Crossing the Red sea
all over again

Startup firm Mozes is hoping to become a hit with music fans through its free, ad-supported text messaging service, reports BusinessWeek.

The company provides mobile text-messaging by adding advertising to a site, where users register and build their preferences.

While anyone can theoretically use the service, Mozes is going after the music industry in particular. Bands are encouraged to provide text-alerts of concerts, and other such news, to fans.

Fans, in turn, can ping the service as part of text-to-win contests or other promotions.

Mozes is also selling advertisers on the notion of sending similar consumer alerts. Some fans getting band or artist alerts say they help create a personal connection.

As always, there remains the fear that companies will see the service as just another outlet for unsolicited and untargeted marketing messages.