Nokia launches enhancements for the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform - Nokia's WAP gateway for operators

The billing interface, subscriber identification, and support for handling large volumes of data traffichave all been enhanced for IP-based technology, such as GPRS, an optimal bearer for WAP services.

The billing interface has now been modified to store information to identify subscribers as well as handle GPRS charging. Subscriber identification is important, in order to charge for services, bar certain users, offer personalized services, and enable subscriber specific settings.

Nokia Artus Messaging Platform's security has been further enhanced. In addition to providing secure Internet connections through technology known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). The solution will include a WAP security feature, which enables encryption and authentication for data traffic between the handset and the Messaging Platform. In Messaging Platform, all mandatory features of Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) Class 2 of WAP 1.1 specifications will be supported. With WAP security and a secure Internet connection, an operator can provide mobile users with secure access to WAP services.

Pekka Salonoja, Vice President, Messaging and Service Platforms, Nokia Networks, says: "Nokia has already supplied Nokia Artus Messaging Platform to more than 40 mobile operators worldwide. Now, the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform goes even further in enabling personalized services and addressing security and billing issues. These are crucial in making today's WAP services more attractive."

Nokia Artus Messaging Platform is a comprehensive and robust platform that enables the creation of both Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and value-added messaging services. The Nokia Artus Messaging Platform supports the WAP 1.1 specification.

Nokia is paving the way to the mobile information society with its innovative products and solutions. Nokia is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks including related services. It also supplies multimedia terminals and computer displays. In 1998, net sales totaled EUR 13.3 billion (USD 15.7 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 55 000 people.