April 15, 2008
CEO Fabrice Boutain was interviewed by Thomas Owadenko for Video Agency. The two Internet entrepreneurs discussed aujourdhui.com's current activities and future plans, as well as the future of internet video and its effect on web-based businesses. Boutain had many thoughts on the concept and was largely optimistic about the video project developments at aujourdhui.com. He also talked about the company's methodology and the conceptualization behind some of their recent achievements.
Here is the transrcipt of the conversation :
TO: I am with Fabrice Boutain in Video Camp in Paris. Welcome!
FB: Thank you Thomas!
TO: So could you explain to us what you are doing?
FB: We are running a French portal called Aujourdhui.com which means Today.com in English. We are going after the women's market. We have developed a social network for ladies in France where they get together to share some ideas and goals about weight-loss, psychology, food, and nutrition.
TO: (Could you) give me a few numbers on the aujourdhui portal? Like when was it launched...
FB: We launched six months ago and we have about 180,000 ladies losing weight right now. They have lost about 700,000 kilos.
TO: Wow that is huge! 700,000!
FB: More even.
TO: You are measuring everything?
FB: Everything is measured because every Saturday there is an email alert where you have to weigh yourself. So you're going to be checking how many kilos you've lost.
TO: So you are helping women to feel better in France?
FB: Yes. This is a well-being portal where ladies get together to have a better life. Our job is to get them together and to give tools. Free tools for groups, for blogging, (and) for forums. We have success stories already. I know a lady in northern France who has 112 friends (in the community) already, and she has lost 15 kilos. She just gave birth 3 months ago. She joined Aujourdhui.com to lose weight after giving birth.
TO: Does she pay you for the services?
FB: To join the community is free. There you can enjoy all the free services and then you also have the option to join some coaching services with health celebrities (like) doctors and experts. There you're going to have pay a fee which is about one Euro per day.
TO: So you are a mix of say, in the US you are a mix of iVillage and Glam.com?
FB: Yes exactly.
TO: So let's go inside the subject of today, about video. What are you doing in video right now?
FB: (With the) video we started about a couple of months ago, working with the company Kewego, who is providing us with the video platform in order for our users to host their videos. That was one of the first goals, was to host the videos and to have a hosting platform. It's not our business, video, so we decided to work with an existing platform...
TO: Kewego is that the name of the company? Could you tell me something about the company, why is it a good, what they give you?
FB: Kewego was founded by two French guys, two friends of mine, we know them for ten years and they already have a success story in France
TO: Michel Meyer and Olivier Heckmann! We know them very well. I sold my company to these guys in 2002...
FB: (laughs) True Thomas.
TO: And you too !
TO: Yes, my company joined and they joined the group after.
FB: So that's why I decided to work with Kewego, but I needed to have a platform and I needed it to have more content. What Kewego is offering is access to the content of all the partners. (The users) are all sharing content. We have our white label distribution on the platform and I am very happy with it. So that was one of the goals, to get access to the content and (two) to host some of the video content for our bloggers. The third was of course for us to host our own production of content.
TO: So white label services?
FB: Exactly.
TO: So just tell me some numbers for video and how people can view the video on your website right now. Do you produce (your own?)
FB: It's amazing-- things are changing every week. We are getting more and more videos from the users, on a weekly basis! Just yesterday I put on my blog, which is available on Aujourdhui.com of course, a video of two ladies who met in France and became best friends. They are 55 and 57 years old and they recorded the video on their computer then shared it with the community. Each of them has lost weight. They have been doing quizzes and whatever else on the portal. They've been enjoying the services and now they are recalling and sharing their experiences. So what do I feel about the video? The people are going to share! It's already live T.V.!
TO: OK Fabrice, we are friends, we know each other very well for about ten years right now. I know that you are real smart (about) the Internet and you know many things about it.
FB: We try, we try.
TO: (You are) always the first to try on key things. Obviously on SEO and VSEO, video search engine optimization. I know that you are using it, so tell us what you do with this and how you feel (about) it? What your team is doing about VSEO and what is VSEO for you?
FB: First there is a dedicated team in our company for SEO. We are four persons (working) full-time on SEO, becoming masters of Google, following the news, whatever. Now video, as what I said earlier, people are producing videos in our community and we (too) are shooting videos everyday. We have a studio (where) we record videos. Of course it is our business and priority to position the videos within the search engine and I think that time has come that the SEO is changing.
TO: OK so that means that you've got people in your company who upload the video everywhere, on every single hosting platform?
FB: True, of course we start with our platform on Kewego, then we upload on video.aujourdhui.com, and after that we want to share. We want to share to as many platforms (as we can) like Dailymotion, Youtube, and I hope hundreds (more).
TO: Do you feel traffic coming from the VSEO format?
FB: I do.
TO: Give us numbers, c'mon!
FB: All right. We tried with a team. We tried to position a video following the success of Danny Boon 'Le Ch'tis,' 'Bienvenue chez les ch'tis,' a French (box office hit). 15 million people watched the movie and we positioned on the weight loss (section) with 'Le Ch'tis.' We have all the videos on this (topic). I think more than 5,000 people watched the video which we positioned only on Google, Daily motion and Youtube.
TO: And that creates links on search engine result pages and gives you free traffic right?
FB: Exactly. People watch the video but we show them that it's (from) aujourdhui.com. We explain whatever we have about Le Ch'tis, about people living in the north of France, how many groups, how many users per region, statistics... Then we tell them, 'OK if you're a Ch'ti then you join. Come and join the group Le' Ch'tis on the net which are all the old ladies from the north losing weight together.' The group, the video is about this. The content is about the positioning and the key word. You know what I mean? I think video is just the extension of VSEO. I agree as well that video SEO is a dedicated specialty with, new rules, new ways of doing it, and new specialities. It's interesting to see --and I know Video Agency of course.
TO: You know what we are doing then?
FB: Yes, that is what we are doing together then. Because we need experts like you guys working on these kinds of areas.
TO: OK, thanks Fabrice, thanks for everything. We are with Fabrice Boutain of aujourdhui.com which is one of the major media in the woman industry in France. You come back one day, you are located in Asia...
