Regular readers will recall that I write columns and commentary for a wide range of sites and publications including MobiAdNews and (beginning in the New Year) Mobile Marketer and RCR Wireless (Analyst Angle). However, it is my collaboration with Michelle Manafy, my editor, esteemed colleague and friend at EContent magazine, that has allowed me to not only analyze trends and companies that matter, but recognize leaders in mobile impacting the industry at all levels.

I am proud that EContent named me to its panel of 14 judges to evaluate the 100+ candidates across the categories: classification & taxonomy; collaboration; content commerce; content creation, production, & digital publishing; content delivery; content management; content security; fee-based info services; intranets & portals; mobile content; search engines & technologies; and social media. (We spent one month in our judging wiki, reviewing previous list members and considering a slew of worthy new contenders. In addition to casting votes, we were involved in lively discussion and debate – a process that was daunting at times, but always incredibly rewarding.)

More importantly, my participation in the judging team allowed me to introduce my peers to mobile industry innovators high on my radar and emphasize the role of mobile-only search and personalization companies in the scheme of things.

Content may not be convergent yet, but the all-pervasive nature of digital content reinforces how important it is for organizations of all kinds to maximize this essential resource and, as my dear friend and mentor Tomi Ahonen would say, Think mobile.

Congratulations are in order for the four new (mobile) additions to the EContent100: ChangingWorlds, CrispWireless JumpTap, MCN and SurfKitchen. They join other movers and shakers that made the list including Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Nokia and Twitter. As today’s press releases show, SurfKitchen was recognized for its innovation and influence in mobile content and service delivery; MCN was commended for its position as a leader in federated mobile search and search merchandising; and JumpTap was honored for its advances in mobile search and advertising. (Click here for the full EContent list.)

A special thanks to Julie Ginches at JumpTap for not only issuing a press release, but also recognizing my involvement in the judging team. I would also like to extend my personal thanks to the dozens of mobile content and search companies that reached out to me directly and encourage you to keep the conversation going. I will be a member of the judging team for years to come – and will work with EContent in every way I can to ensure that those companies hard at work to make digital content work are recognized for their accomplishments.

On a personal note: I invite you to peruse my EContent columns (aptly titled Agile Minds) here. EContent has also promoted me to the position of contributing editor, so please reach out to me directly with your pitches. I am always open to good ideas! As I have said many times, my mission, and the purpose of MSG, is to identify and amplify voices the industry should hear.

Disclaimer: JumpTap has sponsored an MSG podcast series; MCN is an MSG supporter

Tags: Apple, changingworlds, CrispWireless, EContent 100, Facebook, Google, JumpTap, MCN, Mobile Advertising, Mobile Search, Nokia, SurfKitchen, Twitter

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm and is filed under Content Discovery, Local Search, Mobile Advertising, Mobile Content, Mobile Search, Mobile Social Networking, Personalization. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.