Local search platform Getit Infomedia launches services in Malaysia

Local search platform Getit Infomedia's international arm Getit Transnational (P) Ltd has launched local search and classifieds services in Malaysia. This service has been launched in partnership with a native player MaxisBerhad (Maxis), a Malaysian integrated communications service provider. The services will be marketed under the brand name 'Findit-Malaysia'. This is the company's debut in the international circuit

This is an exclusive partnership between Getit and Maxis to make Findit services available to all Maxis users via USSD, mobile apps, WAP and web services. "The newly launched services are focused on mobile devices and have massive scope. We will be developing newer markets and offering well integrated products. The response thus far has been tremendous," said Sidharth Gupta, executive director, Getit Transnational. The subsidiary of Getit Infomedia was launched earlier this year for expanding internationally. Talking to Techcircle.in, Gupta shared that the firm's plan is to expand into Southeast Asia and Middle East markets in the near future. It targets to enter another new geography in six months, according to him.

"With Findit Malaysia, the target for first year is to get as many users as possible," Gupta said. While app, web and WAP services will be available across telcos, USSD and some other integrated services will remain exclusive to Maxis' customers. "Maxis users will always have a preferential ability to use the services," Gupta said.

On being asked whether the company would be looking at the acquisition route for geographical expansion, Gupta stated that the firm does not plan to do so. "Though one should never say no, currently our model is not such that we would acquire a local company. The model requires us to do certain things in the market ourselves," he said.

"The products envisaged have immense use in a consumer's day-to-day life; the platform and technology are cutting edge and they integrate seamlessly into our portfolio," T Kugan, head of digital services, Maxis, said.

Getit Transnational is a subsidiary of Getit Infomedia and focuses on local search, classifieds and allied products in the international markets. The parent firm, Getit Infomedia offers services across print, online and voice media and is present in more than 35 cities in India. It is backed by Malaysia's Astro (as a strategic investor) besides VC investor Helion Venture Partners, and recently acquired Infomedia Yellow Pages and AskMe from Network18 group and has added a new monetisation channel with the launch of its online marketplace Getit Bazaar.

Talking to Techcircle.in earlier this year, Jaspreet Bindra, CEO, Getit Infomedia, shared that the firm's database covers more than 6 million SMEs. "I can't share the exact number of paid customers but as per the industry average, around 1.5-2 per cent of the total database is paid customers and we stand at the same ratio," he had said.

Watch this space for more updates on the development.

(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)