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bOk - Ottawa, Canada
By Will | July 16, 2007
bOk is located in Ottawa, Canada. Basically, they provide free and cheap long distance calls through their service. Their service is initiated by using a text message to their service. I posted step-by-step details below (There are really only 3 steps). It works like this:
1) compose a text message that includes your friend’s phone number.
2) send this text message to bOK (613.614.0285)
3) pick up your phone and start talking.
2) send this text message to bOK (613.614.0285)
3) pick up your phone and start talking.
It is the founder’s first major startup. From idea to launch took about 8 months. They have taken off with a bang – within the first month, they facilitated around 12,000 calls.
Some key features of the service:
- Simple and easy way for people to make Free and Cheap long distance and international calls.
- Free calls in the US & Canada.
- Really cheap international calls.
- Really cheap international calls.
They also have a Facebook widget interface that allows you to make calls that are initiated from your Facebook page.
1. You add the bOK application to your Facebook profile
2. Your friends will see “bOK him” or “bOK her” beneath your profile picture
3. When anyone clicks on the “bOK him” or “bOK her” button, your phone will ring and their phone will ring,
2. Your friends will see “bOK him” or “bOK her” beneath your profile picture
3. When anyone clicks on the “bOK him” or “bOK her” button, your phone will ring and their phone will ring,
4. When you pick up, you will be connected and can talk to each other for as long as you want for FREE.
I asked a few questions of the founder, Aydin Mirzaee:
Q: What are the advantages to being outside of silicon valley?
A: “Well, I think the bright side to being in a smaller city is that chances are you are the only person who is working on a specific project. As a result, everyone will begin to know you and you will network very well with the local business community (which in turn can be very well connected internationally). This is different from the valley where there are so many startups that in the very early stages (especially if you are a first time entrepreneur) of your company it is difficult to get the same level of recognition. ”
Q: What the disadvantages of being outside of silicon valley?
A: “I would say the networks available in the valley by far surpass any other center of innovation in the world. Being in the valley is a huge advantage for any company. There is much more of a chance to raise money and many more people that will help you establish your company.”
Q: What have you enjoyed most about the process of starting a company?
A: “Well, for us, this started as a way to solve a problem for ourselves. When we solved this problem, we realized that others had the same problem. So, we went about alleviating their pains as well. I think as a founder the most exciting part is that people actually benefit from what you’re doing. You are serving a purpose. It adds a whole new meaning to an endeavor when people appreciate your efforts. ”
A: “Well, for us, this started as a way to solve a problem for ourselves. When we solved this problem, we realized that others had the same problem. So, we went about alleviating their pains as well. I think as a founder the most exciting part is that people actually benefit from what you’re doing. You are serving a purpose. It adds a whole new meaning to an endeavor when people appreciate your efforts. ”
Topics: Startups |
