Globaltel Media (GTM) launched the pre-release version of its new application, dubbed Cherple, which allows two-way text communication between online computers and mobile wireless cellular devices. Cherple will officially launch in 2009.

Globaltel Media claims Cherple will eventually provide any of the global 1.5 billion online users with back-and-forth text-message conversations to any of the 3.3 billion wireless devices worldwide using standard SMS messaging. SMS or Short Message Service is a standard implemented by all wireless carriers and virtually all mobile devices.

The pre-release version of Cherple is currently limited to texting U.S. mobile wireless cellular phones.

Robert Sanchez, president and CEO of GTM, says Cherple was soft launched with key partners in November and already claims more than 2 million users.

"Our solution allows people in the U.S. who have friends and family overseas, or even just next door, to communicate using very simple and basic text technologies found on all U.S. mobile cellular phones," Sanchez said. "Cherple users don't need a new cell phone or cell phone data plan, won't have to download any cell phone software and can chat with phones on all U.S. wireless carriers."

To initiate a conversation, the online user enters a username and the destination phone number into the Cherple application initiating a two-way "chat" between the online user and a U.S.-based mobile cellular phone.

In upcoming weeks, the application will also be available as a free download for Microsoft Windows and Macintosh computers. A version that supports MySpace personal web pages via widget integration will also be available soon. Future releases will include versions for Linux computers and will allow integration into Facebook pages.

Cherple follows the Mobile Marketing Association's permission-based guidelines and is opt-in / opt-out compliant. Standard text messaging rates apply to the cell phone user, but there is no cost to the on-line user who initiates the conversation.

GTM's technology is also available for white-label licensing to businesses, government organizations and non-profit agencies.