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OT:Teece,
I live in lower Manhattan and I see panic on almost everyones face. Three people on my floor have taped thier windows.
nice finish.eom
Motorola exports hit US$655mil
RELATED SYMBOLS: (FLEX)(ERICD)(MOT)
Brazil, Feb 13, 2003 (Gazeta Mercantil/SABI via COMTEX) -- Despite the 48%
increase on the exports of mobile phone in 2002, the Brazilian subsidiary of
Motorola registered 9,4% drop on external sales if compared to 2001, from
US$723.51mil to US$655.33mil. The fall led the company to change the exports
products mix and to expand sales to the US, main TDMA technology consumer.
Motorola trades between 50% and 60% of its Jaguariuna-based plant output (Sao
Paulo state) to the US market. The company was considered third major exporter
of the country, reaching US$704.57mil, 21% up 2001. Motorola also expanded the
domestic market share at 5%, to 25% aiming to reach between 30% and 35%.
Meanwhile, Nokia has 36% share at Brazilian market and announced it exported
US$525mil last year, 265% boom over 2001 -13th major exporter. The company
expected to reach US$450mil. The exports of the mobile phones producer Sony
Ericsson - j.v. between Sony and Ericsson, amounted to US$60.44mil, 82% decrease
in comparison to 2001. The group moved the manufacturing to Flextronics plant,
which was responsible for US$55.4mil external sales.
Copyright (c) 2003, South American Business Information, All rights reserved.
-0-
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Cellular Telephone Equipment
EVENT: Exports
Market Information
(Wall Street)
Intel and FunMail Show Prototype of Next-Generation Interactive Rich
RELATED SYMBOLS: (INTC)
CANNES, France, Feb 13, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ready to create your
own full- motion cartoon on your phone, complete with music and sound? If you
can enter a message, you can create your own animated message, then tweak the
character, background to customize and personalize it before sending.
FunMail and Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) are previewing a new service that will enable
users to create their own customized cartoons on a mobile device, based on the
text of a short message. If a user enters a message saying "Let's get dinner
later," they might get an animation of Garfield munching a burger. The user can
then customize the animation, such as modifying the background, character or
props. FunMail's real-time animation rendering engine then creates a unique
animation, which is streamed to the PCA device in Macromedia Flash format.
"FunMail on PCA can work on the networks the operators are building today, and
create an entirely new generation of animated services such as animated
messaging, daily animated horoscopes, animated alerts -- just about anything,"
said FunMail CEO Adam Lavine. "This gives mobile operators the opportunity for
an entirely new revenue stream, without requiring major new infrastructure
investment."
"Services like FunMail show what can be done with the advanced processing power
of PCA on a PDA or Smartphone," said Jeff Krisa of Intel's Wireless Computing
and Communications Group. "The combination of FunMail's real-time rendering
engine and the Intel PCA chipset create an extremely compelling and unique user
experience. And the solution is scalable, so as the user upgrades to newer
devices the experience becomes increasingly richer."
The FunMail Animated Rendering Engine, which is the result of over 20 man- years
of development, enables animated content to be generated in real-time for a
variety of devices and formats. It is device-independent, can generate content
for SMS, MMS and rich-media devices. The Rendering Engine is up and running on
NTT DoCoMo's i-mode network, allowing i-mode users to create customized animated
messages by choosing background, character and props from a set of menus.
"This is a classic example of a powerful client with a thin media stream," said
FunMail CEO Adam Lavine. "Unlike video, animation can produce a very powerful
user experience, with a small amount of bandwidth. Sending 30k to 50k of data to
an Intel XDA device can result in a fantastic animated experience with the
FunMail solution. Our rendering engine is real-time, and the XDA is powerful
enough to display full-motion animation, so the only delay really is in the
streaming of the content, which requires a very small amount of bandwidth,
especially for GPRS or 3G."
About FunMail
FunMail Inc. unique patent-pending technology enables any text message to be
instantly converted into a visual graphic or animation. FunMail-powered systems
have been launched for Vodafone, Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, o2, MSN
Mobile, and RTL, one of Germany's largest media companies. Content properties
available in the FunMail system include Peanuts, Dilbert, Garfield and South
Park. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, FunMail
combines carrier-grade unified visual messaging technology, real-time animation
rendering capabilities, and a talented team of professional animators. For more
information, please visit http://www.funmail.com or write bizdev@funmail.com
SOURCE FunMail Inc.
CONTACT: Aiko Nomura of FunMail Inc., +1-925-455-1200 or
press@funmail.com
URL: http://www.funmail.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
France
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
MLM
TLS
PEL
CSE
SUBJECT CODE: JVN
TDS
PDT
(Wall Street)
Ericsson Serves Layoff Notices to Workers
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ERICD)
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb 13, 2003 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- Wireless equipment
maker LM Ericsson served layoff notices on Thursday to 1,200 workers in its
information technology units.
Spokeswoman Aase Lindskog said the need for workers to support computer networks
had been reduced as the overall organization has shrunk amid an industry slump.
"We have gone from 107,000 employees to roughly 64,000 workers and that means we
send fewer e-mails than we did before," Lindskog told television network SVT.
"Since we send fewer e-mails we need fewer servers and therefore we need fewer
people to handle that."
About 700 workers would be laid off in Sweden and 500 in other countries, she
said, declining to be more specific.
Ericsson, the world's largest maker of equipment for wireless network, is
struggling to return to profitability after two years of losses. Last week it
said CEO Kurt Hellstroem would retire in April and be replaced by Carl-Henric
Svanberg, the CEO of international lock maker Assa Abloy.
---
On the Net:
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
-0-
APO Priority=r
APO Category=1700
KEYWORD: STOCKHOLM, Sweden
SUBJECT CODE: 1700
http://www.ericsson.com
(Wall Street)
Cash-U Mobile Technologies: Cash-U and iFone to demonstrate first step in
London, Feb 13, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Wireless gaming leaders iFone
and Cash-U Mobile Technologies today announced the launch of the first phase in
multi-player gaming. The companies will demonstrate remotely hosted `high-score`
games tables at this year`s 3GSM event, featuring iFone`s Atari Classic game
`Breakout`. The co-operation between companies will make branded interactive
wireless games available to operators through Cash-U`s Pecan Gaming platform.
The interactive components of the games will be developed by using Cash-U`s
Pecan SDK.
iFone already provides market-leading entertainment content to a number of
mobile operators worldwide, including Hutchison 3G, Vodafone, O2, Deutsche
Telecom, M1 and Far EasTone. The company has exclusive rights to an extensive
catalogue of content, ranging from Atari arcade classics such as Pong, Breakout
and Asteroids; through traditional board games such as Monopoly, Cluedo and Game
of Life; to today`s leading-edge titles such as Stuntman and V Rally.
Lewis Macdonald, Chief Commercial Officer at iFone commented, "This is an
exciting advancement in wireless gaming. Using this kind of technology, we will
be able to extend the reach of our games by adding a `hall of fame` element. We
are pleased to be working with Cash-U and look forward to making our games even
more compelling for consumers."
"iFone is one of the pioneers in wireless entertainment content," comments
Graham Thomas, VP Strategic Marketing and Content at Cash-U. "I am impressed
with how iFone has brought popular classics such as Breakout to the marketplace.
We are excited to be working with iFone in extending the appeal of these classic
games into tournaments and multi-player games. Connecting J2ME games and
introducing new MMS games are key activities for Cash-U this year."
Cash-U will be showcasing a `Breakout` tournament as well as `Bowling` by the
Korean developer Com2us from its stand at 3GSM (Hall 2, Booth E17). Running live
tournaments simultaneously across the IBM, Motorola and Cash-U stands will show
the availability of this technology.
About iFone
iFone is backed by Marlborough Holdings, a technology investment firm, and is a
preferred partner of Infogrames Entertainment. The management team combines
expertise in games` publishing, wireless games development and consumer
marketing. The team brings experience from Sony, Psygnosis, Infogrames and
Diamond Multimedia.
www.ifone.com
About Cash-U
Cash-U Mobile Technologies is a leading provider of entertainment solutions for
the mobile market. Cash-U enables Mobile Operators and Wireless ASPs to generate
higher revenues and enhance their market position through innovative mobile
entertainment services. Cash-U`s Pecan Entertainment is an end-to-end solution
for the creation, management and delivery of rich multimedia content as well as
single or multi-user interactive games and applications. Cash-U`s Pecan gaming
platform is commercially installed with some of Europe`s and Asia` s leading
operators and about 100 application developers are using Pecan SDK to develop
mobile entertainment applications. Cash-U has a worldwide presence with offices
in London, Israel and Asia Pacific.
CONTACT: Kelly Finlay/Lisa Allen, Nelson Bostock Communications Tel: +44 (0)20
7229 4400 e-mail: kelly.finlay@nelsonbostock.com Mandy Sharpe, iFone Tel: +44
(0)161 827 8200 e-mail: m.sharpe@ifone.com Julie Thompson Dredge/Toby Walsh,
Brands2life Tel: +44 (0)207 386 6200 e-mail: toby.walsh@brands2life.com Yael
Roth, Marketing Communications Manager, Cash-U Mobile Technologies LTD. Tel:
+972 9 8920846 e-mail: Yael.roth@cash-u.com
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2
PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2
PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web.
Inquiries to info@m2.com.
