The world of instant messaging and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services has seen a significant surge in recent years, with numerous platforms emerging to cater to the growing demands of global communication. Among these, Viber stands out as a popular choice, known for its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and a wide range of features that enhance the communication experience. However, the question of who owns Viber has sparked curiosity and debate, particularly regarding its connection to Israel. This article aims to delve into the history of Viber, its ownership, and the implications of its acquisition, providing a detailed insight into the world of telecommunications and the intricacies of global business transactions.
Introduction to Viber
Viber is a cross-platform instant messaging and voice over IP (VoIP) service developed by Viber Media. It was first released in 2010 by a team of Israeli developers, led by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik. Initially, the application allowed users to make free voice calls and send text messages, but over time, it has evolved to include a variety of features such as video calls, group chats, and file sharing. Viber’s popularity grew rapidly, attracting millions of users worldwide with its high-quality voice and video calls, end-to-end encryption for security, and a user-friendly interface.
Early Days and Expansion
In its early days, Viber was seen as a disruptive force in the telecommunications industry, offering services that challenged traditional telecommunication companies. Its rapid expansion and growing user base caught the attention of investors and larger corporations. By 2013, Viber had already gained significant traction, with over 200 million users worldwide. This success was not only due to its innovative approach to communication but also its strategic expansion into various markets, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Acquisition by Rakuten
A significant milestone in Viber’s history was its acquisition by Rakuten, a Japanese electronic commerce and internet company, in 2014. Rakuten purchased Viber for approximately $900 million, marking one of the largest acquisitions of an Israeli startup at the time. This move was seen as a strategic expansion by Rakuten into the global messaging market, aiming to integrate Viber’s services with its existing e-commerce platforms. Under Rakuten’s ownership, Viber continued to evolve, introducing new features and expanding its user base.
Ownership and Connection to Israel
The question of whether Viber is owned by Israel stems from its origins and founding team. Although Viber was developed by Israeli entrepreneurs and initially based in Israel, its ownership changed hands with the acquisition by Rakuten. Rakuten, being a Japanese company, is the current owner of Viber, which clarifies that Viber is not directly owned by any Israeli entity. However, the connection to Israel remains through its founding history and the fact that a significant portion of its development team is still based in Israel.
Implications of Ownership
The ownership of Viber by a Japanese company has several implications, both for the service itself and for its users. On one hand, being part of a larger conglomerate like Rakuten provides Viber with the resources and support needed to continue innovating and expanding its services. On the other hand, the change in ownership might also raise questions about data privacy and security, given the different regulatory environments in Japan and the countries where Viber operates.
Data Privacy and Security
Data privacy and security are critical concerns for any communication service. Viber, like many other messaging apps, emphasizes its commitment to end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and the recipient can read the messages. However, the ownership by a company based in another country might introduce complexities in terms of data storage and privacy laws. Viber’s policy on data privacy is designed to comply with international standards, but users must remain aware of these aspects, especially in a global context where data protection regulations vary significantly.
Global Presence and Impact
Viber’s global presence is a testament to its success and the demand for cross-platform communication services. With users in almost every country, Viber plays a significant role in facilitating international communication, bridging gaps between different cultures and communities. Its impact extends beyond personal use, with many businesses and organizations utilizing Viber for communication due to its reliability and feature-rich environment.
Social and Economic Impact
The social impact of Viber is multifaceted. It has enabled people to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe, fostering closer relationships and community building. Economically, Viber has contributed to the growth of the digital economy, providing employment opportunities directly and indirectly through its operations and the ecosystem it supports. Moreover, by offering free or low-cost communication services, Viber has made international communication more accessible, which can have a positive effect on global trade and cultural exchange.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Viber was founded by Israeli developers and has a significant connection to Israel, it is currently owned by Rakuten, a Japanese company. This acquisition has positioned Viber for further growth and innovation in the global messaging market. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, services like Viber will play an increasingly important role in shaping how we communicate across borders. Understanding the ownership and history of such platforms not only satisfies our curiosity but also informs us about the complex dynamics of the global tech industry. With its commitment to security, user experience, and innovation, Viber remains a leading choice for millions of users worldwide, embodying the spirit of global connectivity in the digital age.
What is Viber and how does it work?
Viber is a popular cross-platform instant messaging and voice over IP (VoIP) application that allows users to make voice and video calls, send text messages, and share media files with individuals or groups. The app is available for various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Viber uses the internet to connect users, providing a free and convenient way to communicate with others worldwide. The app’s features include end-to-end encryption, group chats, file sharing, and a wide range of stickers and emoticons.
Viber’s functionality is based on a user’s phone number, which serves as a unique identifier. When a user installs the app, they are required to verify their phone number, which is then used to connect with other Viber users. The app syncs with the user’s contact list, making it easy to find and connect with friends and family who also use Viber. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Viber has become a popular choice for personal and professional communication, offering a reliable and secure way to stay in touch with others across the globe.
Who owns Viber and what is its history?
