TxtWeb

Last updated
TxtWeb
Original author(s) Scott Cook
Developer(s) Manish Shah
Initial release2011
Type Application framework

TxtWeb was a SMS platform for mobile app developers. It was launched by Intuit in 2011 and shutdown in 2014 because of being unviable. It enables users to chat with anybody online without any internet connectivity. It was founded by Scott Cook, Manish Shah (usually confused for Manish Maheshwari) and Clinton Nielsen. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

History

TxtWeb was founded in 2011. This platform provided access to a wide range of information in a simple SMS format.

As of 2011, the app had 700,000 free users across 400 towns and cities. [4] [5] [6]

TxtWeb ran for over 4 years as a white elephant of Intuit with no revenue but incurring several millions of dollars in infrastructure costs, marketing costs and salaries for high profile employees. It was a case study in vanity metrics in many management schools.

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References

  1. "Intuit's txtWeb platform a big draw with young app developers". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  2. Kumar, Divya (2011-06-23). "SMS and surf". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  3. "Flipkart Makes Senior Level Appointments - The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  4. Abrar, Peerzada. "Startup txtWeb may cross 1 billion Indian users in 5 years". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  5. "Developer challenge for mobile apps". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  6. "Now, send an SMS to know auto distance and fare - Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 2022-03-12.