mobilkom austriaSelects Azaire Networks and Kapsch CarrierCom AG for Integrated Wi-Fi/Cellular Service
Azaire's Converged Network Platform Enables Seamless Service Access, Kapsch to Provide Implementation and Support Services
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and VIENNA, Austria, February 13, 2004 - mobilkom austria, the country's leading mobile operator, announced today it has chosen Azaire Networks and Kapsch CarrierCom to provide mobilkom austria with the industry's first fully integrated Wi-Fi/Cellular platform. Azaire's Converged Network Platform will enable mobilkom austria users to have seamless service access across multiple technologies including GPRS, UMTS and Wi-Fi. Kapsch, the leading system innovator in the implementation and servicing of network operator systems, will install the Platform and provide support services.
Azaire's Converged Network Platform solution will provide mobilkom austria with a fully integrated WLAN solution that leverages mobilkom austria's GPRS and UMTS core network investments of subscriber management, traffic management, IP services, customer care systems and billing systems.
mobilkom austria will be able to provide its subscribers with multiple methods for authentication and authorization including SIM, SMS and credit card as well as integrated accounting and billing. Users/subscribers can now have access to their information regardless of technologies (GPRS, GSM, Wi-Fi and UMTS), all through their existing mobilkom austria accounts. mobilkom austria is the first European mobile network operator to launch commercially a fully integrated Wi-Fi/Cellular service. One of the first installations of mobilkom austria's new service is at McDonald's restaurant locations throughout Austria.
"After a careful analysis of all competitive offerings, we chose Azaire's Converged Network Platform for the unique advantages it provides fixed and mobile operators such as mobilkom austria, including its comprehensive feature set, ease of use for subscribers and fast, non-intrusive deployment into our existing network," said Hannes Ametsreiter, Chief Marketing Officer of mobilkom austria. "We selected Kapsch as the implementer of Azaire's solution based on their reputation as a system innovator and their success in other projects with mobilkom austria."
mobilkom austria's deployment of Azaire's Converged Network Platform will enable the company to leverage its existing 2.5/3G core network investment, immediately offer a full set of services to its customers as well as quickly make available new services as they are developed," said Bill Howe, chief executive officer of Azaire Networks. "Kapsch's expertise in implementation and leadership as a technology and solutions innovator will help ensure the Azaire/Kapsch combination is the best solution for mobilkom austria."
"As system innovator we always try to provide the best and most future oriented solution for our customer. With Azaire`s Converged Network Platform we are convinced to deliver the solution that fulfills mobilkom austria`s needs", said Richard Neussl, Key Account Manager, Kapsch CarrierCom.
CNP to Help mobilkom austria Offer New Services
As the first integrated Wi-Fi/Cellular platform, Azaire's Converged Network Platform will help mobilkom austria increase revenues by enabling new service offerings and reducing costs, thus attracting new customers and reducing customer churn. The Platform is implemented in operators' networks non-intrusively, seamlessly and with minimal operator intervention.
About mobilkom austria
mobilkom austria was founded in 1996, and since then has remained Telekom Austria Group's most successful venture.
In the third quarter of 2003, mobilkom austria group counted more than 4.6 million customers and 3.655 employees - bringing in revenue of 537.1 million EUR. In the third quarter of 2003 the group also saw an EBITDA increase to 208.0 million EUR.
mobilkom austria has passed another milestone - Europe`s first national UMTS network was launched on September 25, 2002 and the customer launch of the third generation started on April 25, 2003.
These numbers are due to the large number of high-value clients (business clients), who appreciate the innovative, high quality products offered by mobilkom austria, the leader in innovations and technology on the market.
Despite the tough competition in the Austrian mobile communications market, with its 43.9 % market-share of the third quarter of 2003, the company has continued to grow in number of clients, turnover and employees.
About Kapsch CarrierCom AG:
Kapsch CarrierCom AG is part of the Kapsch Group and is the system innovator for communication technology solutions for operators of fixed, mobile and data networks. The company's know-how covers optical transmission equipment, radio relay systems, voice switching systems, converged GSM/GPRS/UMTS/WLAN mobile networks and data equipment for ATM, frame relay and IP. In addition to services and applications for next-generation networks and innovative OSS/BSS solutions, Kapsch CarrierCom covers the entire value added chain from consultation, design, development, installation and integration to the maintenance and operation of complete networks.
About Azaire Networks
Azaire Networks enables network operators to integrate Wi-Fi into their existing voice and data service offerings, helping these companies achieve true converged services. The company's unique Converged Network Platform (CNP) enables operators to provide seamless data access, giving end users a common look and feel regardless of access technology (GPRS, Wi-Fi, DSL, UMTS, etc.); access control through multiple authentication and authorization services; and accounting services that allow operators to provide users one bill for their voice, data and other services. The company is based in Santa Clara, California with an office in the Netherlands.
Contact:
Tim Johnson, for Azaire Networks
Tel.: +1 415.397.7600
E-Mail: tjohnson@stearnsjohnson.com
Ursula Novotny for mobilkom Austria
Tel.: +43-1-331-61- 2740
E-Mail: u.novotny@mobilkom.at
Hans-Georg Mayer for Kapsch CarrierCom AG
Tel.: +43(0)50811-3664
E-Mail: hans-georg.mayer@kapsch.net