PISCATAWAY, N.J. - July 15, 2002 —Wireless Village, the industry initiative formed to define and promote a set of universal specifications for mobile instant messaging and presence services (IMPS), today announced successful interoperability testing based on its new specifications.

Released just today, the Wireless Village version 1.1 specifications have been updated from the initial version released in February 2002. This latest version reflects the intensive work and reviews from a large number of the more than 170 Wireless Village supporters. Version 1.1 includes four primary features: presence, instant messaging, groups and shared content.

The interoperability testing was conducted between various mobile device clients and servers developed by several Wireless Village supporters based on the version 1.1 specifications. Participant companies included Comverse, Ecrio, Ericsson, Followap, Hotsip, Invertix, Logica, Motorola, Nokia, Openwave, and OZ Communications, among others. The successful testing demonstrates that the version 1.1 specifications create a solid foundation for universal interoperability of instant messaging and presence services between mobile and fixed networks.

"The Wireless Village initiative is excited to offer this latest update to the specification. Implementing this global, open specification means that users all over the world will be able to take advantage of instant messaging and presence based services regardless of a specific operator or device manufacturer. Combining our specification and interoperability work within the Open Mobile Alliance means that we can expand the whole community for truly innovative solutions," said Frank Dawson, Chairman of the Wireless Village initiative.

"Network operators worldwide are telling us that interoperable mobile Instant Messaging and Presence services are essential for end-user adoption. The Wireless Village initiative is actively advancing the evolution of these key specifications, and accelerating the process by which the operators will assure interoperable services," said Magnus Kristersson, Vice President of Messaging and Enablers, Ericsson AB.

"This interoperability testing is a milestone for the messaging industry because it shows what we will be able to deliver for consumers," said Michael Bordelon, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Motorola. "Satisfying consumers' desire to communicate, regardless of device or geography, is one of Motorola's goals, and this work done by the Wireless Village is key to meeting that goal." 

As announced in June 2002, the Wireless Village initiative has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to consolidate its activities into the recently formed Open Mobile Alliance. Wireless Village participants will make individual decisions to join the Open Mobile Alliance and to contribute in the IMPS work as part of the consolidation process.

About the Wireless Village initiative
Founded by Ericsson, Motorola, and Nokia, Wireless Village, the mobile Instant Messaging and Presence Services (IMPS) initiative, was formed in April 2001 to define and promote a set of universal specifications for mobile instant messaging and presence services. The specifications will be used for exchanging messages and presence information between mobile devices, mobile services and Internet-based instant messaging services, all interoperable and leveraging existing internet technologies. Through its Supporters, the Wireless Village initiative is building a vibrant community of users, mobile operators and global business partners where Internet and wireless domains converge. The IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization (IEEE-ISTO) provides day-to-day administrative support to the Wireless Village initiative. New members have the opportunity to comment and make contributions to the specification, participate in interoperability events and attend quarterly face-to-face board meetings.

For more information visit http://www.wireless-village.org