Options Media Acquiers Ilume

Options Media Group Holdings (Boca Raton, FL, USA) has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100% of the stock of Illume Software (Boston, MA, USA), an Independent Software Vendor, whose iZup software is a responsible solution to cell phone-related distracted driving.

Illume develops solutions that leverage location to power high-value mobile phone applications and services. Illume’s iZup solution provides safer roads for everyone, enhanced productivity, reduced corporate exposure to liability and compliance monitoring. Illume has filed four patent applications for its technology, including battery optimization.

Keith St. Clair, Chairman, Options Media

“The combination of two leading mobile apps that prevent distracted driving — PhoneGuard and iZUP — creates the best solution for both consumers and businesses,” says Keith St. Clair, Chairman, Options Media. “Distracted driving is becoming an epidemic, and with the recommended ban of cell phone usage while driving… and the implemented hand held cell phone ban for all commercial vehicles, with fines, this merger gives Options Media the ability to provide consumers and businesses product suites that ensure that drivers are not distracted by their smart phones while driving.”

Illume’s customers and partners include Carahsoft, a major government IT solutions distributer (Illume is on the GSA schedule); Sprint, which recently named Illume as its distracted driving solutions partner for enterprise customers; The Jankovich Co., a leading petroleum distributer on the West Coast and a Fortune 500 food manufacturer. Illume sells its iZUP solution through its sales force, its enterprise partners, the Android Marketplace, and the BlackBerry App World.

Daniel Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Illume, said, “Having built relationships in Washington to affect supportive legislation, invested heavily in new product development, established key partnerships to effectively go to market and taken steps toward building an enterprise customer base, we welcome the opportunity to join with PhoneGuard in addressing this growing epidemic. We will now have drivers protected whether it’s initiated from the consumer or from the enterprise. We’re excited for the future of the combined company in which we will continue to strive for responsible mobile phone usage while driving.”

About PhoneGuard, Inc.
PhoneGuard, Inc., a subsidiary of Options Media Group Holdings, Inc., is a leading provider of mobile applications software. The Company’s flagship product, personal security and anti-texting while driving software application suite, is a next-generation software suite with the most robust set of features and functions available today. The software product, which is easily downloadable to mobile phones, allows for GPS tracking of the mobile device in order to calculate the rate of speed of travel. Above certain predetermined speeds, the software will lock the keyboard and prevent the user from emailing, surfing the web or texting. While PhoneGuard’s Software is designed to prevent texting while driving, it also offers parents and employers the ability to monitor the driving habits of mobile phone users in order to prevent speeding.

About Illume Software
Illume Software is an Independent Software Vendor backed by a combination of venture and independent investor capital. iZup offers a responsible solution to cell phone-related distracted driving by harnessing the power of GPS, the pervasiveness of cellular networks, and by placing an emphasis on intelligent solutions to real-world problems. By working with organizations, companies, lawmakers, and mobile carriers, Illume Software strives to continuously educate people on responsible mobile phone use while driving.

Source: Options Media Group Holdings, Inc.