SAN FRANCISCO -- JavaOne(sm) Developer Conference -- June 10, 2003 -- Industry leaders Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and Sun Microsystems Inc. today announced plans to unify their application testing and certification programs into a single initiative that will help accelerate the availability of applications and services for JavaTM technology- enabled wireless devices. The initiative will set common certification criteria for content testing that the participants aim to make a symbol of consistent quality in the wireless industry. In support of the initiative, Sun will provide a Java logo under license for applications that have passed certification testing.
All participants in the wireless industry value chain will benefit from the new testing initiative once it is available. Content developers can then monetize their wireless applications for the Java platform more quickly and cost effectively since meeting a single test criteria will reduce the need for retesting by worldwide distribution channels that utilize their own proprietary testing criteria today.
"With more that 100 million Java devices already deployed over 53 wireless carrier networks worldwide, the demand for new wireless content and services is astronomical and fast growing," said Juan Dewar, senior director, Consumer, Mobility and Strategic Solutions Group for Sun Microsystems. "By unifying the testing criteria, the industry leaders are further stimulating demand and supporting developers by reducing their overhead and creating a much greater target market."
Said Scott Orr, CEO and chief creative officer for Sorrent, "As a leading content developer, we fully support the initiative to unify Java application testing. Instead of having to satisfy multiple requirements, we will soon be able to focus on a single certification. This allows us to get our games to market much more rapidly and also frees us to concentrate on our core strength - developing innovative and compelling games
for the Java platform."
The four handset manufacturers Motorola, Nokia, Siemens and Sony Ericsson all agree on the benefits of this common certification criteria and made the following statement, "With industry alignment around common test criteria, we will be able to maintain high standards for product quality and functionality while significantly reducing expenses and helping to speed up the adoption of downloadable content to mobile devices . The industry as a whole will be much more productive and will benefit from consistent quality backed by a Java brand."
Network operators and independent distributors will be able to select from a range of content from multiple sources without having to re-test, allowing them to deliver new content and services more efficiently and thus helping to raise average revenue per user (ARPU). Consumers can benefit from the faster and more cost-effective delivery of innovative new services.
Brian J. Keller, Executive Director, Solutions Engineering and Application Development Environments at Cingular Wireless agreed, "This industry initiative will save us time and money in deploying wireless applications and content for Java technology-enabled devices. Once again, the collaborative spirit of Java technology is at work, helping us to more effectively fulfill demand for compelling, revenue-generating services."
"The time is right for this industry-led alignment", said Bradley de Souza, Vice President of O2. "We are thrilled that Motorola, Nokia, Siemens, Sony-Ericsson and Sun are
working together to grow the industry. This initiative will help boost our upcoming launch of Java technology-enabled content within Revolution, O2's service for distributing wireless applications to consumers."
This announcement is based on a non-binding memorandum of understanding and is subject to further negotiation and the closing of a definitive agreement.
About JavaOne Developer Conference
JavaOne Developer Conference is the world's largest conference for developers. Started in 1996, JavaOne provides opportunities for developers and businesses who want in-depth technical training, a chance to network with top developers and exposure to real-world solutions and the over-arching developer community. For more information about the Conference, visit www.java.sun.com/javaone
About Motorola:
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is an international leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2002 were $26.7 billion. Motorola is a global corporate citizen dedicated to ethical business practices and pioneering important technologies that make things smarter and life better for people. These traditions are as important today as they were when the company was founded 75 years ago this year. For further information, please visit: www.motorola.com
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. For further information, please visit: www.nokia.com
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. For further information, please visit: www.nokia.com
About Siemens:
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (Siemens 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 fiscal 2002 (September 30), Siemens mobile recorded sales of EUR 11 billion and employed approximately 28,600 people worldwide. For further information, please visit www.siemens-mobile.com
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 4,000 employees across the globe working on research, development, design, sales, marketing, distribution and support. For further information, please visit: www.SonyEricsson.com
About Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at www.sun.com
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, Java logo and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries.
About O2
O2 was formed in 2001 following the demerger from British Telecom of its former mobile business, BT Wireless. O2 (UK) Limited is a subsidiary of mmO2 plc which also delivers O2 branded services in Ireland and Germany. O2 has approximately 16 million customers and is the UK market leader in mobile data services. For developers interested in distributing their Java applications through O2, please visit www.sourceo2.com/revolution
Press Contacts:
Motorola
Sharen Santoski
Telephone: +1 847 523 4715
E-mail: sharen.santoski@motorola.com
Nokia Corporate Communication - Global Developer Program
Charles Chopp
Nokia Americas
Tel: +1 972-894-4573
communication.corp@nokia.com
Siemens
Florian Kreutz
Telephone: +49-89-636-37678
E-mail: florian.Kreutz@siemens.com
Sony Ericsson Corporate Communications
Telephone: +44 (0) 208 762 5858
E-mail: info@SonyEricsson.com
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Rebecca Lui
Telephone: 408-276-5292 office
Email: rebecca.lui@sun.com