innovate arkansas

The evolution of smart phones may take the scenic route through Arkansas.

Conway's First Orion has launched the PrivacyStar application, which enables users to block unwanted calls, identify unknown callers and more.

Available currently to BlackBerry users, PrivacyStar is being developed for iPhone and the Android with plans to make it accessible eventually for all smart phone and even landline users.

The BlackBerry app is the first step in that process.

"Our overall deployment strategy is to offer PrivacyStar through wireless and wireline carriers, enabling consumers ultimate control of their phone," said company president Jeff Stalnaker, a former Acxiom employee. "Our primary driving strategy is providing consumers ultimate control over the phone - any phone, any time, any place."

Stalnaker said there were more than 190 million numbers registered with the National Do Not Call List and an estimated 150 million telemarketing calls made each day in the United States - an estimated 30 million of which are violations of federal regulations.

"We know that consumers want the ability to stop and also report these callers to the appropriate authorities," he said. "PrivacyStar allows users to block any unwanted caller from calling again even if there is no violation. Also, with our caller look-up feature, users can easily identify the name of a caller in real time."

While Stalnaker thinks the national Do Not Call laws have had a positive impact on consumers, he believes PrivacyStar takes consumer privacy to the next level. How so? By enabling users to inform regulatory agencies of potential violators in near real time and offering a user-friendly interface that affords many more features and functionality.

One of those features is Caller Lookup, which allows mobile users to identify the name associated with an incoming call and the ability to block any unwanted caller, not just telemarketing calls. And a new feature is the 800 search service that enables users to ID the name of those calling from an 800 number. Another component is the synchronized personal Web portal through which users can manage their account - block and unblock callers, provide additional details on violators and more.

Expect to see PrivacyStar on iPhone and Android early this year, and BlackBerry users can find it right now in App World.

Feedback has exceeded expectations, Stalnaker said. After all, who wouldn't like to have control over incoming calls? The service is $2.99 a month following a free 30-day trial period. Those interested can sign up at www.privacystar.com.

Stalnaker thinks folks will be hooked after 30 days.

"Our service is one step in helping consumers control who can call them on any phone and at any time," he said. "Everyone wants to block telemarketers, and everyone has at least one person they never want to hear from again."

In addition to upcoming new features for the PrivacyStar apps, First Orion is on the verge of expanding coverage with new carrier partners in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Stalnaker teamed with First Orion founder Keith Fotta three years ago to launch the business. His experience with Acxiom in building and managing large data warehouses was a great fit with Fotta's more than 15 years of telecommunications industry experience.

Fotta, who operates a First Orion office in Cambridge, Mass., was a major player in the initial Do Not Call legislation. His vision to provide consumers with an easy and immediate way to give authorities the information they need to enforce those federal laws was married to Stalnaker's tech-based experience, and First Orion was born.

Stalnaker thinks the state of Arkansas has done a good job of nurturing their baby. Through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the state offers many incentive programs that encourage startups to locate in Arkansas.

Innovate Arkansas, a partnership between the state and Winrock International, provides startups the necessary nudges they need to create successful business plans, find funding sources and more. First Orion is an IA client.

"Innovate Arkansas has been instrumental in providing overall business-plan reviews, introducing us to potential partners and overall consulting guidance. We regularly meet and discuss our business with their team," he said.

Stalnaker thinks the state's economic development incentives along with continued improvement and investment in higher education bodes well for the future of tech-based startups in Arkansas. And he sees nothing but growth ahead for tech-based firms associated with smart phones and their use.

"In terms of smart phones, we're seeing much of what we observed with personal computers over the last 15 years," Stalnaker said. "Smart phone growth in the U.S. and across the world continues to grow in the double digits with no sign of slowing. The technology within these devices continues to evolve and migrate towards the capabilities offered on a PC. 

"We're seeing a significant increase in technology-based businesses that build applications for smart phones, and this will likely continue as the technology within these devices evolves."