(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
-0-
(Wall Street)
laranger, Maybe it's because of this?Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange:
Stock Type: OPTION
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type:
Trade price range: $2.780
Shares still held: 181140 shares
Own Type:
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 801256 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: JACOBS, IRWIN M.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 34000 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 18442362 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 801256 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: JACOBS, IRWIN M.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 34000 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 18442362 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 801256 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: JACOBS, IRWIN M.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 34000 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 18442362 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 801256 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: JACOBS, IRWIN M.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 34000 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 18442362 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: ATKINSON, RICHARD C.
Position: Director
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange: NASDAQ
Stock Type: COM
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 6540 shares
Trade type: Automatic Sell
Trade price range: $36.500
Shares still held: 801256 shares
Own Type: Indirect
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)Form 4: Update Filing for QUALCOMM INC (QCOM)
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
Feb 12, 2003 (Vickers Stock Research via COMTEX) --
Document Processing Date: February 12, 2003
Stock Name: QUALCOMM INC
Stock CUSIP: 747525103
Filer: JACOBS, IRWIN M.
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Stock Symbol: QCOM
Exchange:
Stock Type: OPTION
Transaction period: February 10, 2003
Trade amount: 14000 shares
Trade type:
Trade price range: $5.660
Shares still held: 1636000 shares
Own Type:
Copyright (c) 2003, Vickers Stock Research Corporation. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Sec Abstracts)
TTPCom: TTPCom supplies GSM/GPRS hardware and software for new Intel
RELATED SYMBOLS: (INTC)
Cambridge, UK, Feb 13, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- TTPCom Ltd (LSE: TTC)
announced a significant milestone in its work with Intel Corporation for the
development of GSM/GPRS processors, with the launch of the Intel PXA800F
cellular processor.
Intel has incorporated key TTPCom GSM/GPRS technology, allowing the company to
build its position in the competitive wireless market by quickly broadening its
portfolio of wireless products. The two companies have been working closely for
over 2 years to develop the hardware and validate the system technology.
The Intel PXA800F cellular processor is an integrated communications and
applications processor that is the first product to fully integrate the GSM/GPRS
baseband solution with a high performance Intel XScale technology-based
processor and Intel OnChip Flash memory. The Intel PXA800F cellular processor
offers mobile device manufacturers a true alternative to established silicon
platforms in the wireless sector and is fully compatible with TTPCom's
industry-standard GSM/GPRS protocol software, used by over 40 mobile device
manufacturers worldwide. The combination of Intel hardware with TTPCom software
provides a solid platform for the development of low power, cost-effective
wireless devices capable of running rich data applications. In particular the
Intel PXA800F cellular processor will support the increasingly sophisticated
functionality, such as high-end Java(TM) capability, multimedia messaging
service, digital cameras and dual colour displays, which are becoming standard
features in mainstream handsets.
Tony Milbourn, Managing Director at TTPCom, stated "I am thrilled to see the
launch of Intel`s new cellular processor based on TTPCom`s GSM/GPRS technology.
The Intel solution offers a level of processing power which will allow the
provision of exciting new services and applications, and will take current
handsets to a new level." He continued, "The GPRS technology around which the
processor is built is a class 12, quad-band platform, which will enable users to
take full advantage of available GPRS networks no matter where they are in the
world."
Hans Geyer Intel vice president and general manager of Intel's PCA Components
Group said, "TTPCom is a respected supplier to the mobile communications
industry and its protocol software has been licensed by leading handset
manufacturers worldwide. We`re seeing an increase in the range and complexity of
mainstream mobile devices and together, Intel and TTPCom are well placed to
deliver the state of the art technology, and the time to market advantage that
manufacturers need to compete effectively in this challenging environment."
A demonstration of the Intel platform running TTPCom`s Wireless Graphics Engine
will be shown on TTPCom`s stand A3, Hall 1 at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes,
France.
Note to editors - TTPCom Technology The TTPCom technology supplied to Intel
comprised the following:
* System and circuit designs for the advanced GSM/GPRS baseband processor,
supplied as VHDL source code
* Physical layer software, controlling the hardware functions of the terminal.
The Intel PXA800F cellular processor is fully compatible with TTPCom`s higher
level GSM/GPRS protocol software and application suites and when combined these
form a complete solution for manufacturers to develop low power consumption,
cost effective GSM/GPRS mobile devices.
TTPCom`s GSM/GPRS protocol software is a stable platform which has received type
approval in over 100 products used on over 70 networks worldwide. The platform
is compatible with emerging operating systems, thereby facilitating the
development of sophisticated smart phones. In the applications space, TTPCom`s
Ajar platform, launched on 22nd January, enables the fast development of
customised mobile phones through downloadable applications and services and the
creation of branded user interfaces.
About TTPCom Ltd.
Based in Cambridge, UK, TTPCom Ltd. is the principal operating subsidiary of TTP
Communications plc (LSE: TTC). The company develops technology intellectual
property used in the design and manufacture of wireless communication terminals.
TTPCom licenses its technology to semiconductor manufacturers including Analog
Devices, Hitachi, Intel, Matsushita, STMicroelectronics and Toshiba, and to
leading terminal manufacturers worldwide.
TTPCom has established an industry standard with its GPRS platform, has
developed EDGE, Third Generation (3G) and wireless gaming technology and offers
an integrated GSM/Bluetooth(TM) solution. Over 100 separate terminal designs
using TTPCom`s hardware and software technology have achieved regulatory
approval. TTPCom also offers complete handset and module designs for
manufacturers seeking to bring products to market quickly but without the risks
of development. More information can be found on TTPCom`s website at:
http://www.ttpcom.com.
CONTACT: Angela Manthorpe, TTPCom Limited Tel: +44 (0)1763 266 266 e-mail:
angela.manthorpe@ttpcom.com Allan Edwards, Neesham Public Relations Tel: +44
(0)1442 879 222 e-mail: allane@neesham.co.uk
M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2
PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2
PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web.
Inquiries to info@m2.com.
(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD
-0-
(Wall Street)
STEPMIND Announces The Availability of Its GSM/GPRS/EDGE Baseband
PARIS, Feb 13, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Increasing significantly the
data throughput of GSM mobiles STEPMIND, a fabless solutions and components
supplier, today announced the availability of its GSM/GPRS/EDGE Baseband
Processor. This new processor is designed to provide Class12 E-GPRS capability
and gives GSM mobile developers a powerful platform with which to build
compelling multimedia products. The four timeslot EDGE receive and transmit
capability allows a data rate of up to 240kbit/s to be obtained and enables
cellular operators to launch high speed multimedia services and much faster
loading of the rapidly growing Multi-Media Services, MMS.
"This chip is a significant step forward in GSM baseband solutions as it
integrates both the analog and digital baseband functions on a single CMOS logic
die" said Andre Jolivet, Business Development Manager and Stepmind founder, "our
customers can now develop mobiles capable of high speed services without the
delays and risks associated with the development of multi-mode GSM/WCDMA
solutions. In addition it will be code compatible with our follow-up product
which integrates our quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE CMOS RF transceiver and system RAM
on to the same die to further drive costs down."
An ARM946(TM) CPU core provides the processing power needed to cope with the
high data rate, advanced operating systems, graphics and gaming features used in
such terminals. The PALM(TM) DSP provides polyphonic ring tone generation and
stereo MP3 player capabilities as well as improved audio quality using noise and
echo cancelling together with both narrow-band Adaptive Multi Rate, AMR and
wideband AMR support in addition to the traditional GSM speech coders.
"We are very excited by this latest addition to the Stepmind product portfolio"
commented Alain Jolivet, Chairman and CEO of STEPMIND, "our engineers have a
long history of GSM chipset development and this has allowed us to develop this
solution fully in-house and in record time. The chip is fully functional and we
are currently in the process of integration and test with a third-party
GSM/E-GPRS protocol stack. This chip is generating serious market interest and
has given us a leadership position in EDGE capable GSM baseband standard
products."
About STEPMIND
Founded in July 2000, STEPMIND is a fabless solutions and components supplier,
developing applications which require high performance and secured data links.
STEPMIND develops and designs integrated circuits in the field of RF
transceivers and baseband according to the GSM/GPRS/EDGE, IEEE 802.11a and
HiperLAN2 standards. This expanding design house will also market complete
solutions, including software, for RF data link modules complying with IEEE
802.11a and HiperLAN2 wireless standards.
For more information, please contact:
Thierry Godard, Sales and Marketing Manager, tel: +33 1 41 10 40 90
sales@stepmind.com
Stephane Galfre, Communication Manager, tel: +33 1 41 10 29 13
contactus@stepmind.com
SOURCE STEPMIND
CONTACT: Thierry Godard, Sales and Marketing Manager, +33-1-41-10-40-90,
sales@stepmind.com or Stephane Galfre, Communication Manager,
+33-1-41-10-29-13, contactus@stepmind.com, both of STEPMIND
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: France
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
MLM
SUBJECT CODE: PDT
(Wall Street)
Ranger,
And IDCC is nipping at their heels.
I hope they get a good chunk from those SOBs.