FB: Yes, we are. I was talking about the French market but of course the platform is being distributed in seven countries. We have offices in Asia and in Europe, but aujourdhui.com is the name of the French portal.
TO: OK, so look at this guy, he's good. See you!
FB: Thanks!
February 21, 2008
As of January 2008, members of the Aujourdhui.com community have lost a total of 400 tons of excess weight through the site's free online weight loss program, averaging at a loss of 4 kilos per user.
A study at London's King's College showed that women with similar profiles (i.e: age, weight, etc.) who communicate as a group are six to seven times more likely to be successful with their weight loss goals in the long-term.
The social network at Aujourdhui.com provides a platform for women to share their experiences and goals with other women with similar profiles through the forums, blogs, and groups. To date, there are nearly 250,000 blog posts, 650,000 blog comments, 400,000 forum messages, and 200 groups, and those numbers continue to grow exponentially each day.
Users on Aujourdhui.com have the option to follow a free weekly diet and exercise program, but members can also choose to join the community even while following other diets, such as Atkins or Weight Watchers.
"It is obvious that 2008 is the year of the 'modern digital woman," says Aujourdhui.com CEO Fabrice Boutain. "Our vision here at Aujourdhui.com is to enable women from all walks of life to use the power of the Internet to stay motivated and keep sight of their goals."
For those who need a personalized and intensive weight loss approach, members can also upgrade to one of three Aujourdhui.com premium programs and receive expert guidance from two of France's weight loss authorities, nutritionist Dr Jean-Michel Cohen and renowned mental trainer Jean-Michel Gurret. The company also employs a pool of experts, including 10 professional dietitians.
100,000 users have been registered on Aujourdhui.com's free weight loss program since its launch in June 2007. The site receives over 500,000 unique visitors per month.
Currently, Aujourdhui.com hosts Weight Loss and Psychology channels and offers free community tools such as blogs, forums, and groups. A new Food channel and flash-based video hosting platform are expected to be launched within the first half of 2008.
For inquiries and advertising details, visit http://www.aujourdhui.com
Aujourdhui.com to offer flash-based video hosting via Kewego
December 11, 2007
In light of the massive popularity of video sharing sites, Aujourdhui.com has reached a deal with Kewego to enable flash-based video technology to be used on the site. Visitors will be able to view, upload, share, and post videos on Aujourdhui.com's upcoming video portal, which will be powered by Kewego.
"Tens of thousands of users on Aujourdhui.com are already communicating through the blogs, forums, and groups. Now, users will be able to upload their own videos on Aujourdhui, which will only build the excitement of the users further. Everyone can publish their videos directly to Aujourdhui.com, or import videos from other sites, such as YouTube or DailyMotion using Kewego's technology," says CEO Fabrice Boutain.
"I expect that this will boost user activity and traffic to the site, and will work in favour of our goal to be one of the top female community portals on the Web. We are looking forward to letting all our members use this new tool, so that they can make the most out of their Aujourdhui.com experience."
Created in 2003, Kewego now employs some 50 people who staff its offices in Paris, Grenoble, Berlin and Madrid. Kewego offers a white label video platform that is also the official video host for the esteemed sports magazine L'Équipe, the French TV station M6, and the popular Nouvelle Star TV show.
Anxa selects Neolane as its primary CRM targeted e-mail marketing partner
December 10, 2007
Anxa will be implementing the enterprise marketing software Neolane to manage its latest customer centric e-mail marketing campaigns. The Neolane software will manage e-mail marketing campaigns that will be personalised to each user's profile, preferences, and interests; with the goal of retaining a more loyal customer base and higher sales conversions to Anxa's range of personal improvement products and upcoming e-commerce offerings.
"I see CRM as a very important part of the business, which is why there are even times when I communicate with the customers directly," shares CEO Fabrice Boutain. "This new strategy will help improve our relationship with our customers, by offering them content that is suited perfectly to their wants and needs."
Neolane is being used by some of the world's top corporations, such as Virgin, Alcatel-Lucent, and L'Oreal, among others. It is expected to be fully incorporated in Aujourdhui.com's e-mail strategy for the Weight Loss and Psychology & Tests portals in the first quarter of 2008.
Anxa Europe becomes Aujourdhui.com
November 22, 2007
Anxa Europe's CEO Fabrice Boutain this week announced a bold move for the company. Anxa Europe will be renamed Aujourdhui.com.
Anxa, already France's leading player in the Personal Development market with solid distribution partnerships throughout the country, has taken this decision based upon the unparalleled success of its recent relaunching of aujourdhui.com which it initially acquired from PTWeb in 2001 for an undisclosed figure.
"The Internet has finally come of age," commented Fabrice. "Since the launch of Anxa in 1999, we had a clear vision of where we wanted to go. Sometimes the market and the technology were lagging behind our vision. Now, going forward into 2008, the near saturation of broadband access for European households and the emergence of WiFi and WiMAX makes it possible for people to access the Internet from almost anywhere at very fast speeds. It means that we can now deliver our unique services in a highly focused manner. Anxa has always been about the delivery of top quality personal development content in a purely online environment, and now, the latest Web 2.0 tools make our offerings even more compelling."
With women from the ages of 18 to 49 years old becoming the fastest growing sector for this kind of content, Anxa has taken a strategic decision to expand its range of services for this exciting market segment to include:
- weight loss and nutrition advise
- psychology and self assessment tests and reports
- beauty, well being and anti-aging advice
- daily recipes
"All of these offerings will be backed up by France's top coaches and experts in the various fields, but ultimately, the users themselves will keep the audience both loyal and growing," added Fabrice. "We have already seen that the community aspect of this type of content is enormously powerful."
"We fully expect to be the most important and most profitable women's community destination on the Internet in France by the end of 2009.
The name aujourdhui.com is definitely the right name and brand image to take us there."
For further information and for sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.aujourdhui.com
Anxa teams up with famous nutritionist for a unique weight loss programme
October 9, 2007
Anxa is proud to announce its latest collaboration with Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen, the famous French nutritionist and weight loss expert.
