ORLANDO, Fla. – Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT] and Research In Motion (RIM) [Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM] announced a joint initiative aimed at delivering secure, full-featured, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-enabled business communications over wireless local area networks (LAN).
As a first step, the companies are focusing on providing interoperability and integration between RIM's BlackBerry® enterprise platform and Nortel's Multimedia Communications Server (MCS) 5100, a critical component of Nortel's enterprise IP multimedia solution. This collaboration will bring unique synergies for enterprise customers by joining Nortel's industry-leading networking and multimedia capabilities and RIM's expertise in wireless enterprise solutions.
By integrating these systems, enterprise customers will be able to use the new BlackBerry 7270™ to securely and reliably access IP telephony, corporate e-mail and other business applications via the wireless LAN.
Nortel and RIM are demonstrating a preview of the technology at VoiceCON in Orlando this week (Nortel booth #401).
"In addition to supporting the traditional mobile user that requires wide-area connectivity on a national or international basis, many customers are looking for similar types of business solutions for their on-campus employees so that productivity benefits can be extended throughout the entire company. BlackBerry integration with Nortel's telephony network products will help enterprise customers achieve that goal in a powerful and cost-effective manner," said Larry Conlee, chief operating officer at Research In Motion.
"Together, Nortel and RIM plan to take mobile communications to an entirely new level. Both companies have embraced wireless standards and SIP in the development of enterprise solutions, paving the way for the integration of our technologies and vision. Today's announcement of our efforts to mobilize on-campus workers with profoundly powerful communications is an important first step that will bring enhanced business capabilities to customers," said Malcolm Collins, president, Enterprise Networks, Nortel.
"We look forward to building on this momentum with further initiatives to enhance the human experience by providing a consistent end-user experience regardless of location," Collins said.
Nortel's MCS 5100 enables businesses to augment existing voice and data infrastructures with advanced IP-based capabilities and deliver a wide range of applications including voice, call management, collaboration tools and personalization services. Enterprise MCS users will be able to securely take their communications suite including telephony, e-mail, organizer, browser, company directory and more with them as they roam their company's facilities. Nortel plans to extend the powerful Presence and Instant Messaging capabilities of MCS across a wide range of Blackberry handhelds, including the WLAN based 7270.
The BlackBerry 7270 works in conjunction with BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 and BlackBerry Mobile Data Service, providing secure, push-based integration with Microsoft® Exchange and IBM Lotus® Domino™ as well as a robust wireless application platform for ISV's and developers. The BlackBerry 7270 will operate on 802.11b networks and incorporates voice and data capabilities. The BlackBerry 7270 supports IP telephony that essentially extends desktop phone functionality to a BlackBerry wireless handheld, allowing the user to place and receive calls on the go. It utilizes SIP-based call control to deliver standards-based interoperability with corporate telephony equipment.
Nortel's mobility solutions are based on open, industry standards. They enable communications of all types, supporting IP multimedia, including video conferencing, data, Internet access, traditional, cellular and wireless local network-enabled voice and streaming applications. Nortel has made secure, mobile connectivity available to hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
BlackBerry is a leading wireless enterprise platform, providing secure, push-based access to a wide range of applications on a variety of wireless devices and networks around the world. The BlackBerry solution for WLAN networks is designed to support many different industries and environments including manufacturing, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare.
Nortel and RIM have entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) documenting this important step in the companies' relationship. The MOU is expected to be replaced in the near term with a more detailed definitive agreement.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, Research In Motion provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. Research In Motion technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. Research In Motion's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the Research In Motion Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, Research In Motion operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Research In Motion is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Nortel
Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Serving both service provider and enterprise customers, Nortel delivers innovative technology solutions encompassing end-to-end broadband, Voice over IP, multimedia services and applications, and wireless broadband designed to help people solve the world's greatest challenges. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news.
-end-
*Nortel, the Nortel logo and the Globemark are trademarks of Nortel Networks.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
For further information:
Stefan de Krijger
Pleon bv
Tel.: +31 (0)20 487 40 00
Email: stefan.dekrijger@pleon.com