Telecom Equipment Industry Consensus Table
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)(LU)(SFA)(IDCC)(MOT)(GLW)(VSAT)(TKLC)(ALN)
Feb 12, 2003 (Nelson's Broker Summaries via COMTEX) --
COMPANY TICKER RECOMMENDATION FY CONS EST
Allen Telecom ALN Buy 0.71
Corning, Inc. GLW Hold -0.07
InterDigital Communications Corp. IDCC Strong Buy 0.67
Lucent Technologies LU Hold -0.32
Motorola, Inc. MOT Buy 0.37
QUALCOMM QCOM Hold 1.38
Scientific-Atlanta SFA Hold 0.62
Tekelec, Inc. TKLC Hold 0.31
ViaSat VSAT Buy 0.01
(nyse:ALN) (nyse:GLW) (nasdaq:IDCC)(nyse:LU) (nyse:MOT) (nasdaq:QCOM)
(nyse:SFA) (nasdaq:TKLC)(nasdaq:VSAT)
http://www.nelnet.com
Copyright 2003, Nelson Information, a Thomson Financial company
-0-
(Nelson Research Report)
InterDigital Communications Corp. Consensus Recommendation: Strong Buy
RELATED SYMBOLS: (IDCC)
Feb 12, 2003 (Nelson's Broker Summaries via COMTEX) --
Company: InterDigital Communications Corp. (nasdaq:IDCC)
Consensus Recommendation: Strong Buy
(Strong Buy: 1, Buy: 1, Hold: 0, Underperform: 0, Sell: 0)
Quarter Consensus Estimate [Q1]: -0.01
FY Consensus Estimate [FY2003]: 0.67
Next FY Consensus Estimate [FY2004]: N/A
Industry: Telecom Equipment
http://www.nelnet.com
Copyright 2003, Nelson Information, a Thomson Financial company
-0-
(Nelson Research Report)
InterDigital's Licensing Pays InterDigital Communications' [Nasdaq: IDCC]
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)(IDCC)
Feb 12, 2003 (Communications Today/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- there's room for
more than one company to turn a profit in the CDMA technology licensing space.
The company (King of Prussia, Pa.) reported net income of $4 million (7 cents a
diluted share) for the October-December period, compared to a net loss of $9.8
million (18 cents a share) a year earlier.
Like Qualcomm [Nasdaq: QCOM] InterDigital, owns extensive intellectual property
rights in the CDMA space. It also authored some 400 elements included in the
W-CDMA standard, and expects its patents will come into play in production of
TD-SCDMA devices and network gear. InterDigital attributed its earnings
improvement to its overall revenue growth. Revenues in the fourth quarter were
$25.2 million, up 200 percent from a year earlier due to higher patent licensing
royalties. For the full year, the company reported net income of $700,000 (1
cent a share), after posting a net loss of $19.4 million (36 cents a share) for
2001. Its 2002 revenues were $86 million, up 64 percent from $52.6 million in
2001. For more on hot topics within the wireless sector, be sure to read the
latest edition of Wireless Data News. For subscription information, visit the
"newsstand" at www.TelecomWeb.com. [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights
reserved.]
Communications Today, Vol. 9, No. 28 [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
MoBiTai Taiwan Selects Comverse To Enable Wireless Multimedia Messaging
RELATED SYMBOLS: (CMVT)
WOODBURY, N.Y., Feb 13, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Comverse, a unit of Comverse
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), and the world's leading supplier of software
and systems-enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communications services,
today announced that Taiwanese mobile operator MoBiTai has selected Comverse's
Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC) and Mobile Data Gateway (MDG) to
enable its MMS service.
Comverse leveraged its experience in a wide range of value-added services and
messaging systems to provide MoBiTai with the system for MMS service.
"Our agreement with MoBiTai emphasizes that our platform is configurable, open
and flexible, and strengthens Comverse's position as a leading mobile data
provider," said Zeev Bregman, Chief Executive Officer of Comverse. "Taiwan is a
powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region, and a leader in providing a range of
advanced mobile services. We are delighted that MoBiTai has joined other service
providers in selecting our MMSC, which is a vital part of our Total
Communications solution."
About Comverse MMSC
Comverse Multimedia Message Service Center (MMSC) is a scalable telco-grade
system, fully compliant with 3GPP MMS standards, for person-to-person as well
application-to-person messaging of rich multimedia content. Built on the
eXtensible Messaging Framework (XMF) and based on components of the Comverse
InSight Platform, the Comverse MMSC delivers advanced features and functionality
on a configurable, open and flexible platform. Comverse MMSC has advanced
transcoding capabilities and rules-based XMF to deliver superior MMS terminal
interoperability. Successfully deployed commercially throughout the world,
Comverse MMSC is the choice of more and more discerning service providers.
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 400 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), instant
communications, wireless information and entertainment services,
voice-controlled dialing, messaging and browsing, prepaid wireless services, and
additional personal communication services. Other Comverse Technology business
units include: Verint Systems, a leading provider of analytic solutions for
communications interception, digital video security and surveillance, and
enterprise business 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 http://www.comverse.com.
All product and company names mentioned herein may be registered trademarks or
trademarks of Comverse or the respective referenced company(s).
Note: This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will
be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from forecasts and
estimates. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include: changes in the demand for the company's products; changes in
capital spending among the company's current and prospective customers; the
risks associated with the sale of large, complex, high capacity systems and with
new product introductions as well as the uncertainty of customer acceptance of
these new or enhanced products from either the company or its competition; risks
associated with rapidly changing technology and the ability of the company to
introduce new products on a timely and cost-effective basis; risks associated
with changes in the competitive or regulatory environment in which the company
operates; risks associated with significant foreign operations and international
sales and investment activities, including fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates, interest rates, and valuations of public and private equity; the
volatility of macroeconomic and industry conditions and the international
marketplace; risks associated with the company's ability to retain existing
personnel and recruit and retain qualified personnel; and other risks described
in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and
uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in the filings
of the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most
recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form
10-Q. These documents are available through the company, or through the SEC's
Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov.
The company makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking
statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such
statement is made.
CONTACT: Comverse Technology, Inc., Woodbury
Investor/Business Press:
Paul D. Baker, 516/677-7226
or
Comverse, Wakefield
Industry Press:
Penny Blaisdell, 781/224-8612
(c) 2003 Business Wire. All reproduction, other than for an individual user`s reference, is prohibited without prior written permission.
-0-
KEYWORD: NEW
YORK
MASSACHUSETTS
TAIWAN
INTERNATIONAL
ASIA
PACIFIC
SUBJECT CODE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SOFTWARE
NETWORKING
SOURCE:
Comverse
(Wall Street)
Leading Chinese Handset Manufacturers Shipping Phones Based On Skyworks'
RELATED SYMBOLS: (SWKS)
WOBURN, Mass., Feb 13, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Skyworks Solutions Inc.
(Nasdaq:SWKS), the industry's leading wireless semiconductor company focused on
radio frequency (RF) and complete semiconductor system solutions for mobile
communications applications, today announced that two leading Chinese mobile
phone manufacturers have introduced new handset models based on Skyworks'
GSM/GPRS cellular system solution.
Available now in China, these new phones highlight advanced features such as
GPRS Class 8 Web browsing, dual LCD screens with 65K color internal displays, 40
tone polyphonic melodies and attractive clamshell designs.
GSM/GPRS is a key element of 2.5-generation (2.5G) wireless technology, a major
stepping-stone to third-generation (3G) wireless standards that deliver an
"always on," fast connection to packet-based voice, video and data services.
China represents the world's largest GSM market. According to EMC, a wireless
market research firm, the nation's subscriber base is expected to more than
double in the next four years, from 205 million at the end of 2002 to 437
million by 2006. Meanwhile, terminal sales are anticipated to increase from 93
million in 2002 to 149 million units in 2006.
"We are extremely pleased that our complete GSM/GPRS cellular system solution is
supporting two of China's largest domestic handset manufacturers and is serving
as the foundation from which they can develop numerous future wireless
platforms," said Murthy Renduchintala, Skyworks' vice president of cellular
systems.
"Based on their successful handset launches and current design activity, we
expect these two customers to represent more than $20 million in additional
Skyworks revenue this year. At the same time, these key relationships further
diversify our customer base and increase our penetration in China, the world's
most significant GSM/GPRS market."
About the GSM/GPRS Solution
Skyworks' cellular system solution includes all major ICs, a full protocol
stack, MMI, all necessary development tools and customer support required to
build a complete Internet-enabled GSM/GPRS handset.
The hardware portion of Skyworks' solution implements all digital and analog
baseband processing, multi-band/multi-slot power amplification, power
management, battery charging and transceiver functions.
The system incorporates Skyworks' industry-leading, low-power, direct conversion
transceiver, which eliminates the intermediate-frequency conversion steps of
earlier mobile handset solutions. Skyworks' protocol stack has been field
tested, qualified and approved in more than 50 countries, and by more than 70
GSM network providers worldwide.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions Inc. is the industry's leading wireless semiconductor company
focused on RF and complete cellular system solutions for mobile communications
applications. The company began operations in June 2002, following the
completion of the merger between Alpha Industries, Inc. and Conexant Systems,
Inc.'s wireless communications business. Skyworks is focused on providing
front-end modules, RF subsystems and cellular systems to wireless handset and
infrastructure customers worldwide.
Skyworks is headquartered in Woburn, Mass., with executive offices in Irvine,
Calif. The company has design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and
service facilities throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. For
more information please visit www.skyworksinc.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for
the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information
relating to future results of Skyworks (including certain projections and
business trends). All such statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected, and may affect our future operating results, financial position and
cash flows.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic
and market conditions, such as the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry
and the markets addressed by the company's and its customers' products; demand
for and market acceptance of new and existing products; the ability to develop,
manufacture and market innovative products in a rapidly changing technological
environment; the ability to compete with products and prices in an intensely
competitive industry; product obsolescence; losses or curtailments of purchases
from key customers or the timing of customer inventory adjustments; the timing
of new product introductions; the availability and extent of utilization of raw
materials, critical manufacturing equipment and manufacturing capacity; pricing
pressures and other competitive factors; changes in product mix; fluctuations in
manufacturing yields; the ability to continue to grow and maintain an
intellectual property portfolio and obtain needed licenses from third parties;
the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; labor relations of the
company, its customers and suppliers; economic, social and political conditions
in the countries in which Skyworks, its customers or its suppliers operate,
including security risks, possible disruptions in transportation networks and
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and the uncertainties of
litigation, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited
to those detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings.
