Tapping into the growing wireless market, Ericsson Friday debuted plans for
a new portal specifically for users of mobile Internet applications.
The Ericsson (ERICY) WISE portal features customized content and search functions that can be
accessed from any Internet-connected device, such as a WAP phone, a PC, or
other mobile terminal.
It is designed to support operators’ existing systems
and applications, for example SMS or WAP based services, as well as emerging
systems such as GPRS and 3G.
The portal is one feature in Ericsson’s WISE (Wireless Internet Solutions
from Ericsson) strategy, designed to integrate GSM and Internet
technologies. WISE blends telecom-grade products from Ericsson’s wireless
and datacom portfolios.
“Ericsson’s objective is to assist our customers in gaining leadership in
the world of mobile Internet,” said Lars Boman,
head of Ericsson Business Unit Internet Applications. “For operators, the
WISE Portal is an essential tool to attract and retain users. Telenor is
recognized as a very advanced operator, and we’re pleased to have the first
agreement with
them.”
No word was provided on a specific launch date, but Ericsson has entered
into an agreement with Scandinavian operator Telenor to test the portal in
the Telenor network.
In related news, Ericsson Friday also unveiled a cordless home-based smart
phone that uses wireless Bluetooth technology to access the Internet to
provide e-mail, Web
content as well as voice services.
The Linux-based device has a color touch screen for navigating the Web.
Separately, Ericsson and Opera Software announced the device would use the
Opera Web browser for Linux.
The device will be available at the end of the year in selected markets in
the U.S., with release in Europe shortly after that.