For over 20 years, Dr. Cohen has been a leading specialist and author on nutrition, regularly appearing on television and radio, and more recently, on the Web.
Upon receiving his M.D. in 1981, he practised at Bichat Hospital in Paris amongst others before setting up his private practice in 1983.
Dr. Cohen is the author of several books, such as Savoir maigrir ('Know how to lose weight'), Au bonheur de maigrir ('The joy of weight loss'), Bien manger en famille ('Eating well with family'), and Savoir manger : le guide des aliments ('how to eat: : the healthy eating guide') written in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Sérog.
In 2004, Dr. Cohen received the French Republic's National Order of Merit from the Ministry of Health. In 2005, he created the Eating Disorder and Obesity Treatment Unit at the Montevideo Clinic outside Paris. He also created 'Curseur nutritionnel', a tool to interpret nutritional labels, which he developed with industrial food companies.
Anxa is working hand in hand with Dr. Cohen to adapt his unique programme 'Savoir Magrir' for distribution throughout France on the internet. Anxa's technology capabilities, combined with it's reputation, huge distribution network and internet marketing expertise will revolutionise the weight loss coaching world on the Internet.
The programme is now available at www.regime-savoir-maigrir.com
Anxa CEO Fabrice Boutain commented, 'This is a fantastic opportunity for Anxa to contribute to the booming weight loss market. Jean-Michel is a well-known personality in France and he has already sold over a million copies of his books. We are confident that this partnership will create significant waves not only in the weight los market but also in the media industry in general. it si the first time that such a programme has been brought to the general public in a seamless manner blending traditional book publishing with television, internet and web/mobile tv allowing users to enjoy the benefits of Dr. Cohens programmes at almost any time in almost any place.
I believe this is the best ever coaching programme in Europe."
The programme comprises of over 200 videos of TV shows, coaching sessions, interviews, and more. They will soon be available on a dedicated TV channel at www.savoirmaigrir.tv
Contact us for more information.
Aujourdhui.com reaches landmark subscribers in record time
July 2, 2007
Only two months after its initial launch in June of 2007, Anxa's new, free weight loss community site, Aujourdhui.com, has reached 30,000 members who are following a daily weight loss and well-being programme.
The Web 2.0 site received over 300,000 unique visitors in August alone and generated more than 6 million valuable page views.
Anxa CEO Fabrice Boutain commented, 'We were always confident that a free weight loss community would attract a large audience, but we are delighted that the response has been exceptional. We already have over 650,000 users registered to receive our weight loss newsletter twice a month, and the number of users joining the daily programme is growing by the thousands per day.'
Anxa will launch three more women's communities in the coming months, on psychology, cosmetics, and anti-aging.
Firmly in line with Anxa's motto of 'Don't wait until tomorrow to enjoy a better life!' These well-being communities will allow millions of women throughout Europe to share experiences and knowledge and learn from professionals.
Anxa partners with top weight loss expert
July 2, 2007
Anxa is proud to announce it's latest collaboration with the celebrated coach and expert Jean Michel Gurret.
Gurret, president and founder of 'Hyland' has been practising his art and science for many years and has built a considerable practice over the years.
The partnership with Anxa will see a brand new weight loss and coaching programme lead by Gurret and distributed throughout France across the Anxa network of partners with a potential reach of some 3,000,000 internet users per month.
Anxa CEO Fabrice Boutain commented, "Our early experiments in the weight loss business have clearly demonstrated that this is a robust and lucrative market. We put our toes into the market to test the waters in 2006 and we were immediately impressed by the uptake, retention and positive response of customers. Anxa has therefore made a strategic decision to partner with the best weight loss coaches and experts across France and Europe and put the full weight of our internet marketing expertise behind the stategy."
This launch will be the first in a series of new coaching and personal development launches scheduled for 2007 and 2008. For partnership opportunities with Anxa, please click here.
Anxa's latest weight loss offer ventures into the free community business model
June 1, 2007
Anxa, the European leader in the online personal development sector and well-known for its co-branded premium paid services with major web partners such as Orange, AOL, Yahoo and MSN, has launched its first, all free weight loss community portal, Aujourdhui.com. The free portal is focused primarily on the women's sector. The goal of the site, according to Philippe Monteiro da Rocha, Anxa's Content Manager, is "to provide the best possible information available on weight loss, nutrition and diet whilst building a powerful commnity of users online who can share ideas, discuss their progress and help to keep each other motivated towards their weight loss goals."
The site is offered completely free to users but the already large and growing subscriber base offers excellent opportunities for advertisers to promote their targetted products and services in an environment that will garner the best possible results for the advertiser. Aujourdhui.com will not run the typical melange of banners and promotions from different advertisers but will offer "sponsorship" opportunities to one advertiser at a time.
Several major international brands have already taken advantage of the opportunity and the experience has been nothing but highly positive for all concerned.
To learn more about Aujourdhui.com or for sponsorship opportunities on the site please click here.
Anxa Launches Online Train Your Brain Programme
May 17, 2007
May 17, 2007 saw the official launch of Anxa's new flagship product in its Personal Improvement Catalogue.
The "Programme d'entrainement du cerveau" or Train Your Brain Programme offers web users the opportunity to engage their brain, increase their intellect and boost their career and life. For as little as €6 per month, subscribers will receive a full programme of weekly exercises, tips and techniques to stimulate their mind and to put them on track to a more fulfilling life in just five to ten minutes per day.
The entire programme has been developed by the experienced Anxa team and has been initially launched with AOL in France. It will debut with AOL in the UK by the autumn of this year. Anxa is predicting 10,000 subscribers by year end.
Anxa's CEO Fabrice Boutain commented, "This is a major step forward for Anxa in the personal development sector. Our goal has always been to bring the highest possible quality products to our users at the lowest possible prices. We believe that the timing of a brain training programme is perfect right now and this product is designed to build a large community of users, who are eager to improve their lives and their situation for themselves and their famillies. We are very proud of this new launch and expect to bring the mobile web version very soon to complement the service."