These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the
company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Note to Editors: Skyworks and Skyworks Solutions are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Skyworks Solutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States
and in other countries. All other brands and names listed are trademarks of
their respective companies.
CONTACT: Skyworks Solutions Inc.
Lisa Briggs (media relations), 949/231-4553
lisa.briggs@skyworksinc.com
or
Thomas Schiller (investor relations), 949/231-4700
(c) 2003 Business Wire. All reproduction, other than for an individual user`s reference, is prohibited without prior written permission.
-0-
KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS
SUBJECT CODE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SOURCE:
Skyworks
Solutions
Inc.
(Wall Street)
Catapult Communications 3G Expertise Acknowledged by NEC
RELATED SYMBOLS: (NIPNY)(CATT)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb 13, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --
Catapult Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: CATT) today announced that its
Japanese subsidiary has been awarded a Letter of Appreciation from NEC
Corporation. This prestigious acknowledgment was bestowed for Catapult Japan's
significant assistance with NEC's completion of the IMT-2000 Mobile Telephone
System for Japanese wireless network operator J-Phone Co., Ltd.
The award ceremony was held in NEC's head office in Tokyo where Catapult and
nine other companies were recognized.
Catapult Japan's Representative Director, Kenichi Eguchi stated, "Catapult has
maintained a successful relationship with NEC for many years. This award
demonstrates that NEC considers our work with them as an ongoing contribution to
the growth of their Mobile Telecommunications. We are honored to receive this
award."
The deployment of IMT-2000 marks a new phase in the development of a dynamic
mobile Internet in Japan. IMT-2000 is a third-generation (3G) wireless
telecommunications service that offers high-speed transmission ranging from
384kpbs to 2Mps, and broad integration with a variety of devices and media
channels. The emergence of web-enabled cell phones in Japan over the past three
years has demonstrated the power of the mobile Internet as a driver of IT and
consumer markets.
About Catapult
Catapult Communications is the leading supplier of advanced digital telecom test
systems to global equipment manufacturers and service providers including
Lucent, Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo and Nortel. The Catapult DCT2000(R) and
MGTS(R) systems deliver superior test solutions for hundreds of protocols and
variants -- spanning 3G, VoIP, GPRS, SS7, Intelligent Network, ATM, ISDN and
other network environments. The Company is committed to providing testing tools
that are at the forefront of the telecom technology curve.
Catapult is headquartered at 160 South Whisman Road, Mountain View, CA 94041.
Tel: 650-960-1025. International offices are located in the U.K., Germany,
France, Finland, Canada, Japan and Australia. Information about Catapult
Communications can be found on the Web at www.catapult.com.
CONTACT: Robin Rickert of Catapult Communications, +1-650-960-1025, or
robin@catapult.com.
SOURCE Catapult Communications Corporation
CONTACT: Robin Rickert of Catapult Communications, +1-650-960-1025, or
robin@catapult.com
URL: http://www.catapult.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
Japan
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
EPM
SEM
SUBJECT CODE: AWD
(Wall Street)
China Telecom Tests 3G in Secret in Quanzhou
QUANZHOU, Feb 13, 2003 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- SinoCast - It is reported that
China Telecom Fujian branch is secretly testing the CDMA 2000 in Quanzhou City
of Fujian Province.
Execs of Fujian Telecom say the company may get 3G license this year, but it is
worrying about the State Government would designate China Telecom to choose
TD-SCDMA of Datang Telecommunications.
So, head of the company is hoping to choose the communications standard freely
by negotiating with the Ministry of Information Industry. Now the company is
testing the CDMA2000 that is not the upgrade of 2.5G PHS base stations. CDMA2000
is American 3G standard that adopted by China Unicom. China Group, the parents
company of China Mobile, may adopt European WCDMA to upgrade its current GPRS
networks.
China Telecom (HK: 0728) is to purchase its 5 provincial branches from 6
candidates. Up to now, no Chinese telecom carriers adopt Datang's TD-SCDMA.
From China Industrial News, Page 3, Thursday, February 13, 2003
info@SinoCast.Com
Copyright (C) 2003 SinoCast, All rights reserved
-0-
KEYWORD: QUANZHOU
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: Marketing
Investment
SUBJECT CODE: Computers, Telecom and Information Technology
(Wall Street)
Taiwan's largest mobile carrier introduces MMS to fuel 3G
HONG KONG, Feb 13, 2003 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Taiwan Cellular Corporation
(TCC) , the largest mobile carrier on the island, is introducing high- speed
multimedia services like video and audio streaming to fuel its growth within the
next few years, Taiwan media reported.
TCC was looking at rolling out its third-generation wireless system this year,
although no fixed timetable had been set yet, the company said.
TCC Vice President Julian J.H. Lee told local media that TCC is going to launch
a WCDMA (wireless code division multiple access) standard for 3G.
"We are also going to see a lot of new applications, especially on data
transmissions services, to enter the market," Lee said.
TCC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Lee said he expected "a little bit" of growth
in the wireless operator's business this year.
With a customer base of 6.2 million people, the company would stick to its tried
and tested strategy to retain and attract clients, he added.
Copyright 2003 XINHUA NEWS AGENCY.
-0-
(Wall Street)
Ericsson serves layoff notices to 1,200 workers
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ERICD)
STOCKHOLM, Feb 13, 2003 (The Canadian Press via COMTEX) -- Wireless equipment
maker LM Ericsson served layoff notices Thursday to 1,200 workers in its
information technology divisions.
Spokeswoman Aase Lindskog said the need for workers to support computer networks
had been reduced as the overall organization has shrunk amid an industry slump.
``We have gone from 107,000 employees to roughly 64,000 workers and that means
we send fewer e-mails than we did before,'' Lindskog told television network
SVT. ``Since we send fewer e-mails we need fewer servers and therefore we need
fewer people to handle that.''
About 700 workers would be laid off in Sweden and 500 in other countries, she
said, refusing to be more specific.
Ericsson, the world's largest maker of equipment for wireless network, is
struggling to return to profitability after two years of losses. Last week it
said CEO Kurt Hellstroem would retire in April and be replaced by Carl-Henric
Svanberg, the CEO of international lock maker Assa Abloy.
The online source for news sports entertainment finance and business news in Canada
Copyright (C) 2003 The Canadian Press (CP), All rights reserved
-0-
KEYWORD: STOCKHOLM
SUBJECT CODE: business
(Wall Street)
Sony Ericsson Outlook Grim Despite Overall Handset Market Growth Sony
RELATED SYMBOLS: (SNE)(ERICD)
Feb 12, 2003 (Wireless Data News/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- 150 million euros
($162 million) each of its two parent companies are investing in it. The joint
venture of Ericsson [Nasdaq: ERICY] and Sony [NYSE: SNE] lost handset market
share in 2002 not only to the companies who were already ahead of it, but to
companies who previously trailed its numbers.
Overall, the handset market grew at a rate of 6.6 percent, from 380 million
units shipped in 2001 to 405 units shipped in 2002, according to research by
Falls Church, Va.-based Telecom Trends International.
Among the top four handset companies, Samsung grew the fastest in 2002 with
growth of 35.1 percent, increasing its market share lead over Siemens [NYSE:
SI]. Siemens, however, didn't lose ground overall in 2002. The German company's
mobile phone sales grew at a rate of 24.3 percent.
Nokia [NYSE: NOK] maintained its commanding lead in handset sales, growing its
market share at a rate of 8.6 percent. Although its annual growth rate was
slower than No. 2 Motorola [NYSE: MOT] as well as Samsung and Siemens, Nokia
sold a record number of units--46 million--in the fourth quarter, good for its
best-ever market share of 39 percent.
Motorola increased its share by 13.1 percent primarily because of its portfolio
of low-end handset models. Its fourth-quarter market share increased by 19
percent, with major gains in North America and Latin America. Motorola continued
to be the market share leader in China, while gaining co-leadership in U.S.
market share in the with Nokia.
Meanwhile, Sony Ericsson's numbers dropped 17.9 percent from 27.9 million units
shipped in 2001 to 22.9 million in 2002. Research by Strategy Analytics'
Wireless Device Strategies Services indicates that Sony Ericsson doesn't rate
among the top mobile phone vendors for profitability strategies in U.S. sales.
The company offers fewer models than most of its competitors in the United
States because it is focusing instead on offering models for all digital
interfaces. In addition, the venture has been slow in getting new products to
market.
The latest funding from the parent companies came after each hinted in the
second half of 2002 that they were unlikely to target additional funding for
their venture. Sony Ericsson needs another 16 months to 20 months "to achieve
profitability with this strategy, and it is doubtful whether both partners of
the joint venture have the commitment and resources to endure," Strategy
Analytics predicts.
>>Naqi Jaffery, Telecom Trends International, njaffery@telecomtrends.net; Chris
Ambrosio, Strategy Analytics, cambrosio@strategyanalytics.com.<<
2002 Worldwide Handset Sales (millions of units)
Company 2002 Market 2001 Market Growth
Sales Share Sales Share Rate
Nokia 152 37.50% 139.9 36.80% 8.60%
Motorola 70.9 17.50% 62.7 16.50% 13.10%
Samsung 40 9.90% 29.6 7.80% 35.10%
Siemens 35.3 8.70% 28.4 7.50% 24.30%
Sony Ericsson 22.9 5.70% 27.9 7.30% -17.90%
Others 83.9 20.70% 91.5 24.10% -8.30%
Total 405 100% 380 100% 6.60%
Source: Telecom Trends International
[Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Wireless Data News, Vol. 11, No. 3 [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
I saw a 25,000 buy earlier.
