SONOFON Goes Java with End2End

SONOFON, the second largest operator in Denmark, announced today that it has gone Java by launching the first set of downloadable Java applications together with the leading European Mobile Application Infrastructure Provider, End2End.

SONOFON is one of the first operators in Europe to launch downloadable Java applications, which have led to a significant data ARPU increase in advanced markets such as Korea and Japan where data already contributes to over a quarter of the operators’ revenues.

SONOFON launched Java through a turnkey solution provided as a managed service by End2End. The solution combines a Mobile Download Server from Pixo, a developer of wireless infrastructure software and Java games from developers Sumea, Macrospace and Wireless Entertainment Services (WES), all recognised leaders of their respective areas. The applications are optimised specifically for the Nokia 3410, which is also currently being introduced in Denmark.

End2End is a Mobile Application Infrastructure Provider (MAIP) aggregating a portfolio of best-of-breed consumer and enterprise applications from the leading application providers across the world and delivering those as a managed service from its carrier-grade data-centers. End2End’s managed service combines the applications and content with key middleware solutions such as Java Download Server and infrastructure services e.g. wholesale billing and customer support allowing operators to focus their attention to service marketing and discovery rather than service delivery.

"SONOFON has selected End2End as its strategic partner for launching Java download applications. Java is one of the critical new service offerings that will significantly transform the user experience of mobile data services to a rich and user-friendly service we’ve all been waiting for,” says Ulrik Bülow, CEO of SONOFON. “The strategic partnership with End2End allows SONOFON to get access to a wide portfolio of Java applications as well as world-class infrastructure software such as the Pixo Mobile Download Server.”

“We are very excited to launch Java together with SONOFON thanks to the impressive results and revenues it has delivered to operators in Asia,” says Tage Rasmussen, CEO of End2End, “Java illustrates the rich-user experience enabled by GPRS networks and paves the way for a revolution in mobile data.”

SONOFON and End2End formed a strategic partnership to bring new mobile data services to the Danish market in April 2002, which enables SONOFON to launch new data services from the leading providers around the world through End2End as a managed service, removing the need from SONOFON to focus on service delivery and allowing SONOFON to concentrate on communicating the data service benefits and stimulating usage within their customer base.

“The Pixo and End2End partnership deliver turnkey mobile Java download solutions as a managed service, which is quickly becoming the de facto delivery model for mobile data services in Europe,” said Dave Rothchild, President and CEO of Pixo, “We are pleased to see our co-operation with End2End result in a rapid deployment of a turnkey service to SONOFON.“

SONOFON and End2End have agreed to implement more Java applications supporting a wider range of handsets during the coming months.

About SONOFON

SONOFON is a Danish telecommunications company offering telecommunication services with a special emphasis on flexible, useful and above-all simple solutions. The company was incorporated in 1991 and has enjoyed continuous growth over the past ten years. Today SONOFON is the second largest telco in Denmark with more than a million mobile subscribers and turnover of more than DKK 3bn. Please visit http://www.SONOFON.dk/ for more information.

About End2End

End2End is a Mobile Application Infrastructure Provider (MAIP) operating a carrier-grade network of data centres from which it delivers managed data services, technology hosting and outsourcing services to operators, portals and other companies. End2End’s outsourced mobile application infrastructure enables operators to reduce time to market without sacrificing the reliability of a carrier-grade platform.

End2End can accelerate operator revenues and profitability while avoiding the need for its customers to invest independently in the infrastructure and development resources normally required for the launch of data applications. End2End’s independent position between mobile network operators and the content/application providers makes it an ideal partner in the delivery of 2G, 2.5G, and 3G mobile data services.

About Pixo, Inc.

Pixo, Inc., is a global leader in wireless application delivery. The company develops and markets its Mobile Download System to enable operators and enterprises to deliver a compelling experience to subscribers and mobile workers. With offices in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., the company is committed to speeding the development and deployment of profitable mobile applications. For more information, visit the Pixo website at http://www.pixo.com.