DUBAI -- IBM and Nokia have joined forces at GITEX 2004 to introduce the new generation Nokia Communicator that uses IBM's mobile software to create solutions that deliver on the promise of the mobile enterprise.
The next generation of Nokia Communicator 9500 is complimented with IBM's WebSphere Everyplace Access Client, WebSphere Everyplace Connection Manager Client, WebSphere Micro Environment, IBM Tivoli and Lotus Same-time Instant Messaging Client: Software tools that support total access communications for mobile workers and that integrate to a wide range of enterprise class computing platforms.
"This new generation of communicators uses the power of open standards software to support easy integration into enterprise applications, building powerful capabilities for users to access information held on corporate networks or the Internet and support total integration with a huge variety of open and secure systems," said Samer Shaar, general manager of IBM Middle East.
The new Nokia Communicator will support access to enterprise computer systems, allowing business users to build applications and services for staff on the move, as well as opening up access to a wide range of capabilities provided by network operators and third party content and applications' developers.
"The GSM mobile applications market has grown up to support total mobility for businesses, the GSM mobile market is now able to offer a standards-based platform for information management on the move and the GSM mobile market can now support interfacing with enterprise information systems based on open standards," said Eddie Maalouf, general manager of Nokia MENA, Nokia Mobile Phones.
The move has been welcomed by the region's leading mobile operators, including the members of the Middle East's regional VAS Alliance, which brings together the advanced mobile services capabilities of Wataniya Telecom, Jordan's MobileCom, Bahrain's Batelco, Qatar's Q-Tel and Oman's Nawras Telcom.
"You now have the potential to create truly pervasive solutions for Middle East companies, the ability to integrate solutions that link enterprise networks in totally new mobile applications. We see enormous benefit in this first move in an important new direction towards integrating the power of today's open standard enterprise platforms with the mobility and power of GSM networks," said Ian Dench, chief marketing officer of Bahrain's leading telecommunications operator Batelco.
"Undoubtedly, we are excited by this move. It is an important step forwards as we build new capabilities for businesses in our region based on mobile solutions," said Mickael Ghossein, CEO of MobileCom. "The fact that this announcement opens up the enterprise market to mobile solutions is an important one."
By Rami Abdelrahman
© Jordan Times 2004
