Nokia to license WAP 1.2 compliant browser as source code

(August 21, 2000)

Nokia WAP Browser enables customers to offer customized user interface and integrate value added functionality

In an effort to speed the deployment of standards-based, wireless Internet solutions, Nokia today announced the availability of the Nokia WAP Browser 2.0, compliant with the WAP 1.2 specification. Unlike other major WAP browsers, the Nokia browser will be made available to mobile phone and other device manufacturers as source code, giving the manufacturer significantly more control over the software and their development costs.

The current release of the browser is WAP 1.2 compliant with support for WML 1.2, WML Script, and supports Push functionality. Because the browser is shipped as source code, it will be possible for manufacturers and wireless carriers to manage the user interface and to develop the functionality of the product to meet their specific market needs.

A number of different licensing arrangements are available, including a royalty free option.

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 “smart phone” and the Nokia 9110i Communicator platforms.

To speed up the overall success of the industry, developing wireless Internet or WAP software should be easy and cost-effective," said Pertti Lounamaa, vice president, Nokia Internet Communications. "This is another step that Nokia is taking to eliminate barriers by providing high-quality, low-cost, and most importantly, flexible software solutions.”

By providing WAP 1.2 source code, Nokia gives customers the essential WAP 1.2 baseline functionality and then enables them to add extensions or modifications as needed. For example, a wireless carrier could create a distinct user interface for the browser and then make it available to all of its phone suppliers. Additionally handset or PDA manufacturers could add new features to their product such as synchronization or instant messaging, and they would be able to integrate those features securely with the core browser.

"Compelling applications are central to both the success of WAP and to Nokia's vision of the Mobile Information Society. In the wireless Internet world, the browser is the application environment," continued Lounamaa. "We recognize the value our customers place on providing a pleasant user experience in that environment, and it is our mission to give our customers the tools they need to create those applications.

About WAP
WAP is an open global standard for communication between a mobile handset and the Internet or other computer application. WAP-based technology enables the design of advanced, interactive and real-time mobile services, such as mobile banking or Internet-based news services, which can be used in digital mobile phones or other mobile devices. The WAP specification allows solutions from multiple suppliers to perform consistently and reliably for the end-user across digital networks. For more WAP information visit: www.wapforum.org.

About Nokia
Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 60 000 people.