Motorola announces new phones, Net alliances and web sites
Hannover, Feb 24 - Motorola (NYSE: MOT) is putting the WOW into WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) today by announcing the extension of its WAP-enabled phone portfolio to 6 models -- including the world's first GSM tri-band GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) WAP enabled phone -- personalised brand companion websites and a series of content partnerships.
This is part of its strategy to deliver a world without wires, putting the Internet in your pocket. These announcements span Motorola's three core consumer brands, Talkabout(TM), Timeport(TM) and V. series(TM). This significant extension of Motorola's portfolio reflects the huge market potential of WAP -- Motorola predicts that more than half of all Internet connections will come from wireless devices by 2003 meaning big business for WAP and GPRS.
Fred Kuznik, President EMEA said: "This is a very strategic development for Motorola; the next generation of communications is here. Through our WAP-enabled phone portfolio, consumers will be able to access both voice and data-led information anytime, anyplace, anywhere. The announcement of the GSM tri-band GRPS WAP-enabled phone demonstrates our commitment to the evolution of a high-speed permanent Internet in the palm of your hand." Motorola tailors the Internet in your pocket with its own companion websites... As part of its strategy to deliver the pocket Internet, Motorola is developing tailored companion websites for each of its core brands.
The first to be launched is MyTimeport.com(TM) which will allow users to access stored information, emails, Internet sites and invaluable information, including global news and share trading, wherever in the world their business takes them.
In an industry where content is king, Motorola is announcing alliances with major Internet content providers including Amazon.co.uk, Digital Bridges and Sports.com to provide consumers with easy access to their favourite websites through their WAP-enabled phones. This is part of Motorola's Web W/O Wires programme, internet sites to become WAP enabled. Rick Darnaby, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Motorola's Personal Communications Sector EMEA, commented: "Motorola is perfectly placed to deliver the same level of internet experience beyond the desktop, whether it is in the pocket, at home or in the car.
Showing six WAP-enabled phones at CeBIT, offering personalised companion websites and alliances with key Internet players, Motorola demonstrates real evidence that the web without wires is here to stay." Motorola's Overall Strategy Today's announcements are part of Motorola's strategy to deliver a future that combines mobility with the Internet, wireless and broadband delivery. Broadband delivery is central to delivering converged communications services.
Since it's merger (January 2000) with General Instrument formed the Broadband Communications Sector, Motorola has been developing leading edge technologies for converged services in the home. This includes a full range of integrated and interactive broadband access solutions to the home along with "home hubs" to handle high-speed Internet access and video entertainment, and carrier-quality voice services. Fred Kuznik commented: "Motorola is in an advantageous position of being a major supplier across all these fields offering both communications and embedded solutions. These are the company's core strengths allowing us to link people's dreams with technology's promise"