GreedAintBad, Thanks for the info.eom
Metatron Technologies, Inc. Acquires Qualcomm WCDMA (UMTS) Serial
RELATED SYMBOLS: (QCOM)
TOKYO, Feb 12, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Metatron Technologies, Inc., a
leader in the development of wireless network optimization solutions, today
obtained a QUALCOMM WCDMA (UMTS) serial interface license. The agreement enables
Metatron Technologies to manufacture and sell wireless network testing and
optimization solutions for WCDMA (UMTS) based wireless networks. The license
furthers Metatron Technologies' efforts to build single platform solutions that
can readily be configured for multiple wireless technologies. Initially, this
license will enable the DimensionZ(TM) network optimization software platform to
easily interface with phones that utilize QUALCOMM's WCDMA (UMTS) chipset.
Manufacturers using this chipset today in their WCDMA phones include QUALCOMM
(in their UMTS test UE), Sanyo, Samsung, and LG Electronics. Utilizing one
network optimization platform that addresses multiple wireless technologies
helps mobile operators streamline and cost-effectively manage the deployment,
optimization and monitoring of 3G wireless networks.
"Metatron Technologies' serial interface license with QUALCOMM enables us to
deliver our test and optimization solutions for WCDMA and UMTS deployments
around the world," said David Uze, President of Metatron Technologies, Inc. "We
are dedicated to delivering single platform solutions that easily adapt to any
network environment. Our immediate goal is to add interfaces for every
phone/user equipment (UE) to the DimensionZ platform."
The technology license provides Metatron Technologies with QUALCOMM's WCDMA
Interface Control Document (ICD). This specification details the protocols
needed to communicate and capture all measurement data and session interactions
in WCDMA phones and other devices. For example, this information details the
steps needed to decode all LAYER 3 messages that are essential for
troubleshooting and diagnosing existing problems in WCDMA networks.
DimensionZ
DimensionZ is a powerful software platform that enables today's leading wireless
network test and optimization solutions. Supporting all aspects of data
collection, analysis, processing, reporting, and propagation mapping, DimensionZ
streamlines the process of network optimization by combining multiple
optimization products into one platform, automating key steps in the testing and
optimization process, and increasing the productivity and efficiency of the RF
engineering workforce. The resulting cost reductions and operational
efficiencies speed the deployment of new networks and services, raise service
quality for wireless customers and increases bottom-line profitability for
network operators.
DimensionZ captures real time data streams from multiple measurement devices
including phones/user equipment (UE), field spectrum and protocol test units,
geographic location (GPS), and other measurement devices. The software processes
and analyses the data, saves it for later review and presents key parameters
graphically in a simple, intuitive and easy to understand format. The modular
and flexible design of DimensionZ enables RF engineers to tailor and customize
solutions to meet their specific needs. Specific software components are
selected based on technology (WCDMA, CDMA2000, GPRS etc.) and desired
functionality (drive test route planning, voice quality testing, data quality
testing, Layer 3 viewing etc.). A Software Development Kit (SDK) is available
that gives RF engineers the capability to integrate new user equipment (UE) and
their own processing and analysis algorithms.
About Metatron Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Metatron Technologies, Inc. is a leader in the development of
automated network management solutions for testing, monitoring, optimizing, and
benchmarking wireless voice and data networks. Mobile operators and
infrastructure vendors utilize Metatron Technologies' flexible solutions which
include DimensionZ(TM), Opera(TM), TransIT(TM) and RocIT(TM), to automate and
simplify the process of managing their 2G, 2.5G and 3G networks. All of Metatron
Technologies' solutions are customizable and include flexible, efficient and
easy to use tools that enable mobile operators to deliver the highest levels of
service quality to their mobile customers. Metatron Technologies is
headquartered in New York with offices and R&D facilities in Tokyo and Kawasaki,
Japan. For more information, see www.metatron-tech.com, email
info@metatron-tech.com or phone 00 81 (0) 3-5790-6700 / fax 00 81 (0)
3-5790-6701.
Editors Note:
Metatron Technologies will be demonstrating the DimensionZ software platform in
conjunction with Anritsu's ML8720B WCDMA/UMTS Area Tester at this years 3GSM
World Congress in Cannes, France, February 17-21. The Anritsu booth is located
in Hall 2, stand F19.
NOTE: DimensionZ(TM), Opera(TM), TransIT(TM), and RocIT(TM) are trademarks of
Metatron Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks and company
names are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Metatron Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: Tim Yankey of McKie
Headstrom PR, +1-650-625-0133, ext. 3, or
tim@mhpr.com, for Metatron Technologies, Inc.; or Kenneth Herskind of Metatron
Technologies, Inc., +1-858-452-8998, or kherskind@metatron-tech.com
URL: http://www.metatron-tech.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: California
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
TLS
NET
SUBJECT CODE: LIC
TDS
(Wall Street)
WTDD, which is WCDMA for the unpaired spectrum and a technology that integrates
seamlessly with FDD, supports both voice and data in the unpaired spectrum
allocated in 3G licenses worldwide. WTDD is uniquely suited for data-rich and
multi-media applications. Together, FDD and TDD form a complete solution as
companion, underlying air interface technologies that enable WCDMA-based
products to efficiently deliver voice, data and multimedia applications.
NEC to Demonstrate a Series of Mobile Internet Applications and Service
RELATED SYMBOLS: (NIPNY)
Tokyo, Japan, Feb 12, 2003 (JCN Newswire via COMTEX) -- NEC Corporation will
demonstrate a series of mobile internet application software (VS and AP Series)
at 3GSM World Congress 2003 to be held from February 17th to 21st in Cannes,
France. The application software will be on display at NEC's telecommunications
stand, No.B5, Hall 1. 3GSM World Congress 2003 is one of the biggest exhibitions
which features a comprehensive range of mobile communications-related products
and services in Europe.
With the creation of these new applications, NEC has once again demonstrated its
strength as a total solution provider for the 2.5G and 3G mobile internet
fields. Individual components of the service applications suite can add
significant value to many existing mobile communications service networks
deployed today.
The total system is completely modular, with each service component offering
easy integration through the open API structure employed by NEC, thus individual
modules can be integrated within an existing mobile service environment.
NEC has already acquired considerable European success with the VS-7800/AP-1000
series. From initial launched last April, European operators who have adopted
this application suite within their service networks, have seen huge financial
benefits together with an increase in their subscriber base and service
portfolio.
Details of the application software to be demonstrated at 3GSM World Congress
2003 are as follows:
Mobile Internet Platform (VS-7800)
The system delivers smooth and fast implementation of WAP-based services,
providing consumers with innovative solutions such as portal service, mailing
service, message multicasting (news, weather, advertisements, emergency
information distribution) and location information services. The system also
offers mobile operators and content-providers with sophisticated services
including agent charging incorporating a billing function which automatically
charges for each service, and value creation by adding various applications.
VS-7800 will be applied to 3G applications as well as 2Gs',which acts as a Proxy
gateway and realizes the Online subscription for Agent charging to multimedia
contents access.
Mobile Digital Rights Management System (VS-7810)
This system encrypts digital content and software applications. In order to
access this content, users must purchase a "Ticket" (deciphering key), which
allows them to freely decode and enjoy it. This system offers a high degree of
protection against the corruption and unauthorised copying of content for
providers, who also benefit from a more flexible and secure billing system. This
system can be applied to content such as games, publications and music-related
services.
Total Recommendation System (VS-7820)
One of the keys to business success in the mobile Internet era is powerful CRM
(Customer Relationship Management) technology. NEC's total recommendation system
offers solutions such as individually customised portal sites, shopping sites
and call centre applications, all of which are keys to mobile Internet business
success. This CRM technology is powerful and effective, enabling Electronic
Commerce (e-commerce) to be undertaken using the Internet via mobile terminals.
CRM enables service providers to analyse user habits, and thus offer more
effective services, with a view to satisfying a broader range of end users.
NEC's original high performance algorithm has been adapted to this system by
each individual function, enabling higher speed and accuracy.
Markup Language Conversion Gateway (VS-7830)
This system automatically and dynamically converts content written in WML, HDML,
HTML, CHTML and XHTML into a format that can be displayed on any mobile phone
browser. It represents an innovative way in which operator revenues can be
improved, as the number of people wishing to subscribe to mobile Internet
service increases. This system will also benefit content providers, by offering
more content and services that are distributed globally.
Online Photo Sharing System (AP-1501)
Online Photo Sharing system is the Application software that provides space for
users to store multimedia albums (still image, animation, audio, text). Mobile
users are able to upload multimedia contents. They can enhance their own
multimedia album. Finally, they can share or send online the enhanced multimedia
album as e-card to friends/ family by mobile phone or PC.
NEC is a total solution provider for 3G and the mobile Internet. NEC has been
involved in every first-stage rollout of 3G systems worldwide. NEC is also
responsible for developing the first 3G handsets for use on the world's first 3G
network. NEC has competence in the mobile Internet area with its mobile
infrastructure system, mobile application platform and its impressive portfolio
of contents. NEC's mobile handsets are known for their prominent technologies
including large colour screens, built-in cameras and other functions that make
the, ideal for use in mobile Internet.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.1) (TSE: 6701) is one of the
world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business
solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global
base of customers. Ranked as one of the world's top patent-producing companies,
NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and
electron devices, through its three market-focused, in-house companies: NEC
Solutions, NEC Networks and NEC Electron Devices. NEC Corporation employs more
than 140,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately $39 billion in
the fiscal year ended March 2002.
