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Why Didn't CBS Select KickApps or Magnify.net?
Earlier today we reported on the announcement of a free Wi-Fi zone in midtown Manhattan by CBS. Part of the announcement includes information on the ad-supported homepage. The homepage is actually a white label social network provided by Ning.
As I started to think about this partnership some more while enjoying pizza with friends at Lombardi's, why didn't CBS select local providers KickApps or Magnify.net? Both provide robust social networking services on the same level as Ning and they are both local to NYC.
Ning has the Internet celebrity founder but otherwise I just don't see why CBS wouldn't select local. I am by no means saying Ning is inferior, they all basically provide the same service, each has a bit of innovation in different areas.
Any one out on the Interwebs have any thoughts? Was either site even in the running? Check out our previous Ning, Magnify.net and KickApps coverage.
I think your right Allen its all about the founder and funding on this one. I would have gone with Ning too due to the fact they have a founder with a history of success and its very well funded.
Maybe they also gave a better slice of ad money?
Thing is - KickApps is pretty well funded too - not sure about Magnify. You might be right about the ad money slice. If this network works, it could be a huge win for Ning.
I thought kickapps was more geared towards video when I first looked at it so maybe that came across like that to them.
Ummm . . . .Quincy . .Barksdale . . . Andreesen . . . its obvious dude
I know the major company I work for didn't choose KickApps due to cost. It had nothing to do with capabilities. It was all about the money. KickApps cost more than double the other competitors that were evaluated.
One thing that is important to note about these "white-label" networks, is the costs for a "personal" network is not even close to what the social network costs for a corporation. KickApps wanted my company to fund their development of API's and the network expansion. Unfortunately they they were trying to get the company to fund not only changes required for them, but for many others...in this case too many others.
I often work the local angle when pitching companies in NYC, but I'm finding that it's starting to matter less and less. With e-mail and the Internet, it often doesn't matter where a vendor is located. Sure, we like to say that we buy into and support our local economies, but it's often not the case.