Virtual Business Cards Challenge Brands

Paper's out, digital's in — particularly when it comes to business cards. Despite the time and money that companies invest in compelling logos, in today's connected era, companies need to accept the fact that consumers are "swapping digits" virtually and digitally.

One of the biggest mobile apps, Bump, allows smartphone users to share business information phone-to-phone based on proximity. You can exchange phone numbers, photos, and friends. And, as Mashable notes, it “emulates the ritual exchange of business cards by including a physical aspect to the information swap.” No wonder it's seen over 10 million downloads since launching in March.

While technology for the exchange of personal data is growing, the issue of aesthetics remains a key challenge. As pixels and bits replace paper and ink, the nuance of design remains the core factor in communicating a brand, whether personal or corporate.

In addition to Bump, digital business card options now include My Name Is E, and a USB dongle called E Connector. SMS text message options include Contxts, TextID, and DUB, while iPhone users can also use beamME and SnapDat.

Conversely, there’s MOO, an online printing business that aims to make the world a little less virtual. Moo takes users' uploaded digital content and turns it into unusual print products "for the real world."

“Some of the emerging virtual business card ideas are great, but they universally lack one critical ingredient: personality. Form is still just as important as function these days. A virtual business card is just data,” said Richard Moross, CEO of Moo.com.

It's just another facet of digital business that brands need to conside. Sites like Cardview are a good place to start to see some best-of-breed designs.