3jam

Sector: Mobile applications, social networking

Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA

Management: CEO Andy Jagoe was formerly CEO of Intranet Communications. Co-founder and Enlai Chu comes to 3jam from his position as Director of Business Development for IPWirelessis.

Funding: New Enterprises Associates ($1 million)

Secret Sauce:3jam lets users text message multiple recipients via their mobile phones, and when they answer, the replies go to everyone in the conversation. It’s similar to hitting the “reply all” feature on most e-mail clients. The message’s originator sends the first text message to 3jam. 3jam then forwards the message to the indicated recipients. When someone replies, 3jam forwards it to everybody in the conversation.

Simplicity is the key to the service, which could prove handy for groups organizing quick small details, like when and where to meet. Because users don’t have to be logged on, it’s more efficient than mobile IM, as text messages are stored until they’re viewed. And listening to several voice messages and making callbacks can be even more tedious.

The SMS service works on any mobile phone that supports text messaging in the U.S., without the need for any special software or downloads. Up to 15 people can receive the same message, and those who receive a message can send a reply to everyone in the group. One message holds up to 160 characters.

While new, simple services like 3jam are a blessing to many looking for shortcuts in busy schedules and better ways to use the mobile phone that’s attached to their sweaty palms. But, as with all things simple and elegant, abuses may soon arise in the form of spammers and marketers who get hold of people’s phone numbers and are looking for ways to circumvent pesky FCC regulations about voice marketing to mobile phones. Despite these potential drawbacks, the service is just right for people who want to eliminate the endless Marco Polo calls needed to pinpoint their friends locations.

Seen and Heard: CNet’s Rafe Needleman says, “It’s better than e-mail (who checks their e-mail all the time on their phone?), and it’s better than mobile-based IM, because your buddies don’t have to be logged on. And it’s certainly better than trying to coordinate several different people via several different SMS conversation threads or phone calls.” Wireless Net reports, “Fully aware voice services are a dwindling business, carriers are looking for ways to increase revenues with other services. Companies like 3jam could give carriers exactly what they seek.”