Mobile business driver Siemens Information and Communication Group (Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd), announced today it has been awarded a 1 million Euro (approximately R10 million) contract to supply South Africa's leading mobile service provider, Vodacom, with the infrastructure and applications for its new multimedia messaging services (MMS). The move will see Vodacom become the first provider of MMS services in South Africa.
In terms of the contract, Siemens is required to integrate MMS technology and applications of Openwave Systems in Vodacom's GSM and GPRS mobile network. Openwave Systems is a global leader in the provision of open, IP-based communication infrastructure software and applications.
With the arrival of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in South Africa, mobile networks are expected to move beyond pure voice to the delivery of mobile data services. Using Photomail technology, Vodacom says the new applications will see inexpensive GPRS-enabled mobile phones provided with high-quality colour graphic displays that deliver applications people are prepared to pay for.
Pete da Silva, the Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Telecommunications, said: "Siemens is extremely proud to be involved in the roll out of key applications such as MMS. We believe this will bring immense growth to the mobile telephony market in South Africa. We expect a healthy revenue boost for mobile service providers and in the longer term significant spin-offs for other industry players and potential markets, such as Africa.''
Siemens Information and Communications Group is at the cutting edge of the new mobile business era, providing a full end-to-end solution through applications evolving at the core of the convergence between the Internet, mobility and e-business.
Vodacom CEO, Alan Knott Craig, said: "Photo messaging has already taken off in Japan, where it is referred to as Shamail, which translates to photomail in English. "We expect millions of photomails to be sent in SA over the Christmas period," he said.
"Photo messaging is the killer service that will see the success of MMS, running off GPRS. While MMS delivers so much more than SMS, photo messaging makes it even easier and more fun," said Openwave Senior Vice President, Mike Mulica.
"Openwave's open and flexible IP messaging architecture, with exclusive event triggers, allows for the integration also of a comprehensive pre-paid and post-paid billing solution beyond a point application, but across the complete range of messaging and mobile service offerings,'' Mulica said.
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Siemens Information and Communications Group (Siemens Telecommunications Pty Ltd) in South Africa is a leading provider of voice and data networks with a comprehensive portfolio of IP-based products and solutions for enterprises, carriers and service providers. It is an integral part of the Information and Communications business segment of Siemens AG, which also comprises Information and Communication Mobile and Siemens Business Services. The I and C Group is divided into Carrier and Fixed Networks - including Enterprise Networks - which focus on providing customised solutions, including the integration of products, systems and technology, to suit both business and individual needs. With a strong foundation in the mobile networks arena, which includes established GSM infrastructure, products, solutions and services for the Next Generation Internet, and electronic business solutions, Siemens provides the full spectrum of mobile business solutions, allowing users to communicate and be connected to information and services any time and any place.
To view Siemens mobile data products and applications, go to www.mobilebusiness.co.za or link on to the site through the Siemens website at www.siemens.co.za
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