Source: NEC Corporation
Contact:
NEC Corporation
Daniel Mathieson
d-mathieson@bu.jp.nec.com
+81-3-3798-6511
Copyright (C) 2003 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.
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(Wall Street)
InterDigital to Demonstrate Complete Standards Compliant WCDMA Mobile
RELATED SYMBOLS: (IDCC)
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Feb 12, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- InterDigital
Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: IDCC), a leading architect, designer and
provider of wireless technology and product platforms, will demonstrate its
Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) air interface solutions at the 2003 3GSM World Congress in
Cannes, France (February 17-21, 2003). The WCDMA solution demonstrations feature
the Company's standards compliant, end-to-end Wideband Time Division Duplex
(WTDD) system and a complete WCDMA solution for mobile terminals, including
InterDigital's Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) software protocol stack product.
The WTDD system will operate point-to-point over a fully functioning radio
network controller (RNC), Node B and end-user terminal device (UE) configured
for a mobile environment and will demonstrate call setup as well as a 384 kbps
streaming audio and video call.
WTDD, which is WCDMA for the unpaired spectrum and a technology that integrates
seamlessly with FDD, supports both voice and data in the unpaired spectrum
allocated in 3G licenses worldwide. WTDD is uniquely suited for data-rich and
multi-media applications. Together, FDD and TDD form a complete solution as
companion, underlying air interface technologies that enable WCDMA-based
products to efficiently deliver voice, data and multimedia applications.
Co-developed by InterDigital and Infineon, the WCDMA FDD multi-mode software
protocol stack product for terminal devices is a standards compliant solution
that supports Infineon's 3G baseband processor and also is portable to other
baseband processors. The Company is marketing the protocol stack, which
interfaces with existing GSM/GPRS hardware and software.
InterDigital also will launch SmartRRM(SM), a complete suite of advanced radio
resource management algorithms and advanced simulation tools that maximizes TDD
performance and lowers deployment costs. SmartRRM allocates radio resources to
suit the character of the offered traffic, optimizing connections, network
stability, connection reliability, system capacity, terminal battery
consumption, and overall quality of service.
The following InterDigital executives will deliver presentations at this year's
3GSM World Congress:
-- Dr. Alain Briancon, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and
Chair of the GSM Association's Associate Member Interest Group - Understanding
the Business Case for TDD, Wireless Access Track B, 16:30 on Tuesday, February
18. -- Jim Nolan, VP Systems Engineering - Wireless LAN Operator Scenarios,
Special Focus, 11:50 on Thursday, February 20.
Dr. Briancon will discuss the findings of a recently released study outlining
the economic benefits that TDD technology offers to operators for different
deployment options and marketing scenarios, namely hot zone coverage, wide area
broadband deployments, and capacity enhancement. As part of his presentation,
Dr. Briancon will highlight the effectiveness of WTDD in supporting high revenue
traffic profiles expected in the UMTS 3G environment - specifically dense urban,
urban and suburban locations - as well as examine the economic implications of
using WTDD technology and its integration with FDD within the WCDMA environment.
Mr. Nolan will present on the subject of Wireless LAN and potential operator
deployment scenarios.
To speak with InterDigital at 3GSM World Congress 2003 in Cannes, please visit
booth E29 in Hall 2.
Press Only: To coordinate a briefing in advance of the conference, please
contact Dawn Goldstein (610.878.5620; dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com) or
Kristie Heins (312.329.3985; heinsk@ruderfinn.com).
About InterDigital
InterDigital architects, designs and provides advanced wireless technologies and
products that drive voice and data communications. The Company offers technology
and product solutions for mainstream wireless applications that deliver cost and
time-to-market advantages for its customers. InterDigital has a strong portfolio
of patented technologies covering 2G, 2.5G and 3G standards, which it licenses
worldwide. For more information, please visit InterDigital's web site:
www.interdigital.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements regarding our beliefs and
expectations as to the anticipated capabilities to be demonstrated by our WTDD
system, the capabilities of WTDD and FDD generally in enabling WCDMA-based
products to deliver voice, data and multimedia applications efficiently, our
plan to launch SmartRRM(sm) and the capabilities of Smart RRM(sm). Such
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes could differ
materially from those expressed in any such forward looking statement due to a
variety of factors including but not limited to: the risks inherent in any
technology demonstration; changes in the 3G standard that adversely impact the
applicability of TDD to WCDMA, unanticipated difficulties or delays in
technology development efforts.
InterDigital is a registered trademark and SmartRRM is a servicemark of
InterDigital Communications Corporation.
CONTACT: InterDigital Communications Corporation
Media Contact:
Dawn Goldstein, 610/878-7800
dawn.goldstein@interdigital.com
Investor Contact:
Janet Point, 610/878-7800
janet.point@interdigital.com
URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2003 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA TRACK
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKING
E-COMMERCE
INTERNET
PRODUCT
TRADESHOW
SOURCE:
InterDigital
Communications
Corporation
(Wall Street)
PrairieComm Announces Production-Ready UMTS/GSM/GPRS Baseband Processor
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Feb 12, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- PrairieComm,
Inc., an industry leader in UMTS technology, today announced the commercial
availability of the PCI5110 multi-mode integrated baseband processor,
PrairieComm's QuikDraw (Development Reference and Application Workbench)
platform, and a complete reference architecture for delivery in the second
quarter of this year. This complete UMTS solution has demonstrated UMTS and GSM
voice calls and high-speed data calls-including both UMTS and GPRS. The PCI5110
has achieved UMTS data calls at 64, 128, and 384 kbps. This single- chip
multi-mode solution decreases the total parts count thereby reducing cost,
providing greater efficiency, decreasing power consumption, and shortening the
entire design cycle. PrairieComm's PCI5110 UMTS/GSM/GPRS baseband processor and
PCI5000 protocol stack enable 3G speed and multimedia applications on handsets
similar in size to today's 2G terminals. Production samples are now shipping to
customers and will be used in upcoming commercial trials. The PCI5110, PCI5000,
and QuikDraw platform will be demonstrating PrairieComm's UMTS technology at the
3GSM World Congress in Cannes, February 18 - 21.
3G's success depends on the ability of handsets to concurrently enable 3G
services like "always-on" data and backwards compatibility with existing
networks. PrairieComm has ensured 3G success by working closely with several
infrastructure manufacturers on rigorous interoperability testing. PrairieComm's
system-level expertise and close customer-partnerships enables a robust
UMTS/GSM/GPRS solution that delivers this requirement-today.
PrairieComm's PCI5110 enables high-speed, data-intensive multimedia
applications, as well as WAP and the Bluetooth specification for short-range
wireless connectivity. The PCI5110 supports full 384 kbps transmission and
reception and Class 12 GSM/GPRS, utilizing Turbo Coding for high-speed data
transmission. The chip also incorporates a USB interface capable of 12Mbps.
Built on an ARM946 32-bit RISC microprocessor core using PrairieComm's power
conscious architecture, the PCI5110 extends handset battery life with multiple
built-in power modes. With PrairieComm's multi-mode single-chip solution, 3G
handset manufacturers can design and market competitively sized handsets with
advanced features.
The complete product reference architecture enables customers to expedite their
development cycle to reduce time-to-market. This reference architecture,
together with the QuikDraw development platform, creates a rapid prototype
environment that quickly integrates PrairieComm's technology into customer
products. The modularity of the QuikDraw platform exposes all signals required
to connect to additional peripherals and logic/test analyzers including JTAG,
UART, USB, SIM card interfaces, full GPIO access, and RF transceiver data and
control interface. Customers have used this reference architecture and
development platform to achieve full UMTS calls on a UMTS base station in less
than three months from design commencement.
About PrairieComm
PrairieComm, Inc., based in Rolling Meadows, Ill., develops and markets
chipsets, embedded software and licensed intellectual property for CDMA, TDMA,
GSM and 3G UMTS wireless technologies for mobile wireless products from the
world's leading consumer electronics manufacturers. For more information about
PrairieComm and its solutions, please visit the company's Web site at
http://www.prairiecomm.com.
SOURCE PrairieComm, Inc.
CONTACT: Jeff Bennett of PrairieComm, Inc., +1-847-871-1881,
jeff.bennett@prairiecomm.com
URL: http://www.prairiecomm.com
http://www.prnewswire.com
Copyright (C) 2003 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
-0-
KEYWORD: Illinois
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CPR
STW
TLS
CSE
SUBJECT CODE: PDT
(Wall Street)
UK - 3UK announces 3G prices
Feb 05, 2003 (Tarifica Alert/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- Hutchison 3G UK has
announced tariff packages and prices to be launched under the 3 brand, providing
mobile multimedia and communications services. The 3ToGo option, which has no
monthly line rental, offers voice calls to other 3 customers at 5p a minute with
other voice calls from 10p a minute, video calls at 50p a minute and video
downloads from 50p each. Up to GBP10 worth of video downloads will be free for
the first three months. The other two options offer a bundle of voice calls,
video calls, video downloads and content. With Kit On 3, subscribers pay
GBP59.99 per month which includes 1,000 minutes of voice calls, 100 video calls,
50 downloads, 60 picture messages, 40 video messages and 250 text messages. The
Caboodle On 3 bundle provides double this quantity for a monthly subscription of
GBP99.99. All packages include free news and information until 30th June 2003.
