 |
|
Contents Nokia Expands UTRAN Sharing Solution| Analyst: Ken Rehbehn | Wireless Infrastructure | Announcement Summary
February 13, 2007 - Nokia will expand its 3G radio access multi-operator solution to enable the sharing of a radio access network (RAN) between as many as four operators. Nokia's enhanced multi-operator RAN sharing solution for three to four operators will be available with Nokia Flexi WCDMA and UltraSite WCDMA base stations in H2 2007. The multi-operator RAN feature is implemented with a software upgrade to the radio network controller and is compatible with any core network. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Slightly positive on Nokia’s announcement of expanded 3G UTRAN sharing options, because support for more than two operators in a shared UTRAN improves cost efficiencies as operators move to improve coverage in sparsely populated areas. Yet, while four hosted operators may make the economics work, operators are just now proving out the need for sharing among two. • Vendor Importance: Moderate to Nokia, because the announcement points to the importance the company gives to on-going support of its WCDMA product lines – buttressing the portfolio in advance of the Nokia Siemens Networks joint venture. For most operators, however, sharing is not a make or break purchase decision. • Market Impact: Low on the GSM/UMTS network market because the enhancement is relatively minor. Nokia already had network sharing support. Extending the support to four operators is logical – and valuable – but it remains a modest change to the portfolio offer. Microsoft Evolves Windows Mobile OS| Analyst: Avi Greengart | Mobile Devices | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 6.0 at 3GSM, with usability and management enhancements including: HTML, links, graphics and image support for email; enhanced viewing/editing of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel attachments/documents; integration of multimedia messaging capabilities through Windows Live Messenger (voice notes, animation, group chat); new policy and certificate options; storage card encryption; IRM protected content; and support for VoIP. The new OS will be available in Q2 2007 on a variety of devices and networks. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Slightly positive on Microsoft’s official launch of Windows Mobile 6, because it makes improvements across the board, though it does not go far enough in some areas. Critical improvements include integrated push email (previously available as an upgrade to Windows Mobile 5), the first HTML-formatted mobile email client, additional security and manageability, Office document editing, and lots of little touches like integrating contacts and call data, and nifty contact and email search features. Strong fundamentals left unchanged include the easy-to-learn menu-driven user interface, Microsoft’s email TCO story and familiar Windows-based mobile enterprise application development environment. Unfortunately, separate Smartphone (now called Standard) and PocketPC (now called Professional) versions of the OS still exist, memory management is still a user-dependant manual process, end-to-end security is lacking, and the menu-driven user interface that is so easy to learn can still be frustrating for power users. • Vendor Importance: High to Microsoft as it is has already invested significantly in its Mobile and Embedded Solutions business and it is paying off. The 135% rise in OEM device sales in 2006 is evidence of the vendor’s strong and growing position in the corporate EM space. As usability and security issues remained, in spite of the success of WM 5.0, the new features of 6.0 will draw new customers. Unlike competitors, Microsoft doesn’t have to worry about carrier buy-in; it’s a given since the support is inherent in the device and in the customer’s own Exchange server and should be an easy upgrade. T-Mobile USA is an interesting first mover in the U.S. with the Dash upgrade plan but will not have exclusivity on 6.0 for very long. • Market Impact: Moderate on the smartphones segment, because this is an evolutionary, not revolutionary set of improvements. Microsoft was already gaining traction in the market before version 6.0, and the new software should keep the design wins rolling, but may not significantly accelerate the trend. Omnifone Launches MusicStation – Mobile Music for All| Analyst: Michael Ransom | Wireless Services - Europe | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- Omnifone, a UK-based mobile music company, launched MusicStation, an all-you-can-eat full-track mobile music service, which the company will roll out in partnership with major music labels, mobile operators and mobile industry partners around the world. The service will give users access to the world's music on their industry-standard mobiles for GBP 1.99 per week. Omnifone has already signed partnerships with 23 mobile network operators, which have subscribers in 40 countries and a total customer base of 690 million subscribers. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Omnifone’s announcement of MusicStation, since this offers mobile operators an ‘open’ alternative to iPod/iPhone-based music services. MusicStation offers an all-you-can-eat music download service for a small weekly fee, and it benefits from working on existing music-compatible mobile handsets, thus making the services affordable and available to the majority of consumers within the operators’ target markets. • Vendor Importance: High to Omnifone, since MusicStation puts the company in a unique position to deliver this music service in collaboration with its music and mobile industry partners. The all-you-can-eat weekly price plan is also unique and sets a new price point for music download services and track availability. With such a high-profile service, the stakes are high, and Omnifone will need to deliver in every market to counter the threats from existing download services and the much-touted iPod/iPhone-powered services. • Market Impact: High on the consumer wireless services market, since MusicStation seeks to establish a new business model for mobile music services. By offering unlimited downloads for a low monthly fee, Omnifone, presumably with the backing of its mobile operator and music industry partners, is seeking to revolutionise mobile music, which if successful could greatly increase the penetration of such services at a time when operators are looking for a much-needed boost to their declining voice revenues. NSN Shines Light on New Portfolio, but Services Remain in Shadows| Analyst: John Marcus | Telecom Infrastructure Services | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Nokia and Siemens unveiled the proposed product portfolio plan of their future 50:50 joint venture Nokia Siemens Networks. The planned merger to create Nokia Siemens Networks is expected to close in the first quarter 2007. The proposed portfolio plan covers the six future business units for Nokia Siemens Networks: Radio Access, Service Core and Applications, Operation Support Systems, Broadband Access, IP/Transport, and Services. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Neutral on Nokia Siemens Networks’ portfolio launch at 3GSM, because although the two companies have clearly made significant progress in defining their combined product strategy going forward, information provided so far on its planned services business is perfunctory and insubstantial. If the joint venture’s CEO is going to claim market leadership in a large segment like this, as happened at a major trade show news conference, the company needs to provide much more substantiation than NSN has bothered to give so far. • Vendor Importance: Very high to Nokia Siemens Networks, because a consolidated portfolio is the first step in engaging with customers as a new company. Customers need to know the new company’s product and services portfolio plans if they are going to consider entering new contracts. With services, the term of deals is often several years long, making customers potentially even more dubious of unarticulated future strategies. • Market Impact: Low on customers and competitors in the telecom infrastructure services space, because the portfolio announcement at 3GSM only touched on services briefly, despite the fact that it was identified as a defined business unit alongside five others focused on hardware, software, and operational support systems. Metrics were supplied, claiming NSN combined will have 20,000 services specialists supporting over 300 fixed and 300 mobile clients in more than 100 countries. Other than that, the only noticeable change is that service delivery platforms will be separated out from professional services into its own unit, something that is partially in place already at Nokia but will be new for Siemens. Customers will expect far more detail to be provided in coming weeks, something NSN will eventually deliver. But until then, the impact on the market will remain low. Cingular Pulls the Trigger on MediaFLO for Late 2007| Analyst: Bill Ho | Wireless Services - U.S. | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 – Cingular selected Qualcomm’s MediaFLO subsidiary to provide multicast mobile entertainment and information services be launched in late 2007. Although the selection was announced, no other details such as coverage, equipment and pricing were revealed. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Cingular’s selection of Qualcomm’s MediaFLO to deliver multicast mobile TV and information services, because by the time Qualcomm launches service the carrier will get access to a wider coverage area since the MediaFLO network is still being built out and is far from nationwide coverage. Moreover, with Verizon Wireless’ V CAST TV launch imminent, Cingular can draw lessons from the success or not of Verizon Wireless’ pricing strategy to ensure Cingular’s own customer adoption. Still Cingular needs to develop substantial service differentiation or suffer being labeled as a “me too” follower. • Vendor Importance: High to Cingular/AT&T, because it cannot let Verizon Wireless continue to lead in delivering next generation data services as both carriers are trying to accelerate data ARPU. Very high to Qualcomm’s because with Cingular and the previous win with Verizon Wireless, it has locked in the top two largest wireless players (and with different technologies – CDMA and GSM) in the U.S. thus validating its business model and providing good momentum to help turn future global sales. • Market Impact: High on the wireless services segment, because Cingular’s adoption of mobile TV services will now make it table stakes for