For more information, please visit http://test-quiz.aol.fr
Happy Chinese New Year from Fabrice A. Boutain
February 6, 2007
Watch Anxa CEO's video for the coming Year of the Pig!
Once again, I am pleased to wish you a happy and successful Chinese New Year. As you know, 2007 is the year of the pig and I’m especially excited because I, myself, was born in the year of the pig, some 36 years ago.
2007 is said to be a great year for start-up companies, especially in IT. That is why I am so convinced that this year will be the best ever for Anxa's online self-improvement services for mental and physical health.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the 3GSM Congress in Barcelona starting 12 of February. You will find us at Hall 2, Booth 2F49 under the French Pavilion. We will be demonstrating our latest Video on Demand Mobile services as well as our new Web coaching platform.
In 2006, we saw a major growth in our coaching services and videos. Over 1 million users have now purchased products from our Intelligence, Career, and Knowledge catalog. This year, we want to offer MORE to our clients ! We want them to benefit from our new programs regarding Healthy Lifestyle, Weight Loss & Fitness Management.
There are at least 50 million people looking for a better & healthier life style in Europe.
In France alone, 20 million people are overweight, including 6 million who are obese. Anxa will provide more online tools and relevant programs to improve both their mental and physical health.
I want to thank all our partners for the very successful year we had in 2006. And now, I wish you a fantastic Year of the Pig in 2007!
Gong Xi Fa Cai...
Anxa to attend the 3GSM World Congress 2007 in Barcelona
February 1, 2007
Anxa Digital Entertainment will again be present at this year's 3GSM World Congress from February 12th through 15th in Barcelona.
The 3GSM has become the world’s foremost mobile and 3G show, attracting thousands of industry professionals and top executives from around the globe. The four-day show will feature over 1,300 companies: mobile operators, mobile phone makers, content providers, technical providers and a wealth of related services.
Each year sees a new crop of ‘big announcements’ and hundreds of exciting product launches from some of the world’s biggest names in the industry, creating an enormous media buzz around the event. Over 60,000 visitors are expected at the Fira de Barcelona, where the exhibitions and congress will take place.
This year, Anxa is joining forces with 3G Factory to highlight its latest on demand video services for web and mobile.
The Anxa team will be available throughout the show at booth 2F49, in hall 2 at the French Pavilion.
Meeting schedules at the event are hectic and limited, so please contact Anxa in advance for an appointment if you would like to discuss the latest developments and services.
3G Factory and Anxa Digital Entertainment agree on technical partnership
January 10, 2007
Paris - Following a year of rapid growth and expansion of new services. Anxa has agreed a new technical partnership with 3G Factory, supplier of the well known VISIO services for the 3G market.
Created in 2005, 3G FACTORY designs, hosts, and utilises multimedia services for mobile and residential telephones 3G ( UMTS) by a VISIO/VIDEO call simply on mobile handsets. 3G FACTORY is the first 3G VIDEO CALLING SERVICE PROVIDER in the French market and one of the first among actors on the European scene, anticipating demand and promotion of mobile VISIO/VIDEO services by operators.
Anxa's CEO, Fabrice Boutain, commented, "3G FACTORY is a complimentary company relevant to our activity. We searched for a partner to develop our Video On-Demand offer on mobile. In 2006, we experienced an explosion of our coaching services in video on the Internet. We decided to ‘plug’ the VISIO offer of 3G FACTORY to our mobile platform to save time and to offer a maximum convergence between the Web and mobile. Internet customers will thus have the possibility of reaching our video services via their mobile phones. They will also be able to take in part in the forums and discussions by sending their videos. We will present our offer on Health and Weight Loss with 3G FACTORY at the coming 3GSM in Barcelona."
3G FACTORY co-founder, Jean François Hugot, adds, "Our technical team has great expertise in media services and ASP platforms. The development and applicable modules of our VISIODIOTEL are useful to reduce the time we spend in setting up. We are also on time in assisting our distant clients."
Both companies anticipate an explosion of demand for video on web and mobile in 2007 and beyond.
Anxa to launch Full Suite of Personal Improvement Products with AOL UK
October 18, 2006
AOL UK, a unit of Time Warner Inc. has reached a landmark agreement with Anxa Ltd. to offer a new channel called ‘Quizzes and Tests’ to its growing UK audience.
AOL has recently taken some strategic decisions to offer many new free services to the general internet audience including ‘free e-mail’, ‘5 gigabytes of free storage’ and its award winning browser and security software.
The newly launched AOL Portals now open up the wealth of AOL content to all internet users anywhere.
In line with this ‘audience centric’ strategy, AOL has identified Anxa as a strategic partner to provide a constant flow of fresh, engaging and entertaining content to its audience with a view to both building audience loyalty on the AOL property, and driving revenues for ‘Paid Services’ a new division within AOL UK.
‘Quizzes and Tests’ will offer a spectrum of "Free and Fun Quizzes", along with "Premium Personality Tests" and "Personal Coaching" products.
The new channel will be live in the UK beginning November 7th 2006.
First TV Ad Goes Live with Closer Magazine
October 6, 2006
From October 1st to 3rd, millions of French television viewers saw Anxa's first advertisement sponsored by Closer Magazine. In it was announced the promotional event involving an interactive weight loss program. Closer Magazine readers were offered free “Health & Fitness” profiles and the first 3 days of the coaching program.
Tf1, France2, M6, and Paris Première heavily promoted Valérie Orsoni Vauthey, official Closer TV fitness coach and coach to the Hollywood stars.
Advertisement clip available here, hosted by Kewego
Anxa Signs Deal With UK's Largest Newspaper Publisher
September 27, 2006
Anxa has inked a deal with Trinity Mirror Plc. in the UK.
Trinity Mirror is the UK's biggest newspaper publisher with over 250 titles. In the span of one week, around 20 million people, 42% of the UK adult population, read at least one Trinity Mirror newspaper.
With this deal, Anxa will be offering its line of premium tests and tutorials to readers of the online versions of Trinity Mirror's top national titles: The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror, The Daily Record, The People, and The Sunday Mail. Free fun content, such as quiz teasers, feature articles, and brain teasers will also be available across these websites.
