Paris, August 6, 2003 – Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), the world's fastest growing GSM/GPRS/EDGE supplier, and WaterCove Networks, a leading provider of next-generation mobile data systems, today announced they have entered into a strategic OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partnership agreement. The WaterCove Mobile Data Service System (MDSS) complements Alcatel's expanded packet data capabilities for 2.5G and 3G network solutions. It provides mobile operators with enhanced solutions for mobile packet core networks, enabling them to leverage and extend the value of their GPRS and 3G/UMTS networks.
Bringing the Internet to end-users on all their devices, GPRS and 3G/UMTS mobile networks can generate more revenue from content delivery thus increasing mobile operators’ ARPU (Average Revenue Per User). In order to answer mobile operators’ business needs, Alcatel has integrated a total Core Network solution making the link between the Radio Network Infrastructure and the Internet. It is based on an optimal selection of components, including the Charging Gateway (CG), a component that allows mobile operators to flexibly charge for a wide range of mobile services.
The addition of the WaterCove MDSS to the Alcatel product portfolio provides an extended charging solution for operators and allows them to profitably offer a larger suite of high margin GPRS data services including mobile email, Internet access or multimedia messaging (MMS). This agreement reinforces Alcatel’s strong position in supplying state-of-the-art solutions in all areas of network operation, and emphasizes the Openness strategy of Alcatel. This strategy not only means compliance to all standards and multi-vendor interoperability, but also means being technologically agnostic and ready to integrate very different technologies for the best advantage of the market.
"This agreement with WaterCove allows us to add cutting edge service capabilities to our existing mobile data infrastructure and service offerings," declared Marc Rouanne, COO of Alcatel's Mobile Communications Group. "Such an agreement perfectly fits our strategy based on the integration of key partners along the entire mobile value chain to foster the timely availability of end-to-end revenue-generating solutions for operators."
"The OEM agreement with Alcatel provides mobile operators with a state-of-the-art solution that couples the advanced charging capabilities of WaterCove's MDSS with Alcatel’s industry leading NGN and global support capabilities," added Peter Lojko, President and CEO of WaterCove. “WaterCove is delighted to partner with Alcatel because we believe that together we can effectively meet the emerging needs of mobile carriers in the most flexible manner".
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About Alcatel
Alcatel provides end-to-end communications solutions, enabling carriers, service providers and enterprises to deliver content to any type of user, anywhere in the world. Leveraging its long-term leadership in telecommunications network equipment as well as its expertise in applications and network services, Alcatel enables its customers to focus on optimizing their service offerings and revenue streams. With sales of EURO 16.5 billion in 2002, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com
About WaterCove Networks
WaterCove Networks is fueling growth in wireless by supplying the advanced networking equipment required to deliver innovative, always-on data services in 2.5G and 3G wireless environments. The company's award-winning Mobile Data Service System, currently deployed by world-leading mobile operators, provides network operators with the complete foundation needed to create, deliver and monetize high-value data services for immediate revenue generation, reduced churn and long-term subscriber growth. Founded in 2000 and privately held, WaterCove Networks is led by an A-team of successful telco- and mobile-focused entrepreneurs with tenures from Ericsson, Nortel, Cisco, Excel Switching, Motorola and 3COM. The company's established network of customers, partners and key relationships include Orange S.A., Orange UK, Vodafone-Netherlands, Syntrack B.V., Telcordia Technologies, Ulticom Inc., eServGlobal and Funk Software. Additional information about WaterCove Networks can be found at www.watercove.com.
WaterCove is a trademark of WaterCove Networks Corporation. All other product or corporate references may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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Press Contact Alcatel
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