Your digital compass for the best that Minnesota has to offer

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ratchet, a leading Web-development and technology solutions company, along with Explore Minnesota Tourism (EMT), has just launched the mobile version of the Explore Minnesota Web site, m.exploreminnesota.com, allowing access to the enormous database of places to stay and things to do around Minnesota for any Web-enabled mobile phone.

Leveraging the existing code and infrastructure of exploreminnesota.com, Ratchet was able to build a mobile version of the original site that is just as robust and loaded with the same content as the full Web site, essentially turning your Web-enabled mobile phone into the best Minnesota tourism guidebook available. The mobile application uses the same database, business objects, search queries and Web servers as the main site and is able to support major mobile platforms.

"Ratchet built the code for the original Explore Minnesota Tourism Web site, enabling us to pair it down to a mobile interface that is clean and simple, yet just as powerful as the full Web site," says Martin Davis, president and CEO of Ratchet. "We want to help our clients grow their expertise and capabilities in the digital space, and our technical architects understand the balance between features, performance and economy. By using existing code and allowing mobile-driven access to exploreminnesota.com, we were able to cut expenses, increase Web traffic and make their site available anytime, anywhere."

From unfamiliar vacationers to Minnesota natives who are looking for something to do, users of Explore Minnesota Mobile have access to hotels, motels and campgrounds, as well as festivals, attractions, performances and other events happening in any city. Listings include a wealth of information, like addresses with directions, phone numbers, room rates, amenities and event dates. Search results are built to work with mobile browsers, automatically connecting a user to a desired site or phone number as they click on their phone.

When using the already popular Trip Planner feature on the original EMT Web site to organize a vacation from your home computer, the mobile site later allows access to all saved trip items on the phone, bringing up a personalized EMT site. This allows users to view saved trips and phone numbers, quickly and easily from anywhere there is cell phone reception. Ratchet applied a smart city/zip search that uses algorithms to suggest city names or zip codes if there is a typo, helping the user find their correct destination, and can also return results specific to distance.

"The simplicity of the mobile application was done intentionally so that we could reach the broadest base of mobile users and present them with a good, usable experience," says George Hilal, vice president of technology. "Upgrades and enhancements can be developed without needing to start over, and we'll continue to enhance features of the EMT site."

EMT Mobile is shaping up to be the perfect side dish to your continental breakfast while on the road. With a huge amount of information and search results tailored to where you are or what time you want to do something; the mobile site is the definitive source for quick and detailed information.

About Ratchet

Ratchet is a technology solutions company that partners with creative and marketing organizations to deliver innovative, design-driven, interactive solutions that move the client's brand forward and positively impact the client's bottom line. The company has pioneered the concept of Idea Engineering - the discipline of bringing digital marketing ideas to life by engineering solutions that stand the test of time. Ratchet's world-class development team includes developers, database experts, project managers and account managers. Clients include: Navistar, Red Wing Shoe Company, Explore Minnesota Tourism, The Islands of the Bahamas and Shock Doctor. For further information, visit www.ratchet.com.

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