Motorola Snaps Up Winphoria

Plugging a hole in its network infrastrucutre line, wireless handset maker Motorola is buying soft-switch maker Winphoria Networks. The price was not disclosed.

After the deal closes, probably during the second quarter, Winphoria will be folded into Motorola’s Global Telecom Solutions Sector (GTSS) unit.

GTSS will be able to provide less expensive, yet more versatile, switching to operators as they move to systems that support integrated voice, data and video applications, Motorola said.

“(The move) benefits our carrier customers and prospects by helping them reduce operating costs, and by offering them a software-driven switch that can be easily upgraded and enhanced at lower cost,” said Christopher B. Galvin, Motorola’s CEO.

Soft-switches can work with 2G and 3G networks simultaneously and require less room, less power and can be deployed much more quickly than traditional legacy circuit switches.

Last year, Motorola GTSS announced a equipment deal with Winphoria. Through that relationship the first commercial trial of the Winphoria soft- switch, branded the Motorola Soft-Switch (MSS) began in Asia. Customer trials are currently underway.

“We see this combination as the ideal way to bring our pioneering technology to the global marketplace,” said Mike Champa, Winphoria’s president and CEO.

Winphoria was founded in March 2000. The Tewksbury, Mass., firm is privately held and venture-backed. About 100 Winphoria employees will join Motorola GTSS.

The acquisition follows Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola’s pick up of Next Level Communications.