Nokia and Siemens to Collaborate on Mobile Software, Application Development and Implementation based on Open and Common Standards 

May 16, 2002 - Nokia and Siemens Information and Communication Mobile announced today that the companies have agreed on a framework of collaboration to create and drive the implementation of mobile terminal software based on open standards. Within this framework the companies will start to explore new opportunities to achieve maximum interoperability between mobile devices and applications, thus adding value for operators, developers, corporations and consumers. The companies intend to define and promote common functionality and features for different mobile terminal platform categories throughout the industry. 

As the first steps in the collaboration, Nokia and Siemens have agreed to combine their efforts in mobile terminal software applications by providing common tools and by creating new market-making opportunities for developers. In addition, Siemens will license the Series 60 software platform and start to further develop the platform together with Nokia. 

Nokia and Siemens are thus taking the first step to create and drive the market for mobile devices based on open standards. Both parties are committed to developing and implementing common software functions and features for mobile devices. Furthermore, the companies intend to increase and serve the developer community for mobile terminal software applications. 

"Interoperability is the key for the future," says Peter Zapf, President of Mobile Phones within the Information and Communication Mobile Group. "In order to achieve consumer and operator acceptance, full interoperability between different devices, applications, services and networks has to be achieved. Siemens and Nokia will together drive the future of mobile communication and we invite other players in the market to join us." 

"This announcement is significant for the mobile industry, as our collaboration with Siemens will create the first real manifestation of a vision for handset-vendor-independent and interoperable solutions based on open industry standards. This initiative will benefit developers and operators not only because of the common software design, but also through the combined ability that Nokia and Siemens will be able to provide in distributing the applications and tools," says Pertti Korhonen, Senior Vice President, Mobile Software, Nokia. 

To further increase interoperability, the companies have also agreed to support and actively contribute to the work on key open standards and technologies in respective standardization and industry forums. In addition, the companies aim to identify new areas in which they can implement and promote open standards. 

Together with Nokia, Siemens will implement the Series 60 software platform in Symbian OS-based smart phones. The companies will also work together on the future development of the Series 60. Thus, programming interfaces, that are necessary to develop applications and related tools, will be available to software developers worldwide on both companies' websites. As the programming interfaces will be the same, developers will enjoy significant benefits through easy access to both the Nokia and Siemens product platforms. 

For more information: http://www.nokia.com   http://www.siemens.com