Chikka Home

one world. one place.

Google  
Web
Bidshot.com
Crushcow.com

Chikka.com HQ hurdles new ISO markers

April 19, 2005

More World Firsts for the Philippine text messaging applications industry.

Chikka Asia, Inc., creators of the popular Chikka Txt Messenger recently achieved the new global standards for Information Security Management Systems (BS7799) and IT Services Management Systems (BS15000). Certifying body TÜV Product Service Asia Pacific also confirmed that Chikka Asia is first in the world to apply the standards in the areas of “operation of IT infrastructure” and in the “provision of managed IT services in support of design and deployment of wireless software applications services using GSM-SMS and MMS protocols.” Chikka earlier revalidated the ISO 9001:2000 standard for Quality Management Systems under the same scope.

“Manila is now a global headquarters for Chikka. The integrated information security, technology management and quality management systems is a requirement for what is now a truly global operation exporting excellent wireless applications that could only have come from The Philippines—still undisputed text capital of the world,” said Chito Bustamante, Chikka Asia chief operating officer.

Currently dubbed the SMS capital of the world for producing up to 15% of world SMS (short message service) volume, the Philippines has more significantly risen to prominence as a regional center for excellent wireless applications development, thanks to wireless applications developers like Chikka.

In 2001, the company launched a mobile instant messenger that was the first of its kind, marrying popular instant messaging technology popular in the US with “texting” which was the rage in this part of the world. Today, next to email, Chikka claims it is the one Internet-based service that is bringing the largest number of Filipinos together as an on-line community. At any given time, over one million users are chatting between their PCs anywhere in the world and Philippine mobiles.

Leveraging off this “text culture,” Chikka has since created multiple platforms that have “text”-enabled every conceivable aspect of Philiippine life, from text-enabled product promos to government “text-hotlines;” from SMS-based showbiz news to interactive TV, matchmaking among prospective dates, to bidding for items up on auction.

Chikka also licensed its globally-patented processes to partners who have in turn launched the first variable peer-to-peer call credit transfer application enabling people to give each other load, anytime, anywhere, under any circumstance. In fact, an application that enabled people to donate their “load” to victims of the 2004 Asian Tsunami via UNICEF was a spin-off of the same platform.

Meanwhile, what is universal Chikka would export to other markets.

“Currently, one or more of our products are on production with 19 carriers in 11 countries. Our ISO-certifications assure we export products that are not only universal in terms of their utility, but also strictly compliant with global standards of quality and security,” said Bustamante.

"A couple of years ago it was about pioneering applications, today it is about bringing these to the world. This is what our integrated quality campaign is all about,“ added Bustamante," "We are happy that TÜV certified our commitment to quality, security, and dependability. It ultimately represents our own accountability to shareholders, customers, partners, and company employees.

TÜV Product Service is an international compliance organisation for the IT, Defence, Consumer, Automotive, and other industries. It provides a full range of compliance services (testing, consultancy, international compliance management) for the radio and telecoms industry.

back to top ››