Even though the USSD technology has been available as long as SMS's, it is less well known than both SMS and emailing. Yet it offers advantages over both. Foremost of these is that USSD offers wide penetration since every cell phone has USSD capability.

USSD is a cell phone network technology that allows text based two-way communication between a phone and a server (and by extension one or more databases). To access a USSD application the user dials a number, but instead of starting a phone conversation, the user is presented with a simple menu of options to choose from. The user's choice is immediately processed and based on the previous menu selection, either a further menu structure is presented, or information requested is displayed. Alternatively any number of actions can be fired by the input from the user. For example, orders can be placed, reservations can be made and emails can be send as reminders.
In essence it is similar to browsing but much simpler and without needing a browser.

dataX utlises its' skills as a software development company to make this mode of communication available to businesses through customized software development to create USSD apps for phones. The USSD applications work on any phone from a Blackberry, iPhone down to a Nokia 3310.