Customers can pre-order from 22nd February and delivery is expected to begin in
mid-March.
[Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Tarifica Alert, Vol. , No. [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
By: Learning2vest
11 Feb 2003, 09:26 AM EST Msg. 119814 of 119815
(This msg. is a reply to 119813 by nieves.)
Howard appears to be announcing that InterDigital is a chip company in the following remarks(could be 4 or more new ASICs being talked about in these remarks, but with Howard it's best to wait for the actual declarative statement!).
"The migration of our WCDMA technologies to product is progressing well. We
enter 2003 having commenced the marketing of our future FDD products to
potential customers worldwide and looking forward to demonstrating the first
standards-compliant WTDD end-to-end solution next week at the 3GSM Congress in
Cannes, France."
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long)
Are Carriers Asking Too Much of Wi-Fi?
Feb 11, 2003 (Broadband Business Report/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- With Wi-Fi
soaring in popularity, and telecom companies bleeding white, it's not surprising
that the industry is looking for a way to mold Wi-Fi into its own image and make
the technology pay. Given that they already have an installed base of terminals
to work with, they may well be able to pull it off. But it won't be easy.
The big problem with the industry's Wi-Fi vision is that Wi-Fi, as it stands
now, has practically none of the qualities the industry likes except for that
raw success. The telecom industry likes the economies of scale of a centralized
platform covering a large area, and Wi-Fi is pretty much the opposite of that.
Even more important, the industry hates commodity products with low price
floors. Their entire existence is predicated on keeping network access, from
actually becoming the cheap commodity it should be. And Wi-Fi is not only a
commodity product, but one with a price floor of zero.
So the industry desperately wants to taste the kind of growth Wi-Fi has
experienced. But to do that, they're deliberately jettisoning most of what made
Wi-Fi a hit in the first place. That doesn't mean these plans are doomed to
failure -- the jury isn't even out on that question yet; we're still in opening
arguments. But it does mean that the success of Wi-Fi as it stands now isn't a
meaningful predictor of their success.
The industry was trying to sell its vision of portable high-speed data service
for years as 3G and nobody was buying it. It's true, as industry strategists
insist, that there are plenty of differences between 3G and Wi-Fi. But those
differences consist largely of things the industry did wrong that Wi- Fi got
right. 3G models tended to assume that the terminal would be the user's phone.
There were, and continue to be, all kinds of weird schemes for turning a mobile
handset into a useful data device, and they continue to fall flat with users.
Users have perfectly good laptops, with keyboards and VGA displays. Wi-Fi didn't
meet service providers' needs because it didn't let them own the terminal
market. But it did meet user needs.
Wi-Fi is indeed more of a focused, high bandwidth solution than 3G's wide area,
medium-bandwidth option. But users, at least the small numbers of early
adopters, more closely matched that usage model. They tended to cluster up in
one place and, while they needed simple access more than they needed bandwidth,
when they did need bandwidth, they needed a lot of it.
The big one, of course, is that users could just buy some cheap hardware, set up
a network, and operate until the cows came home in unlicensed spectrum without
paying anybody anything. Wi-Fi didn't generate an ongoing revenue stream for
anybody, but once again that turned out not to be an especially high priority
for users.
So to make Wi-Fi pay, providers are going to have to turn it into something
besides commodity bit transport, and then deploy it where someone will have both
the need and the willingness to pay for whatever they've turned it into.
With its tiny, targeted hotspots, the thing Wi-Fi sounds most like is low-tier
voice service. This was an idea that flamed out during the PCS spectrum
auctions. The idea was to cover the landscape with thousands of small, cheap
base stations instead of a few big ones. It wouldn't offer vehicular-speed
mobility, but would be a kind of amped up cordless phone you could take with
you. Largely because of the fantastic spectral efficiency of those microcells,
it was supposed to be dirt cheap.
However when it came time to build systems, license winners blanched at the cost
of administering and backhauling all those sites. Significantly, no one's
talking about blanketing the country in Wi-Fi access points. But the focus on
enterprise "road warriors" is equally worrisome. There's a sweet spot there,
granted. These users are deemed better able to pay for service and also likely
to be found in a few key locations. Thus we have visions of networks linking up
the nation's hotels, airports and convention centers.
However, that's also a fairly narrow market, one whose actual willingness to pay
for things like tunneling VPNs hasn't been tested yet, and one that's just as
easy for other players to hit. Even if these users aren't going to be on
volunteer freenets, there are plenty of cities offering free Wi-Fi clouds in
their business districts precisely to attract convention traffic and the like.
Business travelers are also a dead end because the infrastructure serving them
won't be good for much else. Providers might be able to target new user groups
with specialized service options, but they'll have to drop in whole new hotspot
networks to physically reach them. You're back to the whole low-tier problem,
and few constituencies concentrate themselves as effectively as business
travelers do.
So, while there's probably a future for commercial Wi-Fi as a last-mile access
method for broadband WISPs, the outlook for nationwide commercial hotspot
networks is pretty murky. It's hard to avoid the feeling that success will
require a little more imagination than we're seeing right now.
[Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Broadband Business Report, Vol. 13, No. 3 [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All
rights reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
Vendors Aim Behind The Hotspot for Wi-Fi Profits
Feb 11, 2003 (Broadband Business Report/PBI Media via COMTEX) -- Evolving Wi-Fi
from small-scale LANs to a nationwide commercial broadband technology isn't
going to be an easy job. There's a big difference between one access point in a
spare bedroom, or ten in an office area, and several hundred or thousand
hotspots strewn across hotels and airports over an entire country.
The industry is still groping at the concept of nationwide Wi-Fi, lured on as
much by the fact that Wi-Fi is actually successful as by anything else. However
a few shared assumptions are starting to emerge as to who will play in this new
field and how they will build a service offering. For equipment vendors, these
assumptions are leading to a pretty consistent collection of business
strategies.
Assumption 1: Where is the revenue going to come from? Primarily business
travelers. There will be enough free Wi-Fi to meet the needs of casual surfers.
Assumption 2: Who's going to run this show? Established carriers. Given the
small market, user price sensitivity, and the number of hotspots to be deployed,
operators will have to leverage existing assets for nearly everything from
backhaul to billing and authentication if they want to make any money.
Assumption 3: Where's the money to be made for vendors? From gluing the hotspots
into that existing carrier infrastructure, and providing the kind of service
differentiation that will get those business travelers to pay for Wi-Fi instead
of just using the free stuff.
As a result of this thinking, hardware vendors are lining up to sell carriers
back-end integration solutions designed to tie Wi-Fi hotspots into their
existing networks and back-office processes. This strategy runs the gamut, from
giants like Nortel Networks [NYSE: NT] to smaller players in the large carrier
market like Juniper Networks [Nasdaq: JNPR] to startups like California- based
Pronto Networks.
Note the common word there. It's no accident that commercial Wi-Fi strategies
are focusing on the network side. Nortel's Senior Manager of Strategy for
Wireless Networks, Bruce Gustafson, sums it up nicely. "In the access point
business, prices have dropped to rock bottom and there's not a lot of margin for
anybody. And the standards are rigorous enough that there's not a lot of room
for innovation."
Nortel's strategy relies on its partnership with Symbol Technologies [NYSE: SBL]
for the actual access points. Nortel's interest is in tying Wi-Fi into carriers'
existing 2G and 3G systems. "Wireless LAN is just another broadband wireless
access technology to us," Gustafson says. "We make sure the hooks are in our
network to be able to plug that in at the edge and take advantage of all the
services that we're running deep in the network, ideally in such a way that the
user doesn't look like 100 different users, and you don't have to deal with 100
different logons as you move from place to place."
Applying inner-network service differentiation to Wi-Fi networks is crucial for
providers because not only are the access points something of a commodity, but
so is what they do. As long as Wi-Fi is the same fast wireless web browsing
service regardless of who runs the access point, carriers will be unable to
differentiate themselves from each other, or for that matter from free Wi-Fi.
That's key to understanding the vendor play. For example, Juniper's combination
of its E-series edge router platform and its SDX-300 Service Deployment System
as a solution for public Wi-Fi. One goal is to shift intelligence from the
hotspot level up to a more centralized level -- E-series routers instead of
dedicated CPU-based gateways at each hotspot in the network. But an equally
important goal is developing new services and harmonizing existing ones across
the new Wi-Fi platform. That's why Juniper also rolled out what it calls MINT,
the Model for Integrated Network Transformation. This is a model for building
services on a core IP network and then delivering them across different access
methods.
Juniper Dir. Of Product Marketing Mike Capuano cites examples like temporarily
upgrading to a "gaming quality" connection with higher upload speeds and lower
latency in order to participate in an online tournament, or buying a few minutes
of very high speed to download a large file in a hurry.
In general, the goal is to go beyond commodity bit transport, to avoid leaving
money on the table by offering one service priced to the lowest common
denominator. With rich packet processing, says Capuano, "you can rate limit the
recreational user and you can provide guaranteed bandwidth to the business user.
The service provider is leveraging the solution to meet the needs of the user
and the user's expectations."
Of course this vision is a far cry from the kind of thing Wi-Fi is being used
for today, or the directions other players want to take it. It's basically an
attempt to retrofit Wi-Fi onto a commercial carrier model since, unlike
carriers' own wireless data efforts, Wi-Fi has taken root in the market.
Carriers don't need to seed the ground with devices since they're already there.
But at the same time, Nortel's Gustafson sees Wi-Fi filling a necessary niche.
