Insights into Ad-sponsored Mobile Software

August 23, 2010
John SanGiovanni | Zumobi

Started within MSR as a research effort, The Zumobi Network has evolved into a publisher of premium mobile apps (Motor Trend, MSNBC, Popular Science, and 30 more). In this talk, Zumobi’s co-founder and VP of Product Design John SanGiovanni will tell the story about the journey – both highs and lows – as Zumobi moved from prototype to product, from platform to network. In partnership with multiple Microsoft business units, The Zumobi Network has employed an effective strategy of app monetization via integrated brand sponsorships.

What does the ad-sponsored app economy tell us about the future of mobile software? What mobile platform trends are important to track at this stage in the evolution of Superphones? What technologies and ad strategies are most effective for mobile monetization? How will Windows Phone 7 complement this ecosystem? These topcis will be discussed through a series of candid stories about the adventures of life inside a mobile advertising startup.

Speaker Details

John SanGiovanni has more than 13 years of experience as a wireless strategist and mobile user interface designer. As the co-founder and Vice President of Product Design, John coordinates the product design strategy and manages Zumobi’s in-house creative studio. Prior to Zumobi, John was Program Manager and Technical Evangelist for Microsoft Research, where he managed external academic research funding in the areas of mobile technologies and user interfaces. During his career, John has authored or co-authored more than 12 patents in the areas of mobile advertising, hardware interfaces, and interaction techniques for next-generation mobile devices.

Before joining Microsoft, John worked on the Advanced Technology Learning Solutions team at PPI/Knowledge Universe and worked in Studio Entertainment for Walt Disney Company. John has a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a concentration on Computing from the University of Florida.