Anxa's ever growing catalogue of tests, tutorials, and coaching programs are already available on www.mirror.co.uk with four additional Mirror Group properties to go live in October 2006.
The quality of the content offered by Anxa was a determining factor for the Mirror Group in selecting ANXA as a key content partner. Neil Kleiner, Head of Mirror’s ‘Digital Content’ strategy is particularly interested to use the engaging test and quizzes to build stickiness and audience loyalty on the Mirror properties and to build qualified databases of regular Mirror users.
Success of Anxa’s WEB / PRESS Convergence Strategy
September 17, 2006
Anxa Ltd. and European press and media leader Mondadory Digital who recently acquired EMW France (the publisher of more than 40 magazines titles including FHM, Top Santé, Closer, etc.), launched a new interactive weight loss program last June 1st, 2006.
This 28-day program is now available at www.closer.28jours.com .
Valérie Orsoni-Vauthey, famous coach to the stars in Hollywood, has now become a regular weekly feature and official Closer Magazine coach on TV Closer Closer TV.
On October 1st, a nationwide campaign on Closer Magazine was successfully released in France and showed the important potential of Anxa's convergence strategy between WEB and PRESS players: 1 of every 4 people who read the article eventually visited the interactive service and took a free "Health & Fitness" test.
O2 Ireland Launches Anxa’s Mobile Quizzes and Tests for iMode
August 31, 2006
After its successful launch of Quiz Me UK on O2 UK’s iMode service in October of 2005. O2 Ireland has now requested Anxa to provide a similar service for its own iMode service.
The new channel to be named IQ Ireland, will feature hundreds of fun personality tests and engaging stories to keep iMode users entertained and informed. Anxa’s ‘Knowledge Entertainment’ catalogue, is aimed at a broad user demographic and as its name suggests; is designed to both inform and entertain at the same time.
The service will be offered on a subscription basis costing just Euro 1.50 per month. The uptake so far has been strong and users typically return to the service an average of 9.8 times per month, and spending upwards of an average of 76 minutes online.
The same service is already available on iMode in Australia , Singapore, France, UK and now Ireland.
Anxa Signs Landmark Deal with One of the UK’s Leading Media Companies
August 1, 2006
On August 1st, Anxa signed a landmark agreement with Northern and Shell, one of the UK ’s leading media companies with holdings in print and television.
Northern and Shell owns recognized national newspapers the Daily Express and the Daily Star. According to the company's website, the Daily Express reaches 2.2 million readers, while the Daily Star reaches 1.97 million daily. Northern and Shell also publishes several important magazine publications including the popular celebrity magazine OK!
This deal will see Anxa providing its products to the UK public via Northern & Shell’s various high profile daily and weekly publications The Daily Express, The Daily Star and OK magazine.
Readers will be able to access engaging and informative online tests and quizzes and benefit from online coaching programs from some of the world’s top personal coaches in five categories: intelligence, self growth, dating and relationships, career and business, health and weight loss.
Both the Express and the Star will feature a full suite of Premium Tests from each of the five different categories.
Anxa's CEO Fabrice Boutain Wishes You a Happy Chinese New Year
January 27, 2006
We want to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year (Gong Xi Fa Cai!). The Year of the Dog begins next Friday and promises to be an excellent year for business.
Anxa Selected by Nokia to Exhibit at the 3GSM Congress in Barcelona in February 2006
December 2005
 Nokia, the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer (with sales reaching 800 million phones worldwide), has invited Anxa to display a booth at the 3GSM Congress in February 2006 to be held in Barcelona, Spain. This is a prestigious invitation as only 15 developers from around the world each year are selected to showcase their latest developments.
Anxa will be exhibiting a wide range of Knowledge Entertainment products available on both JAVA and WAP.
Anxa Attends the Ad Tech Congress in New York
November 25, 2005
 Anxa executives recently attended the Ad Tech Congress held in New York, NY. The focus was placed on the current trends utilized by Internet giants like Google and Yahoo!. These include the CPC and Co-registration models wherein, users are given the opportunity to gain free access to services which are entirely ad supported. Anxa executives also had the opportunity to meet with the key players in the CPA and CPC industries, namely Aptimus, PrimeQ, Coreg Media, Azoogle and MIVA.
QQ Co-branded Site Introduced to the Chinese Market
October 25, 2005
 A full version of Anxa’s Tests & Quizzes services, co-branded with Chinatests, was launched with TenCent QQ. It is China's number one online communication tool with more than 80 million users on different platforms such as the Internet, mobile phones and landlines.
Founded in November 1998 in Shenzhen, China, TenCent is a leading and award-winning service provider. It focuses on stabilizing the use of IM or internet messaging system through different platforms such as the Internet, mobile phones and landlines.
Anxa Unveils the New AOL Tests & Quizzes Channel in France
October 14, 2005
 A channel dedicated to Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment was launched at AOL France. It showcases features such as weekly quizzes with categories on entertainment, knowledge and sports. Users have a wide range of topics to choose from, whether it’s an article of interest, a Premium Test and lots more. To date, an estimated audience of 30,000 to 35,000 visitors use these services every week.
Anxa Launches VSNL Co-branded Site in India.
September 9, 2005
 Anxa has launched its Personal Improvement services in India through Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), India's top Internet Service Provider. TataIndicom, India’s major telecommunications company is managing the services.
Anxa to launch I-mode services in Australia, Singapore and the UK.
August - September
 Anxa to launch I-mode services in Australia, Singapore and the UK. Three agreements were signed with Telstra Australia, StarHub Singapore and O2 UK; to launch Anxa's Classic 'IQ test' and 'FHM SexySports' products.
ANXA provides the IQ test for "Ça m'intéresse"
August 31, 2005
 ANXA provides the IQ test for "Ça m'intéresse", the mainstream science magazine of Prisma Press Group.
Agreement signed with Sun Cellular Philippines
August 29, 2005
 Agreement signed with Sun Cellular Philippines for the launch of FHM and Cosmopolitan branded JAVA and WAP applications.