Viber is owned by Rakuten, a Japanese electronic commerce and internet company. The app was initially developed by Viber Media, a company founded in 2010 by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik. Viber was launched in 2010 as a VoIP application for desktop computers and later expanded to mobile devices. In 2014, Rakuten acquired Viber Media for $900 million, expanding its portfolio of digital services and cementing its position as a major player in the global technology industry. Since the acquisition, Rakuten has continued to invest in Viber’s development, introducing new features and improving the app’s performance.
Under Rakuten’s ownership, Viber has continued to grow and evolve, with a focus on expanding its user base and improving its services. Today, Viber has over a billion registered users worldwide, making it one of the most popular messaging apps globally. Rakuten’s ownership has also enabled Viber to integrate with other Rakuten services, such as the Rakuten Viber messaging platform, which offers a range of tools and features for businesses and organizations. With its rich history and commitment to innovation, Viber remains a leading player in the messaging app market, providing a reliable and feature-rich communication platform for users worldwide.
How does Viber make money?
Viber generates revenue through a variety of channels, including advertising, e-commerce, and premium services. The app displays ads in the form of sponsored messages, stickers, and other interactive content, providing a revenue stream for the company. Viber also offers a range of premium features, such as Viber Out, which allows users to make voice calls to non-Viber numbers at competitive rates. Additionally, the app has partnered with various businesses to offer exclusive deals and services, such as food delivery, ticketing, and other e-commerce solutions.
Viber’s revenue model is designed to balance the need for monetization with the need to provide a high-quality user experience. The app’s advertising platform is designed to be non-intrusive, with ads that are relevant and engaging for users. Viber also offers a range of tools and features for businesses, including the Viber Business Messages platform, which enables companies to communicate with customers and provide customer support. By diversifying its revenue streams and focusing on user experience, Viber has been able to maintain its position as a leading messaging app while generating significant revenue for its owner, Rakuten.
Is Viber secure and private?
Viber takes the security and privacy of its users seriously, implementing a range of measures to protect user data and communications. The app uses end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can read or listen to messages and calls. Viber also uses secure protocols for data transmission, such as HTTPS and TLS, to prevent interception and eavesdropping. Additionally, the app offers a range of privacy features, including the ability to hide online status, block unwanted contacts, and control who can see user information.
Viber’s commitment to security and privacy is reflected in its transparency and accountability. The app’s encryption protocols are regularly audited and tested by independent security experts, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of security and integrity. Viber also provides users with clear and concise information about its data collection and usage practices, enabling users to make informed decisions about their privacy and security. By prioritizing user security and privacy, Viber has established itself as a trusted and reliable messaging platform, suitable for personal and professional use.
Can Viber be used for business purposes?
Yes, Viber can be used for business purposes, offering a range of features and tools that enable companies to communicate with customers, partners, and employees. The app’s business platform, Viber Business Messages, allows companies to send targeted messages, offers, and updates to customers, while also providing a range of analytics and reporting tools to track engagement and response rates. Viber also offers a range of integrations with popular business apps and services, such as CRM systems and helpdesk software, making it easy to incorporate the app into existing workflows and processes.
Viber’s business features are designed to be flexible and scalable, suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. The app’s API and SDK enable developers to build custom integrations and applications, while its partnerships with major brands and companies have demonstrated its potential for large-scale deployments. By using Viber for business purposes, companies can improve customer engagement, reduce communication costs, and increase productivity, while also benefiting from the app’s security, reliability, and ease of use. Whether for customer support, marketing, or internal communication, Viber offers a powerful and versatile platform for businesses to connect and interact with their audiences.
How does Viber compare to other messaging apps?
Viber competes with a range of other messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram. While each app has its unique features and strengths, Viber stands out for its ease of use, security, and versatility. The app’s user interface is intuitive and simple, making it easy for new users to get started, while its end-to-end encryption and secure protocols provide a high level of security and privacy. Viber also offers a range of features that are not available on other apps, such as its business platform and integrations with popular services.
In comparison to other messaging apps, Viber has a strong focus on voice and video calling, offering high-quality audio and video connections that are reliable and stable. The app also has a large and active user base, with over a billion registered users worldwide, making it a popular choice for personal and professional communication. While other apps may have larger user bases or more features, Viber’s commitment to security, privacy, and user experience has earned it a loyal following and a reputation as a trusted and reliable messaging platform. By continuing to innovate and improve its services, Viber remains a major player in the messaging app market, offering a unique and compelling alternative to other popular apps.
What is the future of Viber and its development?
The future of Viber is focused on continued innovation and expansion, with a range of new features and services in development. The app’s owner, Rakuten, has committed to investing in Viber’s growth and development, with a focus on improving the user experience, expanding the app’s features and functionality, and increasing its global reach. Viber is also exploring new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance its services and provide more personalized and interactive experiences for users.
As Viber continues to evolve and grow, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in the global messaging app market. The app’s commitment to security, privacy, and user experience has established it as a trusted and reliable platform, suitable for personal and professional use. With its strong foundation and continued innovation, Viber is well-positioned to remain a major player in the messaging app market, offering a unique and compelling alternative to other popular apps. As the app continues to develop and expand, it is likely to introduce new features and services that will further enhance its value and appeal to users, solidifying its position as a leading messaging platform for years to come.