Symbian licenses Nokia WAP browser technology
(November 06, 2000)
Symbian, the leading supplier of next generation mobile phone software, today announced
that it has licensed Nokia's WAP browser technology for commercial use. Symbian
will include Nokia browser technology with its already popular mobile phone software
platform.
The Symbian platform provides an operating system, system layer, application engines
and user interfaces that are designed for a wide range of Smartphones and Communicators.
Incorporating leading technologies such as Java, Bluetooth and WAP, Symbian has
already licensed its platform to industry leaders such as Ericsson, Matsushita,
Motorola, Nokia, Philips, Psion, Sanyo and Sony.
The current release of the Nokia browser is WAP compliant with support for WML 1.2,
WML Script, and supports Push functionality.
"A key element of the Symbian platform is the flexibility it brings to mobile phone
manufacturers," said Jeremy Copp, VP Business Relationships of Symbian. "Adding
Nokia WAP Browser technology brings new functionality to our offering while maintaining
the flexibility that is so essential to our customers."
The Nokia WAP Browser is based on the software that Nokia has deployed in the world’s
first WAP compliant handsets, the Nokia 7100 Series media phone and the Nokia 9110i
Communicator platforms.
"Nokia is a strong supporter of the Symbian platform," said Pertti Lounamaa, vice
president, Nokia Internet Communications. "This is a way for us to add value to
that platform and continue to encourage WAP compliant technology throughout the
industry.”
The Nokia WAP Browser is licensed to Symbian as source code, which enhances Symbian's
and its licensees' opportunities for customization and interoperability improvements.
Handset and PDA manufacturers can, for example, add new features to their products
and securely integrate them with the WAP browser.
About Symbian
Symbian owns, develops and licenses a software platform for next generation mobile
phones. Owned by Ericsson, Matsushita (Panasonic), Motorola, Nokia and Psion, Symbian’s
mission is to license the Symbian platform to all mobile phone manufacturers and
to create a mass market for next generation mobile phones by working closely with
wireless networks, content, messaging and enterprise wide solution providers.
Symbian is holding a Developer Expo, focusing on version 6 of its platform, in central
London, November 6th-7th. Sponsored by BrainDock, Nokia and Sun Microsystems, attendees
can hear keynotes from Colly Myers, CEO Symbian, Hans Snook, CEO Orange and Charles
Dunstone, CEO Carphone Warehouse as well as workshops, demos and presentations from
other partners. For more information see www.symbian.com/devexpo
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation,
user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier
of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding
mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further
enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is one of the most broadly held companies
in the world with listings on six major exchanges.