ANXA is selected among the top 10 winners for its Flash Application
August 8, 2005
 ANXA is selected among the top 10 winners for its Flash Application "Are you Funny", as part of the "Nokia Flash Hunt" Contest sponsored by Forum Nokia Pro.
Top French champion joins the Anxa Mobile Team
July 11, 2005
 Jean-Michel Berille, the current French billiard vice-champion, joined the Anxa Mobile team to develop Mobile sports entertainment catalogues through various media outlets (Press, TV, Radio and the Internet).
The ANXA games include knowledge entertainment services which are available on WAP, i-Mode and Java supports. A monthly championship will be held between users who will compete for their region or country. Anxa feels that Jean-Michel Berille's professional sporting experience will also provide a closer relationship with the media and other top athletes.
Star Wars game available on 100 phones in four languages
June 22, 2005
 Anxa Digital Entertainment’s resounding success in the mobile gaming business scored another goal due to a contract with THQ, the global Star Wars licenser. Anxa agreed to develop a game that would both test Star Wars fans of their knowledge of the movie as well as compete against each other. The game will be initially distributed by Orange, a leading mobile telecom.
This highly entertaining and interactive game is available on 100 phones in four languages. Enthusiasts can now access the Star Wars game via Orange in France & the UK; soon in Australia, Spain, Germany, Poland and in other countries covered by Orange.
ANXA manages the WEB platform of a second show
June 13, 2005
 ANXA manages the WEB platform of a second show, "France Le Grand Test" with TV channel M6
Anxa races ahead in Europe and Asia-Pacific!
May 10, 2005
 ANXA Digital Entertainment has just made giant strides by signing a series of significant contracts in Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region!
In France, effective immediately, ANXA ensures Internet coverage of a variety of TV tests, scheduled during select evenings by the M6 national channel, beginning with a special April 11th telecast of “The Great IQ Test”. That first program turned out to be quite a hit, with a viewer-ship of over 4 million. Anxa will now distribute all M6 tests via its French network of major portals & ISPs. ANXA has simultaneously announced the European launch of its personal development catalog (IQ, EQ, Job tests and many others) in partnership with Tiscali in UK, and Terra, Yahoo and Ya.com in Spain.
Thanks to the amazing success of the wireless version of the FremantleMedia-licensed game "Question pour un champion" that was launched by ANXA back in September 2004, the company has been approached by EMW, the wireless mobile arm of EMAP France, to develop mobile services for the well-known men's magazine, FHM. Java applications, such as FHM football, have already been launched with major French operators, including SFR VODAFONE. In addition, online services on WAP and i-MODE are expected to begin towards the end of spring!
ANXA, whose primary development center is located in Southeast Asia, has also planned an aggressive conquest of the Asia-Pacific zone. A series of mobile applications, co-produced with Cosmopolitan magazine, have been launched with resounding success in two of the most mobile-hungry markets in the world, the Philippines and Indonesia! In Australia, wireless services with Anxa will soon be available through Telstra on i-MODE, and with Orange Australia on WAP.
ANXA manages the WEB platform of the TV show
April 13, 2005
ANXA manages the WEB platform of the TV show, "Test the Nation" (QI Le Grand Test) together with French channel M6. The show is a hit with 3.8 millions viewers.
First Mobile Phone Applications in Asia Pacific
April 1, 2005
 Five ANXA games under the Cosmo brand will now be distributed by Globe Telecom following six months of groundwork and testing.
This is ANXA's first product launch in the Asia-Pacific region for its mobile phone platform. The deal is a partnership with Summit Publishing, the Philippines' leading magazine publisher in both number of titles and circulation per category, and Globe Telecom, the country's leading telecommunication company.
The five Mobile phone games are CosmoTarot, a card game that predicts the user's future; CosmoPalm, a game that foretells the user's future through the lines of his/her palm; CosmoFashion, a short quiz that reveals the user's fashion consciousness; CosmoChallenge, an engaging game that rates the user's mental ability; and CosmoIQ, which determines the user's IQ level.
The cross-marketing activities of Summit Publishing, together with Globe Telecom's support, are essential for the success of these mobile applications, all of which were developed by ANXA Digital Entertainment, renowned for its successful European track record.
ANXA at the 3GSM Congress
February 14-17, 2005
 One of the three business units of Anxa, JAVA (the two others are WEB and WAP), will be formally launched at the 3GSM Congress scheduled for February 14-17, 2005. The exhibit will showcase interactive games and tests on Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment.
Visit us and experience for yourself our interactive games at booth CZ23 (Hall 5) of Le Palais des Festivals et des Congres, La Croisette, Cannes, France.
» http://www.3gsmworldcongress.com
China Telecom Deal
January 7, 2005
 2005 started with a big bang for ANXA! China Telecom, the biggest Telecom company in China, and ANXA Digital Entertainment joined forces to enable the Chinese community to take advantage of Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment products via the Internet.
ANXA's Value-Added Services were successfully launched under ChinaVNet, one of China Telecom's brands. By utilizing China Telecom's platform and payment solution, Internet users can now access various tests to evaluate their intelligence and emotional quotient. In addition, they can also avail themselves of tutorials to further progress in their chosen discipline.
» http://www.chinavnet.com/
» http://chinaxtests.chinatests.com
ANXA acquires license to use world-renowned brands
December 6, 2004
 As part of Anxa's marketing strategy, Anxa partnered with world-renowned brands such as Cosmopolitan, Elle and FHM to co-brand Anxa's tests, tutorials and games.
Magazine enthusiasts can now use their mobile phones to take advantage of various Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment content with the magazine of their choice.
Anxa's tests and tutorials now at Gamania China
November 29, 2004
 Gamania China, a recognized video gaming supplier, has designated a special channel for Anxa's tests and tutorials. Avid customers of Gamania can now take advantage of PhD-certified tests to evaluate their intelligence and personality as well as to improve themselves by means of tutorials developed by specialists.
» http://gamania.chinatests.com was launched on November 29, 2004.
WAP products launched in the French market
November 15, 2004
 Anxa, through one of its business units, WAP, reaped another success.
