RoW Short Takes

Sierra Wireless now HSUPA readySierra Wireless Inc. is expanding its product line by introducing new adapters and embedded modules for HSUPA networks that will improve mobile data speeds. Sierra's newly unveiled HSUPA-capable products include: two AirCard PC cards, the AirCard 880 and 881; two corresponding AirCard ExpressCard modems; and the MC8780 and MC8781 PCI express mini card embedded modules. "The migration to HSUPA technology and its improvements, particularly to uplink speeds, will enable our network operator and OEM customers to offer a far more seamless experience to mobile data users," said Trent Punnet, senior VP of marketing and corporate development for Sierra Wireless, in a news release.Sierra Wireless has also announced that its PC Card and embedded module product portfolio has been validated on Microsoft Corp.'s new operating system Windows Vista. Windows Vista WHQL signed drivers are ready for all current Sierra Wireless EvDO and HSDPA products, as well as all future products. Sierra Wireless will demonstrate the Windows Vista-ready embedded module products at 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona from February 12 to 15Nortel to cut staff in this year and nextNortel Networks Corp. has outlined the next steps of its previously announced business transformation plan, which is expected to include a reduction of its global workforce of approximately 2,900 positions during the course of 2007 and 2008. The company also plans to shift about 1,000 positions from higher-cost to lower-cost locations. "These are tough but necessary measures, and we recognize the impact they will have on our affected employees," said Nortel president and CEO Mike Zafirovski in a news release. "However, as we roll out the various initiatives over the next two years, every effort will be made to leverage normal attrition and re-deploy affected employees to other areas of the company."COM DEV to expand Cambridge production facilitySpace hardware subsystems designer and manufacturer COM DEV International Ltd. will address its need for increased production capacity by adding 38,000 square feet of space to its Cambridge ON facility. Half of the new facility will be used as production lab space, and the remainder will be allocated to engineering, R&D, and corporate development resources. "With the continued strength in our new order pipeline adding to the record backlog we had built up by the end of the fiscal 2006, we are projecting a long-term need for greater production capacity," said John Keating, CEO of COM DEV, in a press release. The development is expected to cost approximately $4 million and is planned to be ready for production use by mid-year.TrueContext introduces new field force automation serviceOttawa-based TrueContext Corp. has released Pronto, a new on-demand service that enables field force automation. The service allows field sales, service and data collection teams to pilot mobile solutions immediately and go live with customized solutions within weeks. Said Alvaro Pombo, president and executive chairman at TrueContext in a news release: "Many organizations in the US have been interested in our ability to quickly and flexibly automate field force processes without a heavy IT burden or large upfront custom software investment." Pronto is available in a software-as-a-service model, which allows businesses to reap the benefits of the service without requiring purchase, installation or maintenance of mobile software infrastructureBT using NewStep Networks' fixed-mobile convergence solutionToronto-based NewStep Networks Inc. has announced that British Telecommunications plc is rolling out premise-based, fixed-mobile convergence (FCM) services using NewStep's CSN30, an FCM solution designed for service providers' enterprise customers. The CSN30 supports BT's Corporate Fusion, which combines Wi-Fi, cellular, corporate directories and PBX functionality to offer a converged service for large corporations. The solution also provides all the features of NewStep's FlexConnect Solution, such as one-button transfer, single-number service, automatic reconnect, single voicemail and voicemail intercept. BT expects to launch the service in the UK initially, followed by a phased rollout across its international footprintMitec closes US operationsMontreal-headquartered Mitec Telecom Inc. has announced that it is closing its US operations, based in Reno NV, as part of continuing consolidation efforts to return the company to profitability. The decision to concentrate all North American operations in its Montreal facility will reduce expenses and align operations, which is in line with Mitec's strategy of ensuring a profitable and efficient operation. As well, Mitec announced a strategic alliance with Broadband Wireless LLC to develop Multi-Carrier High-Power Amplifiers (MCPA) for wireless. Broadband Wireless' MCPA technology will be combined with Mitec's filter and system design capability to create a new line of coverage-solution products aimed at CDMA operatorsInfowave supports BlackBerry through alliance with FlowfinityInfowave Software Inc. has formed a strategic alliance with Flowfinity Wireless Inc., a provider of adaptable applications and integrated solutions for wireless enterprises that use Research in Motion's BlackBerry handsets. The addition of Flowfinity's Actions application further enhances Infowave's out-of-the box offering by enabling mobile workers to perform assigned tasks, jobs, tickets and work orders with critical and timely data and information anytime, anywhere. "This strategic combination further broadens our solution capability and will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers, partners and shareholders," said Infowave's president and CEO James Suttie in a news releaseMcAfee announces new mobile security strategyMcAfee Inc. has announced the launch of McAfee Mobile Security Risk Management, a new three-pronged approach to help mobile operators counter the increasing threats posed by malicious and abusive content. The new service also creates a secure framework for future services. The three modules of the solution are: Assess, which provides-up-to date worldwide mobile threat intelligence placed in the context of a mobile operator environment; Protect, which offers effective solutions based on proven technology to secure today's mobile environment and enable future services and revenues; and Recover, which prepares mobile operators for a potential outbreak and ensures they are able to remotely clean devices and restore customer services as quickly as possibleUTStarcom smartphone now available from TelusTelus Corp. has exclusively introduced the Pantech PN-8200 flip-style smartphone from UTStarcom Inc. The device supports Telus Business Inbox for push access to corporate and personal data and is powered by Microsoft Corp.'s Windows Mobile 5.0. "The Pantech PN-8200 is an excellent tool for people who want the convenience of access to their MS Outlook contact list, calendar, email and the Internet anytime, anywhere, but also prefer a compact device that fits right in their pocket and looks like a traditional wireless phone," said Robert Blumenthal, Telus' senior VP of products and services, in a media release. The device is available for $99.99 with a contract or $399.99 without a contractWmode selected for mobile Internet contract in PanamaCalgary-headquartered Wmode, a provider of mobile content managed services under the ClearMode brand, has been selected by Cable & Wireless in Panama to manage its mobile Internet service offering. Through the partnership Wmode will provide full content partner management, mobile and Web storefront development, billing and reporting, Sim tool kit development and SMS messaging management. Said Tom Beaman, senior VP of global marketing and sales for Wmode, in a press release: "Wmode's mobile content distribution services offer a full range of technologies on a managed service basis that will enable C&W Panama to deliver a broad array of mobile services to their valued customers.Truphone mobile users get free calls to Google TalkGoogle Talk users can now connect with Truphone mobile handsets anywhere in the world for free. Truphone is software that enables Wi-Fi-equipped Nokia mobile phones to make Internet-rate phone calls over Wi-Fi connections when in Wi-Fi range. The software is free to download and has no monthly fees. In addition to free calls to Google Talk, Truphone users can call other Truphone users at no cost. "Interoperability between Google Talk and Truphone means the Web/mobile VoIP divide has been bridged," said Truphone's CEO James Tagg in a news release.

RoW Short Takes

Brief | February 9, 2007

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