.

You can contact IncentiveDirect in a number of ways

By phone: +44 (0)207 269 9765

By e-mail: jonathan.lee@incentivedirect.com

Our website: Visit IncentiveDirect.

© 2007 IncentiveDirect Ltd