WAP was launched in mid-November with Orange Gallery under the brand Francetests. In just 2 weeks time, 2,000 customers subscribed to our service. This validates Anxa's WAP business model.
Anxa joins Nokia 2004 Congress in Phuket, Thailand
November 3, 2004
Nokia has selected Anxa to be one of its TOP 20 preferred partners in ASIA.
Anxa has officially launched its 3 mobile catalogs during the Nokia 2004 Congress for Asian Markets. The catalogs have been unanimously acclaimed by APAC operators. ANXAtests, which consist of catalogues for men and women will soon be available for download in most Asian countries.
Anxa signs first Asia Pacific media deal
October 26, 2004
Anxa is now boosting its mobile strategy in Asia Pacific with operators and a media company.
Anxa signed a deal with Summit Media in Manila, the Philippines.
Summit Media is the leading consumer magazine publisher in the Philippines in both number of titles and circulation per category. They have the license for international brands such as FHM, Cosmopolitan, Top Gear and Disney Princess.
The deal paves the way for Anxa to introduce its mobile applications using American and European brands. The branded applications will be launched during the mobile summit meeting in Thailand in November 2004.
This deal with Summit Media is Anxa's first in the Asia-Pacific region for mobile applications.
More deals are expected to be signed in the following APAC countries: China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India.
Anxa opens 2 new European markets
October 15, 2004
 Two new laurels were added to Anxa with the launching of its products in Spain and Germany. Internet users in Spain can now access Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment contents such as the Intelligence Quotient Test, the Emotional Quotient Test and the Job Test at www.espanatests.com, while Internet users in Germany can access these valuable products at www.deutschlandtests.com
Anxa is set to achieve its mission of providing Personal Improvement and Knowledge Entertainment content to the general public with its continuous efforts in opening new markets worldwide. More markets will be opened before year-end.
Anxa introduces mobile version of France’s top TV quiz show; secures copyrights to major mobile technologies
September 1, 2004
 Anxa, the world’s major developer and distributor of Web and mobile-based Knowledge Entertainment, has today launched the mobile version of France’s most popular TV quiz show, “Going for Gold” (Questions Pour un Champion). The game, a French TV staple for more than 15 years, is available from multiple sources and can be downloaded, played and its game scores verified in an easy and highly entertaining manner.
Anxa today announced that it has secured the copyrights to the world’s most commonly used mobile technologies: WAP, IMODE and JAVA. The deal, reached with one of the largest TV format production houses, Fremantle Media, firmly positions Anxa as the leader in mobile Knowledge Entertainment technology distribution.
Anxa launches India services through indiatests.com; adds Aditya Chopra to its Business Development Team
August 22, 2004
Anxa has today begun its India operations, launching the company’s Knowledge Entertainment, including its full-range of tests, games and self-help methods, through its Web and mobile Internet site, indiatests.com. To head the effort, Anxa announces the addition of MBA graduate, Mr. Aditya Chopra, an Indian, to its Business Development Team. India, which will grow to 1.5 billion people by 2007 and has been identified as one of Anxa’s top priority markets over the next 5 years, will have an astounding 100% increase in mobile users by 2005, reaching a total of 70 million Indian subscribers.
Anxa signs distribution agreement with CerNet, China’s largest education network
July 28, 2004
CerNet China, the country’s leading educational network, has become Anxa’s 27th world-wide Web and mobile operator following the signing today of a distribution agreement with the latter’s Business Development Team. Li Pin, Anxa’s sales manager for China, while proudly announcing the deal, called it an important step for Anxa in China. “CerNet, a proprietary network partly owned by the Chinese government, comprises 80 million internet (mainly student) users. CerNet consumers will now have the opportunity to buy Anxa content, including its many Chinese-language tests, quizzes and self-help methods, in order to assess and compare intelligence, personality and generally to improve themselves.”
Anxa releases Spanish version of its Interactive Personal Entertainment (IPE); prepares end-2004 implementation of full European strategy
July 14, 2004
Anxa took the occasion of today’s France national day to release its Knowledge Entertainment Spanish version (espanatests.com). The offerings, which include the company’s complete range of tests, games and self-help methods, can be accessed both on the Web and through mobile connection.
Anxa also announces the company’s implementation of its full European (eastern and western) strategy by the end of 2004. Distribution contracts have been or are presently being signed for Spain, Italy and Germany, and deals are being finalized as well for Poland and Russia.
Anxa reaches one million paying customers world-wide; prepares launch of subscription-based business model
June 2, 2004
Anxa proudly announces its one millionth paying customer, Mr. Liu Zu Chan of Hebei Province in China. Anxa will reward Mr. Liu, a citizen of Hebei city, for this landmark purchase of its Interactive Personal Entertainment (IPE) content.
Anxa can also now announce the preparation of a soon-to-be-released subscription-based business model that will allow users to gain unlimited access to its entire catalog of Knowledge Entertainment tests, games and self-help methods.
Anxa releases its Version 4 (V4) Platform technology on its European network
April 11, 2004
Anxa proudly announces the release of its V4 Platform technology on its European network. Wanadoo, Europe’s largest internet portal, is Anxa’s first partner to introduce this latest AnxaML client technology tool. The Platform will provide Anxa’s partners more flexibility as well as unlimited storage tools for its users.
Anxa signs TV show license agreement with FreemantleMedia
March 15, 2004
Anxa, determined to show it can be a major partner in new technologies, has entered into a TV show license agreement with FremantleMedia, a major world-wide media organization and the largest television production company in Europe. FremantleMedia produces more than 260 programs in over 39 countries and territories a year, including the UK, the US, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal as well as Scandinavia and countries in both Latin America and Asia.
Zinedine Zidane top bills Anxa’s new Star N'Play mobile game series
February 28, 2004
Orange France and Anxa announced that they have jointly entered into a license agreement to develop a Zinedine Zidane mobile game under the famous French soccer player’s own brand. The game will allow users to both practice the sport, penalties and all, as well as know more about Zidane through the quizzes.