carriers going forward. Although Sprint has looked at MediaFLO in the past, the carrier has not formally indicated its mobile (multicast) TV direction. T-Mobile is still exploring all possibilities as it has already looked into MediaFLO and DVB-H. Tellabs Announces Its 8605 Compact Access Switch Platform for 3G Networks| Analyst: Glen Hunt | Carrier Infrastructure | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 13, 2007 - Tellabs introduces the compact 8605 access switch, which handles circuit-switched and packet-based traffic in a 1RU form factor. The 8605 enables operators to roll out new IP-based 3G services applications to meet the evolving needs of subscribers while supporting earlier 2G and 2.5G traffic. The switch can handle TDM, Ethernet and IP traffic, provides timing synchronization for packet over Ethernet and touts a point and click network manager. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Tellabs’ 8605 compact access switch platform, which is environmentally hardened to withstand temperature ranges between -40C to +65 C, making it ideal for installation at mobile cell sites. The unit is a 1RU high compact IP/MPLS router that delivers a variety of QoS-based connectivity, ranging from E1/T1 to GigE to meet most interface combinations. With full pseudowire capabilities and support for timing synchronization over packet, operators can support existing traffic (i.e., 2G, 2.5G, etc.) and prepare for 3G+ and 4G services. • Vendor Importance: High to Tellabs, since the 8605 complements its larger products (such as the 8830/8860 Multi-Service router) that satisfy higher density RAN and edge aggregation requirements. The new access switch positions Tellabs to capture more of the mobile backhaul market by enabling operators to aggregate mobile traffic directly at the cell site, to further optimize bandwidth, as well as the number of backhaul circuits required to support the sites traffic mix and volume. • Market Impact: High on the mobile backhaul market and carrier Ethernet access and aggregation markets, since Tellabs has taken RAN optimization to the next level by providing a solution that ranges from the cell tower to the mobile IP core. The addition of the 8605 access switch will further reduce the backhaul complexity and costs by converting the multiple generations of wireless traffic to Ethernet directly at the cell tower. While the 8605 can support current requirements, it’s future proof in that it meets the 3GPP R99 and R4 ATM and R5 IP requirements as well as CDMA 2000 backhauling and Ethernet transport requirements. Gemalto and Agis Launch Managed LBS Service for Mobile Operators| Analyst: John Marcus | Telecom Infrastructure Services | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Gemalto announced a partnership with Agis to provide managed location-based services to mobile operators and content providers. Gemalto incorporates GprX technology from Agis into its SIM card solutions, enabling service providers to deliver location-based services such as parent-child tracking, fleet monitoring and lost handset tracking. The managed services model enables service providers to offer location-based services without the need for significant capital expenditure. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Gemalto and Agis’ partnership and launch of an end-to-end location-based service solution for mobile telecommunications operators and content providers, because it brings to market the kind of timely, application-specific managed service that telecom operators are looking for to help them compete. Both companies are technology developers, in digital security and location/GIS platforms, respectively, but what they bring to the table for service providers may be even more attractive as an outsourced service. • Vendor Importance: High to both Gemalto and Agis, since the joint solution provides both with a new service in their portfolios that would not have been possible without the other. Offering their technology as part of an application-based service also adds a new business model, providing recurring revenues from platform users who subscribe to a managed service. • Market Impact: Moderate on the managed services segment of the telecom infrastructure services market, because the new offering from Gemalto and Agis meets the needs of operators looking for a hosted or managed solution for location-based services, including applications such as parent-child tracking, fleet monitoring and lost handset tracking. Mobile and other telecom service providers are looking to suppliers for turnkey service capability to reduce capital expenditures, increase time to market and differentiate offerings from the competition. Tier 1 vendors such as Ericsson, Siemens and Alcatel-Lucent are being aggressive in bringing such solutions to market, but there is a lot of room in the market for smaller vendors focusing more specifically on individual applications and services. Operators Plan International Money Transfer Services| Analyst: Michael Ransom | Wireless Services - Europe | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 – In separate announcements the GSMA / MasterCard and Vodafone / Citibank have announced plans to offer international money transfer services. These would benefit migrant workers and their dependants and people in developing markets without access to traditional banking services. The GSMA and MasterCard will pilot a global hub that will link together national markets and the local payment systems run by mobile operators in partnership with those local banks. Vodafone and Citibank will offer a Vodafone-branded service offering a choice of methods (internet or mobile) as to how the money is sent and received. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on the announcements from the GSMA and Vodafone/Citigroup to pilot international money transfer services, since this puts the mobile phone to additional uses which can readily benefit migrant workers and their dependants at home. With the mobile phone more common than bank accounts (or land line phones) in many countries (such as existing pilot countries Kenya and Afghanistan), these initiatives are set to benefit local communities in a practical and timely way. • Vendor Importance: Moderate to both the GSMA/MasterCard and to Vodafone/Citigroup since for both groups this advances the use of the mobile device as a personal trusted device and will drive the uptake and usage in emerging markets. For Vodafone since the company is proposing its own branded service, this announcement will reinforce the brand in developing markets. • Market Impact: Moderate on the wireless market at this time, since both groups are only announcing trials of the proposed services. Both announcements see mobile operators partnering with banks to essentially extend financial services internationally using the mobile handset. In so doing the players realize the importance that the mobile device is having in emerging markets. However the announcement of two almost identical initiatives on the same day perhaps detracts from the overall impact of such services. Private Mobile Networks Gets EDGE on Low Power GSM For Campus Data Solutions| Analyst: Mayur Sahni | Enterprise Mobility - Europe | Announcement Summary
February 13, 2007 -- Private Mobile Networks Ltd (PMN) launched a GPRS-EDGE solution aimed at allowing customers to control the cost of data services and Internet connectivity by enabling users to access LAN infrastructure from a standard GSM-enabled handset or data device over the private mobile network. Over and above cost-control for data access, PMN’s proposition to the business customer is strongly centred around the security benefits available over a private company network. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Slightly positive on PMN incorporating EDGE for data access on its low-power GSM solution for private mobile networks in a campus environment, because this is a strong move by the vendor to make its proposition compelling to the enterprise customer. Over and above lowering the cost of voice communication, PMN is now focusing on providing secure data access in the campus environment. In addition, PMN is able to integrate the campus LAN environment and leverage existing infrastructure to offer data services on its PMX solution. The EDGE solutions put another feather in PMN’s cap, which includes an existing portfolio of picocells, BTS, PBX and PMN SIM cards. • Vendor Importance: High to PMN, because not only is it essentially the first service provider to use the award of a license from Ofcom in May 2006, it is also leading the low-power GSM space by building EDGE capabilities into its campus solution. PMN is slowly but surely picking up market traction by offering campus solutions to the enterprise customer, and it has found attractive opportunities in the areas of defence, oil and gas, as well as shipping. • Market Impact: Moderate on fixed-mobile convergence market, because though this offer is the first of its type in the UK market (voice and data access on low-power GSM) and the new service technically challenges the norm of dual-mode WiFi and GSM deployments, there is still the problem of needing a strong mobile operator partnership. It will be difficult for PMN alone to influence the market and it needs an operator/carrier partnership to back its case in the European market. NSN Unveils Portfolio| Analyst: Peter Jarich | Wireless Infrastructure | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- Nokia and Siemens unveiled the proposed product portfolio of their Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) JV. The highlights include the continuation of existing GSM/EDGE and WCDMA RAN portfolios without change, a plan for a common WCDMA RNC in 2008, a combined microwave portfolio, and lead solutions for most other product areas. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on NSN’s consolidated product portfolio launch, because NSN can receive congratulations for announcing a common portfolio quickly. Beyond the obvious choices (i.e., MSC Server with Nokia, IMS with Siemens, mobile WiMAX with Nokia, etc.), the decision to keep both GSM and WCDMA portfolios (albeit with a joint RNC next year) robs NSN of some efficiencies. What is more, the plan vis-à-vis key partners (i.e., Cisco on GGSN, ip.access in picocells, IMS applications partners, etc.) remains unclear. • Vendor Importance: Very high to Nokia Siemens Networks, because a consolidated portfolio is the first step in engaging with customers as a new company. Without the security of knowing NSN’s product plans, customers would be loathe to buy from it – or buy new kit that it may discontinue. • Market Impact: Low on the wireless infrastructure market, because with few exceptions, NSN has not opted to cancel any key products or product lines. Scale and size aside, the company’s portfolio looks very much the way it did before the announcement. Vodafone Gives Update On S60 Customization Progress| Analyst: Emma Mohr-McClune | Wireless Services - Europe | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 13, 2007 – Nokia and Vodafone today announced a significant milestone in their collaboration on the development of S60 software on Symbian OS, with the release of the first Vodafone specific software package to all S60 licensees. The S60 platform and the Vodafone specific software offer an integrated reference implementation that enables Vodafone to roll out innovative new services to customers across a range of different handsets without having to develop a range of different software designs. Samsung and Nokia are expected to be the first handset vendors to ship devices incorporating this software in 2007. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Slightly positive on the progress of the first ‘Vodafonized’ S60 software package, as this event is the green light S60 licensees have been waiting for to get in on the ground floor of Vodafone’s new web-centric mobile content initiative. It is especially encouraging to note that the first ‘Vodafonized’ S60 handset to appear from this collaboration will be a non-Nokia device with HSDPA capabilities: The Samsung SGH-i520. • Vendor Importance: Moderate to Vodafone, as getting highly customized S60 software into a broad range of devices is key to Vodafone’s evolving mobile content strategy, and in particular, the provision of future services such as MySpace Mobile, eBay Mobile and others, with a high level of service differentiation. The two devices referenced in this announcement – the SGH-i520 and Nokia N95 – will help carry Vodafone’s ambitions for mobile data in 2007, potentially along the same lines as 3Group’s X-Series. • Market Impact: Moderate to the European consumer market. This announcement confirms that Vodafone is slightly ahead of the pack in the highly-customized ‘hero software’ space, but key competitors – notably Orange and T-Mobile – are certainly on the same track with both S60 and Microsoft. High software customization is the key to future service differentiation. How operators will align this with the consumer market’s clear preference for feature phones, however, is another story.
Bridgewater Announces a New Customer, an Integration Partner and a Reseller| Analyst: Glen Hunt | Carrier Infrastructure | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 – Bridgewater made three significant announcements at 3GSM, a new customer win (Smartfone-Vodafone), a new reseller agreement (Syniverse) and the start of interoperability testing with Oracle’s Communication and Mobility Server. The triad of announcements points to continued momentum for its subscriber-centric policy management solutions to manage network policies for applications such as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network on a per-subscriber, per-session basis. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Bridgewater’s announcements at 3GSM, including key customer and reseller agreements. SmarTone-Vodafone’s selection of Bridgewater to provide a comprehensive policy management solution shows continued product acceptance and momentum. Bridgewater’s interoperability testing with Oracle, to pair its Home Subscriber Server (HSS) with the Oracle Communication and Mobility Server, adds to the appeal of its solution set. Finally, Bridgestone’s signing of Syniverse to resell its products to service providers in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia shows improvement in its regional sales and support capabilities. • Vendor Importance: High to Bridgewater, since the triad of announcements shows positive momentum for its advanced subscriber-centric policy management software for fixed, mobile and converged networks. The new customer win with SmartTone-Vodafone demonstrates that the Bridgestone products can be leveraged to manage its one million plus subscriber base in the highly competitive Hong Kong market. Having proven interoperability with Oracle elevates Bridgwater’s appeal with Oracle’s extensive user base. The reseller agreement with Syniverse adds a key Asian partner, which is critical for penetration into other service provider accounts there. • Market Impact: High on the OSS/BSS market segment, since effective subscriber management solutions are critical to the success of wireline and wireless operators faced with the challenges of the ever increasing sophistication of their service offerings. With proven interoperability with Oracle, a strong reference customer in Hong Kong via Smartfone-Vodafone, and a capable Asian partner with Syniverse (for pre-sales, implementation, training and support), Bridgwater has improved its chances of further penetration into the OSS/BSS market. Ericsson Blasts HSDPA with Telstra| Analyst: Peter Jarich | Wireless Infrastructure | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- Ericsson and Telstra announced the planned launch of a 200-km HSDPA cell leveraging commercial network equipment in the 850 MHz band, thanks to the Ericsson’s extended range software. The company is claiming a peak rate of 14.4 Mbps on the downlink, with 2.3 Mbps tested at the 200-km range. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Very positive on Ericsson’s claims of a 200-km HSDPA cell deployed at Telstra, because the technical details may be slim (testing parameters, devices used) and the applications limited, but broad coverage HSDPA with 2.3 Mbps at the cell edge is an undeniable technical feat that could prove handy for emerging market operators. • Vendor Importance: High to Ericsson, because broad cell coverage is a core tenet of its “Expander” strategy for emerging market operators. Moreover, while these operators may not seem ready for 3G, Ericsson’s moves head off their need to look at WiMAX or wait for LTE as a data solution. • Market Impact: High on the wireless infrastructure market, because 200-km HSDPA coverage is flashy and it will pique operator interest. Beyond questioning its assumptions and testing procedures, competitors will want to explain how they can deliver similar capabilities (without or without trials). QUALCOMM Gives HSPA+ a Boost| Analyst: Peter Jarich | Wireless Infrastructure | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- QUALCOMM announced plans to sample its MDM8200 chipset (delivering HSPA+ with 28 Mbps on the downlink and 11 Mbps on the uplink thanks to 2x2 MIMO) by the end of the year. The chipset will support existing 3G bands as well as 2.5 GHz spectrum. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on QUALCOMM’s planned support for HSPA+ device chipsets this year, because the move leverages QUALCOMM’s WCDMA and MIMO IPR while supporting operators by evolving current HSPA networks to deliver a two-fold increase in data capacity. Yet, without network vendor support, device support is meaningless. • Vendor Importance: High to QUALCOMM, because operators want to know “what’s next” as a 3G evolution (even without knowing the applications). Absent HSPA+, today’s WCDMA operators (where QUALCOMM has well-established IPR) might starting looking to LTE or WiMAX as an alternative. • Market Impact: Moderate on the wireless infrastructure market, because network vendors (e.g., Ericsson) still seem largely dubious on the workability or value of HSPA+; without them, the technology will not go anywhere. QUALCOMM’s moves, however, could get them onboard. Ericsson Rounds Out Full Service Broadband Play – Acquires Entrisphere| Analyst: Jason Marcheck | Optical Infrastructure | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 – Ericsson announced that it will be acquiring GPON vendor Entrisphere. The move enhances Ericsson’s “Full Service Broadband” initiative by providing a wireline broadband access platform to complement the vendor’s existing wireless broadband access networking, and optical transport portfolios. It also provides Ericsson with a vehicle to compete for potentially lucrative GPON business with the North American RBOCs. Ericsson did not disclose a purchase price for Entrisphere. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Neutral on Ericsson’s announcement that it is acquiring GPON vendor Entrisphere. To be sure, bringing Entrisphere into its stable adds a valuable piece of Ericsson’s broadband access portfolio puzzle – especially as the vendor seeks to drive the notion of itself as a complete wireless and wireline broadband infrastructure provider. At the same time, Entrisphere has a small customer footprint, and the move does little to drive synergies with the Marconi-sourced optical transport portfolio. • Vendor Importance: High to Ericsson, because a capable optical broadband access platform is an essential ingredient of the “Full Service Broadband” vision that Ericsson has articulated. Ericsson’s prowess as a wireless vendor is well known. However, in order to compete on the basis of offering a complete wireless and wireline broadband networking solution, the vendor needed a viable broadband access platform with optical interfaces. Entrisphere’s BLM 1500 solution provides these capabilities. • Market Impact: Low on the optical infrastructure market, because Ericsson’s purchase of Entrisphere does little to enhance the attractiveness of Ericsson’s Marconi optical product portfolio. In addition, because this deal was rumored for months, it will not catch any of Ericsson’s competitors by surprise – meaning most will have their competitive response strategies already in place. Nokia Siemens Networks and NEC Keep Mobisphere Alive| Analyst: Ken Rehbehn | Wireless Infrastructure | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Nokia and Siemens Networks and NEC Corporation (NEC) announced they have signed a MoU for continued support and development for the installed base of Siemens Networks and NEC WCDMA base stations and radio networks controllers. The agreement is a logical continuation to the successful NEC and Siemens Networks WCDMA collaboration, which has been carried out through their joint venture company Mobisphere. Mobisphere is expected to continue as a joint venture of NEC and the future Nokia Siemens Networks. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on announcement that Nokia, Siemens Networks and NEC signed a MoU to continue cooperation in WCDMA radio networks because Siemens Networks installed base relies on UTRAN radio technology from NEC. A JV with Nokia has benefits for the future, but existing customers would be left stranded without NEC’s continued cooperation. Unspoken, however, is the degree to which NEC influences future direction. Nokia’s strong WCDMA background makes NEC’s long term role questionable. • Vendor Importance: Very High to Nokia Siemens Networks because its transition will take time. Announcement of continued support for Siemens Networks’ UTRAN product portfolios made a continued agreement with NEC essential. • Market Impact: Low to the GSM/UMTS Network market because such an agreement is essential to a rational economic model for the Joint Venture. It was to happen – regardless of the potential cost to the JV partners – to ensure investment protection for Siemens Networks customers. While the market largely anticipated the event, actually issuing the announcement eliminates confusion and reassures Siemens Network’s customer base. Motorola Throws a Curve into Its New Product Line with the RIZR Z8| Analyst: Avi Greengart | Mobile Devices | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Motorola launched six new phones: the RIZR Z6 is a Linux-based music phone with Windows Media support. The SLVR L9 is an upgrade to the SLVR L7 with a 2MP camera and a full MP3 player. The RIZR Z8 offers Symbian-powered multimedia features in an ergonomic slider form factor. The KRZR Z3 and Q Q9 both add HSDPA to their predecessors, while the Q gsm has improved ergonomics. Most new models are slated to debut in Q2 2007; the Q gsm is slated for H2 2007. Pricing was not disclosed. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Slightly positive on Motorola’s 3GSM phone lineup, because the new models begin to address the vendor’s deficiencies on existing device platforms. The Linux-powered RIZR Z6 music phone boasts Windows Media capabilities and has a sliding keypad lock, the KRZR Z3 adds HSDPA to the pretty clamshell, and the SLVR L9 adds features standard for high-end products (such as a 2MP camera) on top of its multimedia-poor predecessor SLVR L7. The standout among the multimedia line is the “kick slider” RIZR Z8. The Z8 resembles a banana (from the side) when opened, bringing the speaker and microphone closer to the user’s face. However, unlike the rest of Motorola’s fashion line, the Z8 is built on the Symbian UIQ platform instead of Motorola’s poorly designed user interface. The Q Q9 brings HSDPA (very late) to the Q party, while the Q gsm drops back to quadband/EDGE, but offers a dramatically better keyboard and controls than its predecessors. • Vendor Importance: High to Motorola, because the vendor has been under great pressure for its failure in RAZR follow-up strategy that adversely impacted the bottom line, and a new line of thin handsets is coming from, well, just about everybody. Motorola’s response is somewhat muted, but the RIZR Z8 has the potential to turn things around for Motorola in Europe where the company’s designs are ogled, but its user interface is reviled. • Market Impact: Moderate on consumer and smartphone markets, because although the new devices do a good job of addressing the issues and shortages with previous platforms, with the exception of the RIZR Z8, they are all logical, even expected, upgrades to existing models. Nokia Launches Phones for Voice, Business, Navigation and TV| Analyst: Avi Greengart | Mobile Devices | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 - Nokia announced six new handsets including three Eseries business smartphones, all with quadband/EDGE and WiFi. The E61i (available Q2 2007) and Nokia E65 slider (available now) are stylish updates to the E61 and E50. The E90 (available starting Q2 2007) brings Series 60, HSDPA, WiFi, GPS navigation, and more to the Communicator form factor. The N77 is an Nseries TVphone, the 6110 is Nokia’s first mainstream GPS navigation phone, and the 3110 is a “classic” megapixel cameraphone (all three ship Q2 2007). Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Nokia’s flood of new handset announcements at 3GSM, because while none of them are groundbreaking, several bring newer technologies to more mainstream form factors and price points. All of them should be competitive within their market segments, particularly in Europe where the Communicator form factor has always sold well, and GPS navigation system sales are on a tear. We would be positive on the YouTube announcement as well, except that it is only applicable to Nseries devices, none of which are sold in the U.S. market through a carrier. • Vendor Importance: Very high to Nokia because there are so many products here, ranging from mass market to mid-market to expanding niche markets. • Market Impact: High on the smartphones market – there are five of them here; standouts include the E90, Nokia’s bid to replace a laptop on short business trips, the N77, Nokia’s first DVB-H phone that doesn’t look like you’re lugging an actual television around with you, and the 6110, a GPS phone that includes regional maps and spoken point-to-point directions preloaded. Low to consumer handsets, because while the 3110 is a nice device (the keypad is particularly clear and easy to use), it brings absolutely nothing new to the category. Thomson Leverages Cirpack Switches’ FMC Capabilities to Penetrate Major Mobile Operator| Analyst: Joe McGarvey | Carrier IP Telephony | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- Thomson announced that SFR, a leading French mobile operator, had selected Thomson’s Cirpack switches with mobile IP Centrex capabilities to offer advanced business telephony features with fixed-mobile convergence to enterprise users. The solution is designed to provide a full set of voice services over converged mobile/IP networks, including the delivery of traditional business services, such as call transfer, call conferencing, and short-dialing, to mobile handsets. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Thomson’s deployment of its Cirpack softswitches at SFR to provide the leading French mobile operator with a platform for delivering PBX-like features to mobile subscribers as part of an enterprise-based FMC offering, because the deployment helps to validate Thomson’s fixed-mobile convergence capabilities and it significantly expands the company’s customer base among mobile operators. At the same time, the deployment is contained to the French market, which slightly lessons its impact, because it did not come from a region outside of Thomson’s traditional customer base. • Vendor Importance: Moderate to high to Thomson, because the company is dedicating resources to its Cirpack switching division in order to increase its penetration of both fixed and mobile telecom operators. The deployment at SFR provides validation for the Cirpack solution. • Market Impact: Moderate on both the softswitch and hosted multimedia application server markets, as the deployment involves existing mobility technology at Thomson. Most of Thomson’s competitors in the softswitch and IP Centrex market have announced similar mobile extensions to their predominantly fixed-line-oriented equipment. Nokia Launches Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite 8.0| Analyst: Mayur Sahni | Enterprise Mobility - Europe | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 – Nokia launched its Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite 8.0 to further its case in the enterprise market. This is the first major move by the device vendor after its acquisition of Intellisync. The Mobile Suite 8.0 will include features such as native phone functionalities (i.e., support for PBX, IP and cellular calling), PIM feature-set, file synchronization, attachment download (unlimited size), content back-up and device management features over and above the traditional business e-mail support. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Nokia’s launching the Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite 8.0, because this affirms Nokia’s plans to use the Intellisync platform to further its product portfolio for the enterprise market. The new Mobile Suite 8.0 has features including, native phone functionalities (i.e., support for PBX, IP and cellular calling), PIM feature-set, file synchronization, attachment download (unlimited size), content back-up, and device management features over and above the traditional business e-mail support. In addition, the new platform supports devices and platforms from S60 and UIQ on Symbian OS, Palm, Windows Mobile, Pocket PC and extends e-mail capabilities to J2ME devices (e.g. Nokia 40 series) devices. • Vendor Importance: High to Nokia, because the launch of Mobile Suite 8.0 is in line with its aggressive strategy to acquire market share by not only providing new feature sets, but offering flexible deployment options including behind the firewall, hosted or white label. Through this move Nokia is partnering with operators, SIs and simultaneously leveraging on Intellisync’s direct sales force to penetrate the market. • Market Impact: High on the middleware and mobile application market, because Nokia/Intellisync has made a strong move towards gaining market share its Mobile Suite 8.0. Nokia/Intellisync’s, e-mail base experiencing a growth of 33% in H2 2006 is an obvious result from its Intellisync acquisition. In addition, with the new competition camps drawn (Nokia-Intellisync, Motorola and Good), there is a visible shift in the middleware market with device vendors increasing their focus on the middleware market. Vodafone Maps Out a Future with Google| Analyst: Michael Ransom | Wireless Services - Europe | Client Access | Announcement Summary
February 12, 2007 -- Vodafone and Google announced they will develop a location-based version of Google Maps for mobile usage. Google Maps for mobile, a downloadable java application, is expected to offer customers in selected markets easy-to-use maps and local listings as well as local search and navigation capabilities. Customers will be able to enjoy unlimited use of Google Maps for mobile, subject to Vodafone data tariffs. Google and Vodafone are working together to ensure the service provides customers on selected handsets with an automatic user-location capability. Analytical Summary • Current Perspective: Positive on Vodafone and Google developing Google Maps for mobile usage, since this adds to the companies’ existing co-operation for mobile search. For Vodafone, this is yet another announcement that adds more data services to its portfolio (joining Google search, Yahoo, MySpace, eBay and YouTube) to complement the company’s Vodafone live! portal. • Vendor Importance: High to Vodafone, since the company needed to demonstrate additional data services in 2007 to add to the its existing Vodafone live! portal. By |
