CMG Wireless Data Solutions, Comverse, Ericsson, Logica, Motorola, Nokia, Siemens and Sony Ericsson today announced the foundation of an Interoperability (IOP) Group for the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), defined and approved by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the WAP Forum. The main objective of this initiative is to ensure the smooth introduction of MMS in the market. This mobile data service will offer seamless end-to-end operability between MMS handsets and servers from different vendors.
The MMS Interoperability Group seeks to encourage a broad and open industry adoption of MMS, thus enabling consumers to enjoy a well-defined, end-to-end service. The group has already defined a joint version of an MMS Conformance Document.
The activities of the group include facilitation and co-ordination of MMS interoperability testing, problem solving and the channelling of technical information related to such testing. The results of these activities will be communicated to the 3GPP and WAP Forum. This will assist manufacturers and developers in ensuring that MMS applications are compatible, and will result in more rapid introduction of MMS products to the market.
As well as following the relevant 3GPP and WAP Forum specifications, the activities of the group will be based on a joint MMS conformance document that defines the minimum subset of features that MMS equipment will support.
The IOP group offers a broad range of expertise, and the founding members are active in many standardization forums, such as 3GPP and WAP. Thus the group is well-positioned and informed regarding current and future requirements of both mobile subscribers and industries working in the sector. This ensures that the MMS solutions for multimedia messaging are future-proof for smooth interoperability.
Multimedia Messaging Service, the evolution of Short Message Service (SMS), goes far beyond its predecessor. MMS is a person-to-person and application-to-person standardized messaging service, providing the ability to send and receive messages using a combination of text, audio, graphics, image, animation and video, between mobile terminals as well as between terminals and content servers. Today, SMS is the primary profit-generating mobile data service. By building on the success of the SMS business model, multimedia messaging has strong potential to become a mass-market mobile data service, appealing to all existing SMS user segments - and expanding the limits of the service.
Multimedia Messaging will offer new opportunities to different parts of the value chain by providing value-added services and new revenue streams for operators, content providers, and advertisers.
About CMG Wireless Data Solutions:
CMG, established in 1964, works closely alongside its customers in long-term relationships to generate success for them. CMG is a full service provider through management consultancy, systems development & integration and the outsourced management of targeted business processes. Our purpose is to lead in the creation and development of the most advanced IT and telecommunications services (ICT) and wireless data solutions (WDS). The combination of our ICT and WDS capabilities produces a compelling proposition for enterprises seeking to add the mobile channel to their operations and marketing strategies. We are at the heart of our customers' critical activities, combining industry knowledge, technical expertise and practical innovation. With some 14,000 employees CMG implements and supports applications for customers worldwide from bases in 17 countries. CMG is both listed on the London and Amsterdam Stock Exchanges.
About Comverse:
Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT) is the world's leading provider of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communications services. More than 380 wireless and wireline telecommunications network operators, in more than 100 countries, have selected Comverse's enhanced services systems and software, which enable the provision of revenue-generating value-added services including call answering with one-touch call return, short messaging services, IP-based unified messaging (voice, fax, and email in a single mailbox), 2.5G/3G multimedia messaging (MMS), wireless instant messaging, wireless data and Internet-based services, voice-controlled dialing, messaging and browsing, prepaid wireless services, and additional personal communication services. Other Comverse Technology business units include: Verint Systems, Inc., a leading provider of analytic solutions for digital video security and surveillance, communication interception and enterprise intelligence, and Ulticom, a leading provider of service enabling network software for wireless, wireline, and Internet communications. Comverse Technology is an S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Index company. For additional information, visit the Comverse web site at www.comverse.com
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than 140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies in the world. Read more at: www.ericsson.com/press
About Logica:
Logica (LOG.L) is a leading global solutions company providing management and IT consultancy, systems integration, products, services and support. Logica's clients operate across diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and transport and the public sector. The company has over 11,500 staff in 34 countries worldwide. Founded in 1969, Logica is listed on the London Stock Exchange where it is part of the FTSE100 index of the largest UK listed companies. More information can be found at www.logica.com.
About Motorola:
Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. These include:
Software-enhanced wireless telephone, two-way radio, messaging and satellite communications products and systems, as well as networking and Internet-access products, for consumers, network operators, and commercial, government and industrial customers.
Digital and analog systems and set-top terminals for broadband cable television operators.
Embedded semiconductor solutions for customers in the networking and computing, transportation, wireless communications and imaging and entertainment industries.
Embedded electronic systems for automotive, communications, imaging, manufacturing systems, computer and industrial markets.
About Nokia:
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
About Siemens:
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) offers the complete range of mobile solutions including mobile devices, infrastructure and applications. Devices include mobile phones, wireless modules, mobile organizers and cordless phones as well as products for wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio includes GSM, GPRS and 3G mobile network technologies from base stations and switching systems to intelligent networks, e.g. for prepaid services. Mobile Applications cover end-to-end solutions for Messaging, Location Based Services or Mobile Payment. For the fiscal year 2001 (September 30), IC Mobile recorded sales of EUR 11.3 billion and employed 30,730 people worldwide.
About Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB:
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB offers mobile communications products for people who appreciate the possibilities of powerful technology. Established in 2001 by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Sony Corporation, the joint venture continues to build on the success of its two innovative parent companies. Sony Ericsson creates value for its operator customers by bringing new ways of using multimedia communications while mobile. The company's management is based in London, and has 3,500 employees across the globe working on research, development, design, sales, marketing, distribution and support.
For further information, please contact:
CMG
Renate van Berchum
Tel: +31 30 210 3333
Fax: +31 30 210 3431
Email: press.telecom@cmg.com
www.cmgwds.com
Comverse
Penny Blaisdell
Global Public Relations
Tel: + 1 781 224 8612
Email: penny.blaisdell@comverse.com
Ericsson
Caroline Ohlson
Ericsson Corporate Communications
Tel: + 46 8 719 56 60:
Email: caroline.ohlson@lme.ericsson.se
Logica
Declan O Leary
Tel: +353 1 819 3421
Email: olearyd@logica.com
www.logica.com
Motorola
Patrick Hamilton
Email: patrick.hamilton@motorola.com
Tel: +44 1256 790 481
Fax: +44 1256 790 660
Mobile: +44 7715 175 043
David Rudd
Email: david.rudd@motorola.com
Tel: +1 847 576 7089
Nokia Mobile Phones
Communications
Tel: +358 7180 08000
www.nokia.com
Siemens
Sandra Grohmann
Senior Manager Media Relations
Tel: +49 (0) 89 722 32431
sandra.grohmann@mch.siemens.de
You can access further information about Siemens IC Mobile on the Internet at www.siemens-mobile.com
You can access press releases, photographs and further information on the Internet at: www.siemens-mobile.com/press
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
Lars Novak
Manager MultiMedia and Messaging Applications
Tel: +46 46 193516
Email: lars.novak@SonyEricssonMobile.com
Peter Bodor
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +46 8 404 24 23
Email: peter.bodor@SonyEricssonMobile.com
www.SonyEricssonMobile.com