Under the terms of the agreement, Cash-U’s Pecan platform will be integrated with IBM’s WebSphere to provide a solution for developing and hosting single or multi-user interactive entertainment services. In addition, Cash-U will provide Pistachio, a software development kit (SDK), which enables developers to create ‘plug and play’ applications on its platform.

As part of IBM’s wireless e-business solutions portfolio, the joint solution will help mobile operators and service providers to open up new revenue streams for existing 2G and 2.5G networks, but also for emerging 3G networks.

Guido Bartels, IBM director of wireless e-business, EMEA, commented: "Combining Cash-U’s Pecan platform and Pistachio SDK with our WebSphere middleware offers operators a highly reliable and scalable wireless entertainment solution that is both easy to integrate and fast-to-market."

Cash-U has the most to benefit from the agreement, as an IBM advanced Partnerworld member, it will enjoy joint marketing initiatives, hosting, local support and introductions to new customers by IBM. The opening of new sales channels will also benefit the Cash-U developer community as demand for new software applications for the Pecan platform grows.