Lua (company)

Updated on Oct 04, 2024

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Type of site Business communication Area served Worldwide Headquarters New York City Type of business Private		Available in English Website getlua.com Founded 2011

Founder(s) Michael DeFranco, Jason Krigsfeld, Eli Bronner Native client(s) on iOS, Android, web browser (Windows, Macintosh, Linux), desktop (Windows, Macintosh)

Lua is a mobile messaging software for businesses. It provides encrypted real-time messaging, calling, file sharing, and communication analytics. It is available for Android, iOS, desktop (Windows, Macintosh) and through a web browser. The company released its analytics dashboard, Lua Insights, in July 2014, with the aim of helping managers draw conclusions about the effectiveness of their team’s communication.

The company is based in New York City.

History

Lua was founded in early 2011 by Michael DeFranco and co-founders Eli Bronner and Jason Krigsfeld. According to DeFranco, he first gained inspiration for the product when, as a high school student working for his parents’ company iMapData, he helped out with software that was used by disaster relief teams following Hurricane Katrina. In March 2012, Lua was selected to be a member of the Techstars program in New York.

Features

Secure Real-Time Messaging - 256 bit TLS encrypted instant messaging between individual coworkers, groups, or entire departments.

Instant Group Calling - One-touch calling from within the app between any number of coworkers without dial-in passcodes. A dedicated number is saved into the phone's contact list so the user knows when they receive a group call.

Interactive Directory - People tab is an organized directory that is synced across the organization

File Sharing - Attach any photo or file type to a message, attachments are stored in a dedicated repository.

—Media: video, audio, photos

—Productivity: .pdf, .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc.

ReadReports - Enables users to see who has or has not read their message or viewed their files.

Insights - Insights dashboard on the Web delivers real-time analytics about team communication including message read percentage and inter-departmental communication frequency

Security - Platform includes 256-bit TLS encryption and SOC 1 audited physical security.

Smartwatch Compatible - Lua users can receive messages on their Android Wear smartwatches and the Apple Watch

Admin Console - Lua administrators can manage all features - users, contact details, network settings - within one portal, across devices.

Major Updates

In July 2014 Lua released its analytics dashboard, Lua Insights, with the aim of helping managers draw conclusions about the effectiveness of their team’s communication

In November 2014 Lua announced integration with Microsoft Active Directory

In March 2015 Lua announced a full integration with Citrix ShareFile and the addition of an interactive directory which displays employee contact information and photo as well as allowing users to message a group or entire department

In April 2015 Lua released the Admin Console in order to centralize all aspects of managing a business’ Lua account.

In May 2015 Lua announced the release of desktop applications for Windows and Macintosh

Compliance With Industry Regulations

HIPAA - Lua has undergone an external HIPAA audit and has been found to be compliant. The company signs Business Associate Agreements with healthcare clients.

GovCloud - Lua is integrated into Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud, the US government’s secure cloud network. This integration include compliance with U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulations as well as the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements.

Culture

Lua is located in the Flatiron District of New York City. Its office was featured in the New York Post as one of New York City’s coolest companies. The office space reflects the Hawaiian heritage of Lua’s founder and is adorned with Hawaiian philosophies that drive Lua’s business culture.

References

Lua (company) Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA