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Intuwave: Survey highlights the 3G 'myth' that is holding back business


Feb 06, 2003 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- The majority of UK corporate
telecommunications infrastructure managers are intent on delaying deployment of
mobile data applications until 3G networks are fully established, according to
survey findings released today by Intuwave, a leading developer of mobile
middleware software and services.

Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of those polled felt that the lack of
next-generation networks was either a `significant` or` very significant`
deterrent in deploying smartphones as business tools. This is despite the
current widespread roll-out of 2.5G technology that has many of the advantages
claimed for 3G but is available `right here, right now`, according to Intuwave.

Intuwave called on all elements of the industry to unite in the education of the
business community as to the features and effectiveness of existing network
technologies in order to prevent further delaying the growth of mobile data and
stymieing its positive effect on economic growth.

Andew Wyatt, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Intuwave, said, "The myth
that serious deployment of mobile data solutions must wait for 3G is clearly
well-established. This belief, combined with ongoing delays in 3G network
deployment, is a recipe for an industry that at best treads water and at worst
declines - with a direct impact on the UK`s global competitiveness.

"Today`s 2.5G networks - based on GPRS - are largely complete and already
provide the features associated with 3G - `always-on` connectivity, higher
bandwidth rates and compelling billing models. This makes the opportunity for
serious business use of mobile applications a reality - today. We - as an
industry - must do more to make sure this is properly understood and ensure that
UK plc benefits."

The survey was conducted on behalf of Intuwave in December 2002 by research
specialists Vanson Bourne who interviewed 100 IT managers in companies with
turnovers in excess of GBP100 million, with half of all respondents having
turnovers in excess of GBP250 million.

Wyatt continued, "The eventual arrival of 3G will not be like European Monetary
Union, when people went to bed on January 31st using existing national
currencies and woke up the next day using Euros: 2G, 2.5G and 3G technologies
will co-exist for many years. GPRS can bring benefits immediately but can also
provide an ideal testbed for mobile solutions, even if large-scale rollout waits
for 3G. Those companies that simply wait for 3G to appear before implementing
mobile strategies will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. The time
to act is now."

"IT managers are well aware just how complex wireless technologies still are and
this is obviously a source of trepidation," said Jessica Figueras, senior
e-Infrastructure analyst at Ovum. "And no one should make a decision to invest
in wireless-enablement on the believed strengths of a particular technology
alone. It ultimately comes down to the business case."

About Intuwave

Intuwave is a leading developer of middleware software and services that enables
the rapid creation and deployment of applications for smartphones.

Intuwave`s m-Network is an application framework that allows the building of
applications which realise the benefits of a XML service based architecture in a
pervasive environment, and exploits the benefits of the new rich, mobile devices
and packet-data wireless networks.

Further information is available at www.intuwave.com.

Notes to editor

The survey was conducted for Intuwave by market research firm Vanson Bourne Ltd.
The survey results were based on 100 telephone interviews with IT managers
evenly employed across Manufacturing, Retail/Distribution/Transport (RDT),
Finance and Other Commercial (Business Services, Telecoms, Utilities and
Construction) companies based in the UK.

CONTACT: Vicki Cook, Brodeur Worldwide Tel: [phone] e-mail:
[e-mail] Lena Ahmed, Brodeur Worldwide Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

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