Leading companies in telecommunications agree that Multimedia Messaging Service
will build on the success of SMS services
(June 18, 2001)
In a unique initiative CMG, Comverse, Ericsson, Logica, Motorola, Nokia and Siemens
unveil a common vision for Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). The objective is
to raise overall awareness of MMS and to ensure consistent market development into
an open global market.
MMS is driven by active individuals creating content and sharing experiences through
multiform communication that combines new forms of rich content, such as audio and
video clips, photographs and images with text messaging. MMS adds new functionality
and new content types in small steps that consumers will readily understand and
enjoy. This will lead to rapid adoption and penetration of the service.
Each of the companies believes MMS will be a key mass-market service for mobile
operators, content providers, application developers and advertisers alike. Owing
to the rapid uptake of messaging services by various market segments, the concept
of MMS is appealing for all users. In addition to MMS being a key person to person
service, it is also a bearer for media content and other applications.
SMS services have been the fastest growing mobile data services with notable impact
to operator's revenue and profit. According to the GSM Association, the worldwide
SMS traffic amounted to 15 billion messages in December 2000. MMS will offer a natural
and successful evolution of the SMS business model, generating new revenue streams
from existing customer base and attracting new customers. Messaging in the form
of MMS will lead the way to profit in 2.5/3G just like SMS has done in 2G.
MMS is a 3GPP and WAP Forum standardised service that can interoperate with existing
mobile SMS devices and other messaging applications. MMS can be seamlessly integrated
into existing services and brought directly to a large customer base. By planning
the MMS implementation today, the early movers will be well positioned to take advantage
of 2.5/3G technologies and applications.
About CMG Wireless Data Solutions
CMG Wireless Data Solutions is the leading global supplier of messaging and Internet
and Customer Care & Billing solutions for the wireless industry. CMG develops high-end
solutions in close co-operation with its partners. To date, more than 150 of these
quality solutions have been delivered to over 75 operators world-wide. They are
widely recognised to be the best around, combining minimum operator intervention
with maximum performance and availability.
The solutions portfolio includes solutions based on the Wireless Service BrokerTM,
Mobile E-mail, Short Message Service Centre, Cell Broadcast System and EPPIX (Customer
Care & Billing System).
CMG Wireless Data Solutions is a division of CMG plc (www.cmg.com), CMG was established
in 1964 and currently employs around 13,000 employees. The Group is listed on the
London and Amsterdam stock exchanges.
Further information:
Renate van Berchum
Tel: +31 30 210 3333
Fax: +31 30 210 3431
E-mail: press.telecom@cmg.com
www.cmg-wireless.com
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 with over 360 customers, in more than 100 countries. Comverse provides
a wide range of solutions enabling multimedia messaging, multi-protocol mobile Internet
platforms, wireless data and short messaging services, speech-controlled portal,
wireless prepaid services, interactive voice response and other personal communications
services. Other Comverse Technology business units include: Comverse Infosys which
provides multiple channel, multimedia digital recording, logging, and quality monitoring
systems marketed to contact centers, and law enforcement agencies; and Ulticom,
a leading provider of network signaling software for wireless, wireline, and Internet
communications services. Comverse Technology is an S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Index
company. For additional information, visit the Comverse web site at www.comverse.com.
Further information:
Tania Amar, Comverse
Tel: +972 3 765 5298
Email: Tania.Amar@comverse.com
About Ericsson
Ericsson is shaping the future of Mobile and Broadband Internet communications through
its continuous technology leadership. Providing innovative solutions in more than
140 countries, Ericsson is helping to create the most powerful communication companies
in the world.
Read more at www.ericsson.com/press
Further information:
Fredrik Öijer, Strategic Product manager
+46 46 193690
Peter Bodor, Public Relations manager
+46 8 4042423
About Logica
Logica is a leading global solutions company providing management and IT consultancy,
systems integration, products, services and support. Logica's clients operate across
diverse markets including telecoms, financial services, energy and utilities, industry,
distribution and transport and the public sector. The company has over 11,000 staff
in 28 countries worldwide. Founded in 1969, Logica is listed on the London Stock
Exchange where it is part of the FTSE100 index of the largest UK listed companies.
About Logica in messaging
Logica is the leading supplier of messaging systems to over 100 of the world's top
operators; these systems serve over 150m active subscribers. Logica's market leading
position will be further enhanced by the imminent deployment of the world's first
'live' 3G messaging systems; in addition Logica is fast becoming a market leader
in the emerging world of multi-media messaging services.
Further information:
Jennifer Peters, Logica
Tel: +44 (0) 207 446 4615
Mobile: +44 (0) 7946 603 069
Email: mailto:petersj@logica.com
Web Page www.logica.com
Web news service www.newsdesk.com
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing integratedcommunication
solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000were $37.6 billion. MOTOROLA,
the stylized Motorola logo and all other trademarks indicated as such herein, are
trademarks of Motorola, Inc. ® Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. © 2001 Motorola,
Inc. More company information is available at www.motorola.com
Further information:
Motorola (www.motorola.com)
Patrick Hamilton
Motorola (Europe)
Tel: +44 7715 175 043
patrick.hamilton@motorola.com
David Rudd
Motorola (USA)
Tel: +1 847 576 7089
david.rudd@motorola.com
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation,
user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier
of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding
mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further
enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings
on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Nokia Mobile Phones
Communications
Tel: +358 7180 08000
Nokia Networks
Communications
Tel. + 358 7180 38195
www.nokia.com
About Siemens
The Siemens Information and Communication Mobile Group (IC Mobile) offers the complete
range of mobile solutions including mobile devices, infrastructure and applications.
Devices include mobile phones, wireless modules, mobile organizers and cordless
phones as well as products for wireless home networks. The infrastructure portfolio
includes the complete range of GSM, GPRS and UMTS mobile network technologies from
base stations and switching systems to intelligent networks, e.g. for prepaid services.
Applications cover mobile services for Unified Messaging, Location Based Services,
and Mobile Payment. For the fiscal year 2000 (which ended September 30, 2000), IC
Mobile recorded sales of EUR 9 billion and EBIT of EUR 758 million. The group employs
29,840 employees worldwide. (March 31, 2001).
You can access further information about Siemens IC Mobile on the Internet at:www.siemens.de/mobile
Further information:
Press Office
Information and Communication Mobile
Mobile Phones
Yasmin Adeili
D-81667 Munich
Tel.: +49-89 722-28705; Fax: -45157
E-mail: yasmin.adeili@mch.siemens.de