Software provider Ticketsoft is letting customers buy tickets directly from their Android and iPhone devices.

Using the Ticketsoft apps, consumers can buy movie tickets through the company’s partnership theaters across the United States. Ticketsoft powers mobile tickets for approximately 20 movie theaters.

“Mobile ticketing is just another way for customers to buy tickets from the most popular smartphones instead of using a traditional computer,” said Philip Wood, president of Ticketsoft, Dallas.

Ticketsoft licenses software that handles the ecommerce and point-of-sale transaction processing to sell movie tickets and concessions.

Mobile flicks
Ticketsoft has rolled out mobile ticketing capabilities to its clients, which includes national cinema chain Landmark Theaters.

Once consumers buy tickets on their mobile devices, they are sent an SMS message with the ticket information, including a mobile bar code.

Consumers can find nearby theaters using GPS and select seat reservations inside the theaters.

Ticketsoft’s clients can also tie loyalty programs to the line of apps and check gift card balances.

Users can also share their movie ticket purchases  with friends via Facebook and Twitter.

Ticket buyers can also access information about theaters, including directions and business hours.

In addition to the rollout of new apps, Ticketsoft also offers its clients mobile-optimized Web sites where consumers can buy tickets.

Movie war
Ticketsoft’s mobile push is evidence of the powerful mobile ticketing trend in the industry.

Compared to mobile ticketing giants Fandango and Movietickets.com, Ticketsoft faces tough competition in the space.

This summer, Fandango reported that its mobile traffic generated 20 percent of its summer ticket sales.

Mobile ticketing is an example of how consumers are increasingly depending on their mobile devices more to make everyday purchases and decisions.

As an example, the movie app Flixster recently conducted a study that found consumers are using their mobile devices as a one-stop location to make weekend plans (see story).

“Because we write our own systems, we are able to enhance them quickly and add unique features that our customers want,” Mr. Wood said.

“This makes us different and a little more flexible than the national movie ticketing services like Fandango and Movietickets.com,” he said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York