"Wireless LAN has its specific focus," he says. "It's high-bandwidth, it's
nomadic, it's focused clusters of individuals. The wide area has its focus,
which is real time synchronous applications, always-on ubiquitous coverage,
communication focused. I think those two worlds will coexist for the foreseeable
future."
And gluing them together under the umbrella of carrier infrastructure and back
office systems is where vendors see their own future.
>>Bruce Gustafson, Nortel, 905/863-0000; Mike Capuano, Juniper, 408/936- 6174<<
Key Planned Large-Scale Wi-Fi Deployments
United States:
* T-Mobile: Propietary nationwide network
* Cometa Networks: Wholesale nationwide network
* Footloose Networks: Wholesale nationwide network
* Affordable : Wi-Fi upgrade of Z-Mail Internet kiosks
United Kingdom
* BT - Nationwide "OpenZone" deployment
Canada:
* Bell Canada - Pilot in Toronto & Montreal
Australia:
* iPrimus - 500-hotspot network planned for Sydney
[Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.]
Broadband Business Report, Vol. 13, No. 3 [Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All
rights reserved.]
Copyright 2003 PBI Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
-0-
(Wall Street)
Nokia unveils new phones for American markets
RELATED SYMBOLS: (NOK)
HELSINKI, Finland, Feb 11, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Nokia Corp.
moved to beef up its product lineup in North and South America Tuesday,
unveiling three new phone models that it plans to begin selling later this year.
The new phones include a new color-screen model, as well as two basic phones for
Time Division Multiple Access networks, like those used by some American and
Latin American operators.
The TDMA market will be less crucial to phonemakers as traditional TDMA
operators, such as Cingular and AT&T Wireless Services Inc. build new networks
based on the GSM, or global system for wireless communications standard, that is
prevalent in Europe.
But TDMA is still an important standard in Latin America and the transition from
TDMA to GSM in the United States is moving more slowly than many observers had
expected.
"They have to continue to offer TDMA handsets to support their market share,"
Petri Arjama, an analyst at Handelsbanken Securities in Helsinki, said of Nokia.
"There are still a lot of U.S. customers, plus a lot of South American
customers.
Nokia said the color-screen model, which will work on GSM networks in the United
States, will go on sale in the spring. Known as the 3595, the phone will include
Java technology for downloadable games and support picture, or multimedia,
messaging.
Shipments of the new TDMA phones will begin in the second quarter, Nokia said.
Known as the 2220 and 2260, the phones will support text messaging and
electronic mail.
Arjama said the challenge for Nokia, if it wishes to increase its market share
in the U.S., remains to fill out its portfolio of phones for Code Division
Multiple Access operators there, such as Sprint Corp., preferably by adding
color-screen models.
Nokia has vowed to increase its worldwide share of the CDMA phone market this
year.
---
On the Net:
http://www.nokia.com
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
-0-
APO Priority=r
(PROFILE
(WS SL:BC-EU-FIN-COM--Nokia-New Phones; CT:f;
(REG:EURO;)
(REG:BRIT;)
(REG:SCAN;)
(REG:ENGL;)
(LANG:ENGLISH;))
)
KEYWORD: HELSINKI, Finland
(djn-mpm)
(Wall Street)
Ericsson serves layoff notices to 580 workers
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ERICD)
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb 11, 2003 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Wireless
equipment maker LM Ericsson issued formal layoff notices Tuesday to 580 workers
in its microelectronics unit, which was sold last summer.
The layoffs had been expected since last June when Ericsson announced the 300
million euro (US$320 million) deal with Germany's Infineon Technologies AG.
The plant in Kista, a suburb of Stockholm, makes chips for mobile phones and for
base stations for wireless networks.
Production continued after the sale, but is gradually being transferred to
Infineon's facilities around the world, Ericsson spokeswoman Aase Lindskog said.
The 580 employees were served notices Tuesday, but some would likely continue
working into next year, she said.
Infineon took 700 employees, as well as products, research and development and
manufacturing activities, in the deal.
Ericsson, which is struggling to return to profitability after two years of
losses, last week named a new chief executive. Carl-Henric Svanberg, the CEO of
international lock maker Assa Abloy, will replace retiring CEO Kurt Hellstroem
in April.
---
On the Net:
http://www.ericsson.com
Copyright 2003 Associated Press, All rights reserved
-0-
APO Priority=r
(PROFILE
(WS SL:BC-EU-FIN-COM--Sweden-Ericsson-Layoffs; CT:f;
(REG:EURO;)
(REG:BRIT;)
(REG:SCAN;)
(REG:ENGL;)
(LANG:ENGLISH;))
)
KEYWORD: STOCKHOLM, Sweden
(kr-mpm)
(Wall Street)
Navigation on Your Mobile Phone: Available Now! Tele Atlas and Wayfinder
GENT, Belgium, Feb 11, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tele Atlas and Wayfinder have
joined forces to provide the world's first powerful off-board, up-to-date
navigation solution. Based on Tele Atlas digital maps, it enables both in-car
and pedestrian navigation for mobile phones. The user enters the destination
using the phone's keypad, or calls the service provider, or logs onto his
personal navigation page on the Internet. It takes only a few seconds to
automatically download the route either over existing GSM/GPRS or future 3G
networks. Voice instructions, pictures and maps guide the user as he drives or
walks.
Not only is the interface extremely user-friendly but the system also works
throughout Europe and North America. A Nokia 60 Series phone (Models 7650 or
3650) and a Bluetooth-GPS antenna is all the equipment you need to run this
innovative application.
" Wayfinder(TM) combined with Tele Atlas maps is a very good example of the
powerful applications you can develop for the Nokia 60 Series phones. With this
product, both users and mobile operators can now take full advantage of
location-based services ", says Tapio Mansikkaniemi, Service enabler manager,
Nokia Mobile Phones.
The powerful Internet-based Wayfinder server software calculates thousands of
routes and searches per second. Accurate, complete, and up-to-date Tele Atlas
maps including points of interests such as hotels or restaurants as well as
company information and real-time traffic information are all stored on this
server.
Wayfinder Systems AB is a global provider of wireless navigation, mapping and
traffic information services and technologies for telecom operators, car
manufacturers, fleet management companies, Internet Service Providers and
information service providers. The Wayfinder Systems solutions are based on the
flexible and scalable server architecture that performs ultra-fast and optimal
searches, based on personal preferences, actual journey time and traffic
situation. The server platform also provides a comprehensive XML API for an easy
and seamless integration into other LBS systems and business applications. For
more information visit: www.wayfinder.biz.
Tele Atlas is the worldwide leader in the development of state-of-the-art
geographic databases. It has the largest portfolio of the most highly detailed
and positionally accurate digital maps of both Europe and North America,
covering around 343 million inhabitants in 18 European countries and providing
100% coverage of the whole of North America. Visit www.teleatlas.com for the
latest Tele Atlas products and services.
CONTACT: Thomas C. Knodt
Knodt PR
Phone: +49 201 10 98 96 6
Fax: +49 201 10 98 96 8
knodtpr@t-online.de
or
Bram Robichez
Tele Atlas Europe
Phone: +32 9 244 88 03
Fax: +32 9 222 74 12
bram.robichez@teleatlas.com
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KEYWORD: BELGIUM INTERNATIONAL EUROPE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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HARDWARE
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SOURCE:
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Atlas
N.V.
(Wall Street)
Nokia supplies EDGE networks to Colombia and Ecuador
RELATED SYMBOLS: (AMOV)
Feb 11, 2003 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- Finnish telecomms solutions
provider Nokia said today (11 February) that it had been chosen by the Latin
American wireless services provider America Movil S.A. de C.V. to supply its new
EDGE networks in Colombia and Ecuador.
Nokia said that the deal would allow America Movil to introduce GSM voice and
GPRS/EDGE 3G (third generation) data services to Colombia and Ecuador.
Under the contract Nokia would supply its end-to-end GSM/GPRS/EDGE solution for
800 MHz mobile service, including core network, radio access and related
services, and the Nokia UltraSite GSM/EDGE base stations, the Nokia
circuit-switched core network, Nokia GPRS packet-core network and the Nokia
NetAct operations support systems (OSS) solution.
The networks would be operated by America Movil's subsidiaries Comcel and Occel
in Colombia and Comcel in Ecuador.
No financial information was provided.
(C)1998-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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(Wall Street)
over 370,000 traded in 1 hour.eom
Ericsson unveils personal video telephony solution
RELATED SYMBOLS: (ERICD)
Feb 11, 2003 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- Swedish telecomms solutions
provider Ericsson announced today (11 February) a solution for personal video
telephony working end-to-end on a fully integrated dual-mode WCDMA/GSM platform.
Ericsson said that it would demonstrate full video functionality and
interoperability with pre-commercial phones using platforms from Ericsson Mobile
Platforms during the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France.
No financial information was provided.
(C)1998-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
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(Wall Street)
volume 200,000 it's not even 10am.
InterDigital will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 11, at 10:00 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2002 operating
results and its outlook for the future. For listen-only access to the conference
call within the U.S. please dial (877) 505-0448 by 9:50 a.m. Eastern Standard
Time on February 11 and ask the operator for the InterDigital Fourth Quarter
Financial Call.
Participants calling from outside the U. S. should dial (706) 679-3165.
InterDigital also will provide live access to the call on its web site at:
www.interdigital.com. The Company encourages participants to take advantage of
the Internet option if possible. For the live Internet broadcast, click on the
microphone icon next to "Live Web Cast" on the Home Page and you will link to
the web cast.