Sybase, Inc (NYSE: SY), a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and mobile software, today announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Cable&Wireless giving Sybase exclusive worldwide rights to market and sell mobile data roaming services.
Sybase also announced that it has acquired the Cable&Wireless international inter-operator MMS Hubbing service.
"Messaging is the convergent platform for enterprise applications and a core part of our Unwired Enterprise strategy. Now, enterprises will be able to offer their customers access to all types of information anytime, anywhere, across any carrier network through a single platform only offered by Sybase," said John Chen, chairman, CEO, and president of Sybase.
The MMS Hub and the management of the Mobile Data Roaming Service will be integrated into Sybase 365, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sybase, Inc led by Marty Beard, president.
"This agreement solidifies Sybase's current and future leadership in global messaging reach for SMS, MMS and Data Roaming Services (GRX)," said Marty Beard. "We now have the strategic ability to adapt and grow services as the mobile ecosystem migrates to an increasingly multimedia/IP-based infrastructure. This is part of our continued commitment to add value to our operator and enterprise customers."
Impact of the agreement:
* Sybase becomes the world's largest GRX provider with 73 direct operator customers. Coupled with 17 peering agreements, the GRX reach extends to almost 500 mobile operators.
* Sybase becomes the world's largest international MMS interoperability provider with direct peering agreements with 40 customers and reach to over 250 mobile operators.
* Integration of Sybase's person-to-person (P2P), high volume US-based MMS Hub with the newly acquired Cable&Wireless Hub creates a new geographically diverse MMS ecosystem enabling truly global exchange of MMS messages.
* Enables Sybase's international operator customers to reach the high-value, high-traffic North American MMS marketplace and Sybase's existing North American operator customers to reach over 250 operators worldwide.
* The amount of the all-cash transaction is undisclosed, and the transaction is not expected to have a material impact on 2008 consolidated results.
Watch the interview with Sybase 365 president, Marty Beard www.sybase.com/martybeardinterview
Notes to editors: 1. Sybase becomes world's largest GRX provider based on number of mobile subscribers who will be able to access GRX mobile services.
2. Sybase becomes world's largest international MMS provider in terms of traffic volumes.
3. A GRX (GPRS Roaming Exchange) network is a centralised IP routing network for mobile operators that enables their subscribers to roam across multiple operators and still access their home network data services (such as wireless email, WAP browsing, MMS, SMS, etc).
4. An IPX enables mobile operators to offer high-value 3G (and 4G) services such as VOIP, video streaming, and video sharing within specified services levels, that can span multiple operators. The IPX ecosystem can also be viewed as a network, separate from the public Internet, that enables managed QoS to support both next-generation broadcast and point-to-point services.
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Sybase is the largest global enterprise software company exclusively focused on managing and mobilising information from the data centre to the point of action. Sybase provides open, cross-platform solutions that securely deliver information anytime, anywhere, enabling customers to create an information edge. The world's most critical data in commerce, finance, government, healthcare, and defense runs on Sybase. For more information, visit the Sybase Web site at http://www.sybase.com.
Sybase 365
Sybase 365, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc (NYSE: SY), is the global leader in mobile messaging interoperability, the delivery and settlement of SMS and MMS content, mobile commerce and enterprise-class messaging services. Processing more than 100 billion messages per year, Sybase 365 reaches more than 700 mobile operators and 2.4 billion subscribers around the world. For more information, visit www.sybase.com/365.
Cable&Wireless
Cable&Wireless is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Europe, Asia & US and International. The Europe, Asia & US business unit (formerly known as the "UK" business) provides enterprise and carrier solutions to the largest users of telecoms services across the UK, US, continental Europe and Asia, and wholesale broadband services in the UK. With experience of delivering connectivity to 153 countries - and an intention to be the first customer-defined communications services business - the focus is on delivering customers a service experience that is second to none. The International business unit operates integrated telecommunications companies in 39 countries offering mobile, broadband, domestic and international fixed-line services to residential and business customers, with principal operations in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, Monaco and the Channel Islands. For more information, visit http://www.cw.com.
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