Bluetooth proximity marketing is a process in which a pc or laptop using a bluetooth dongle can send files via bluetooth to unsuspecting bluetooth enabled phones in the vicinity of the bluetooth broadcasting computer. Files typically contain an animated gif advertising some product or service the advertiser is trying to sell , however the files can contain just about anything from videos to mp3 music files .

While this make you cringe a little because it simply sounds like an alternative outlet to spam , the difference is that proximity marketing requires the phone users permission to accept the advertisement . Most phones just have a small popup that asks if the user wants to download a file named XXXXX.XXX.

This will come as a surprise to most users that receive the message. The greater surprise is the fact that even with the advertisement being permission based more that 25% of the people who receive the message will accept it and download the file. Bluetooth proximity marketing takes this a step further , typical software packages for bluetooth broadcasting do duplication testing ( see proxiblaster.com) to insure the user does not get the same file twice . Conversely, spam comes without the user’s permission and spammers will continue to send multiple messages to the user. This is not to say that there are or could be some software packages out there that will repeatedly drive a message to the same user, however the software packages we have reviewed have all listed duplicate protection as one of their features.

So what does all this mean? Bluetooth Broadcasting or Bluetooth Proximity Marketing are hot new advertising methods that are gaining a strong foothold as the next bastion of pop up advertising. Reaching out and touching someone up close an personal as they walk through a store and receive a 10% off coupon from the store on their phone. The uses are endless, and not just advertising, what about putting a bluecastbox (see bluecastbox.com) next to the entrance at work, issuing today’s important events at work, pertinent meetings or customer visit reminders.

So after all this, what is a bluecastbox? A Bluecastbox is a standalone appliance based on a computer chassis that contains the software and bluetooth broadcasting capability. A Bluecastbox can be part of a network of Bluecastbox’s that can broadcast the same messages in multiple locations , this can be very important as bluetooth broadcasting is limited to about 100 meters without obstructions .

In schools bluetooth proximity marketing software can be used in a multitude of ways, consider each classroom broadcasting today’s homework assignment or a reminder about permission slips for tomorrow’s field trip! Maybe announcements about the big game tonight? Today’s culinary fare at the school cafeteria? The possibilities are endless as wherever there is a cell phone, messages can be sent!