Rockville Innovation Center (RIC) tenant MobileNOW!, a provider of digital permit and mobile payment solutions, has a cell phone payment system being used in conjunction with new technology from StreetSmart Technology LLC, to create a new SmartMeter®, being piloted on just over 50 parking meters in downtown Decatur, Georgia.

“We are very confident that drivers in our pilot test area will really go for the ease and convenience this new system,” said MobileNOW! President Krista Altok Tassa. “Our ParkNOW! system offers a convenient way to pay by cell phone for on-street, off-street and permit parking and our technology can also support mobile ticketing for public transportation, movies, museums, sporting events and more.”

MobileNOW!, the exclusive U.S. distributor for digital permitting and mobile payment solutions developed by NOW! Innovations, joined the County’s incubator system this past summer as a virtual tenant, and has plans to lease physical office space at RIC in early 2009.

When drivers arrive at a SmartMeter® space, they call into MobileNOW!'s automated line displayed on the meter and follow the phone prompts to enter the space number posted. StreetSmart's system then posts the time on their meter. Other cell phone parking payment systems have lacked this feature until now. Live operators also are available.

“Montgomery County is proud that MobileNOW!, an emerging, global leader in mobile and digital technology platforms, chose our Rockville Innovation Center and we wish them continued success with their U.S. pilot test of the SmartMeter,” said Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Dr. Pradeep Ganguly. “We look forward to their local market penetration and future growth and success here in the County.”

SmartMeter’s® unique service springs from exclusive StreetSmart technology and a cell phone payment system from MobileNOW!, which also provides solutions for traffic management, automated utility metering and SMS based communications.
About the Montgomery County Business Innovation Network The Montgomery County Business Innovation Network (BIN) is a program of the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, which works to create a globally competitive, highly diversified and knowledge-based economy that provides for the retention and growth of existing companies, stimulates new job creation and enhances entrepreneurial opportunities for all businesses. The Network consists of five facilities located in Shady Grove, Downtown Silver Spring, Wheaton, Rockville and Germantown and provides more than 150,000 square feet of incubator office and lab space. The BIN currently houses over 140 companies that employ 350 county-based employees. Since 2000, over 85 companies have graduated, creating more than 1,800 jobs and occupying over 500,000 square feet of commercial space in the county. To learn more, visit www.SMARTMontgomery.com or call 240-777-2000.