Anxa signs distribution agreement with Orange France
January 16, 2004
Orange, the no. 1 telecommunications operator in France with more than 23 million subscribers, will be distributing Anxa’s full range of mobile applications. Five JAVA games are to be launched this month, with 1 or 2 applications to be integrated every month under the Orange brand. The target: a total of 15 applications within 2004.
Anxa to reveal its proprietary language, AnXaML
September 21, 2003
The Anxa Resources and Technology Department has introduced a new coding language, named AnxaML, to improve information delivery regardless of the receiving medium. Database management and content delivery through all communication devices (whether the PC, mobile phone, PDA or television) have become an increasingly complex issue since such devices, using specific technologies, began multiplying a few years ago.
All user and content databases have therefore been merged in order to generate ready-to-compile AnXaML files that fit all device specifications with no need for additional customization.
AnXaML is identified as an advanced form of XML. These AnXaML files now make all content instantly available and readable for all languages, including Java, ASP, JSP, WML and cHTML. Anxa’s CTO, Christophe Boutain, declared that this introduction will "cut launching process delays in half for any new Anxa services in the future".
Anxa to launch services in China
April 11, 2003
Even prior to anticipated deals with major local ISP and mobile operators, Anxa last month launched its new web and mobile platform in China, available on its www.888tests.com website. To ensure maximum impact, most of the services have been launched free of charge for users. The result: more than 80,000 Chinese users took the IQ test in the first week alone, an indication of this audience's strong interest in self-evaluation and self-development products. Projections made for the Chinese market indicate that Anxa's crossed platform, between mobile and web, should generate as much revenue as the total European market by December 2003.
Anxa reaches 400,000 users
March 16, 2003
Anxa, the self-development online and mobile solutions provider based in Hong Kong, has just exceeded 400,000 users. Anxa's best-sellers include two tests, "Calculate your IQ" and "What's the right job for you?", and two E-books, "Improve your memory" and "Increase your self-confidence". More top-selling evaluation tests are on the way, including personality, sexuality and health self-evaluation tests. The success of Anxa's services is linked to the seriousness of its content - all products are supervised by renowned professionals in different fields - as well as to their entertainment appeal: all products are carefully tested prior to their launch to ensure their attractiveness.
Anxa appoints Francis Oudart as Financial Director
December 22, 2002
Hong Kong-based mobile and web service provider Anxa appointed Francis Oudart, 50, to head all its financial operations. Mr. Oudart, an experienced senior accounting consultant, has been brought on as a result of his broad expertise in Chinese, Asian and European markets. With his own company, he developed Asia-based production processes in the luxury goods market, including such brands as Vuitton, Dior and Chanel. Mr. Oudart will also be in charge of exploring various opportunities for company merger as well as acquisition deals.
Anxa to relocate its product development to the Philippines
July 19, 2002
Hong-Kong-based mobile and web service provider Anxa has decided to base its production unit in Alabang, the Philippines, one of the leading creative hi-tech development zones in Asia. In a country where the average SMS usage reaches 70 messages per week (a per user rate second only to South Korea in the world), the local mobile services industry, led by local players The Globe and Smart, has opened its doors to a new generation of Java, WAP and I-Mode developers that are more focussed on mobile software than on traditional Web-based applications. According to projections made by the company, this new competitive environment will allow the organization to both recruit more experienced staff as well as keep its leading edge in mobile services.
Anxa launches its IPE platform, a new e-commerce solution
September 1, 2001
Entered on-line in beta version on August 15, 2001, the 3F68.com service offers IPE (Interactive Personal Entertainment) content. It acts as a high value-added interactive service that makes it possible for users to evaluate themselves in various fields. Access to the content is charged. Similar to buying a movie ticket by phone, the user must gain site access by calling a surtaxed telephone number (Paybytel solution), or pay by credit card if he wants numerous accesses and discounts.
Anxa has at present already concluded about fifteen major partnerships on the French market. These will be announced in an official press release in October. An English language version, developed within the framework of an alliance with a North American company, is planned for December.
» http://www.3f68.com/
Anxa signs with Buongiorno, the European leader in interactive personal services
March 29, 2001
Anxa launches Mailmoi, an innovative service that makes it possible for the user to manage, on a central platform, newsletter subscriptions that he receives by email. Registration with the service is entirely free. Mailmoi delivers more than one million electronic messages each month on various themes: astrology, news, humor, finance, games, etc.
Mailmoi also provides relevant direct marketing solutions for companies which exploit on-line services. By integrating advertising spaces into the messages that it sends, Mailmoi offers powerful and appropriate targeting (or 'message targeting') that, at the same time, guarantees user satisfaction and ensures an above-average market return (clickthrough rate).
To market these spaces, Mailmoi has worked exclusively with European mail-marketing leader Buongiorno since March, 2001.
Anxa joins with Pearson for E-learning products
February 25, 2001
Anxa joins Pearson Education France to produce on-line multi-media training. These 45-minute training sessions are illustrated and wired for sound. They will be available for Internet users on the Informit.fr site. The price of each is fixed at 9,99 € including tax. Two titles have already been announced for 2001 release: The essentials of referencing and The essentials of viral marketing.
» http://www.informit.fr/
Anxa purchases Aujourdhui.com
February 7, 2001
The very young Anxa company, created last month by the ex-PageFrance/Spray/Lycos team of Christophe and Fabrice Boutain and Philippe Monteiro, has just purchased the Aujourdhui.com entertainment portal of PTWeb, put into liquidation in December, 2000. The companies agreed not to reveal the amount of the transaction.
Launched in February, 1998, Aujourdhui.com, which attracted more than 300,000 unique visitors per month by the end of 1999, saw its audience decline in 2000 due to a lack of communication and abandonment by strategic partners. Anxa's ambition is to now revitalize the site by appointing a dedicated editorial team and relaunching mail services, in particular the daily humor list which generated Aujourdhui.com's success.
Anxa thus supplements its arsenal of on-line general public sites, which include the astrological forecaster Alastro.com and the Alablague.com humor sites. The company intends to carry out new acquisitions this year, seeking in particular a football site and a general directory.
» http://www.aujourdhui.com/
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