Siemens Establishes Opuswave Networks for Integrated Enterprise Communication Solutions - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Nov 22, 1999

"Opuswave Networks" has been chosen as the name for the organization recently established by Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc., and Omnipoint Technologies, Inc., to create integrated enterprise communication solutions. The organization was launched in August and showcased the first prototypes of its Corporate GSM solution at Telecom 99 in Geneva. Corporate GSM is a unique way of integrating PBX voice networks, IP-based LANs and WANs, and GSM-based mobile phone service across an entire corporate enterprise. This convergence will help corporations increase productivity and customer responsiveness while lowering their long-distance costs. At the same time, GSM network operators have a powerful new way to build strong partnerships with their key business customers. The solution is slated for release in the summer of 2000.

Patrick Apfel, President and CEO of Opuswave, explained the company's unique nature: "Opuswave combines the entrepreneurial energy and flexibility of a start-up with the market presence and technological heritage of two well- established leaders in their respective fields. Analysts predict that data messaging within the next three to five years could account for 30 percent of all wireless network traffic. Our product development efforts are progressing rapidly toward public release." Regarding the new name for his company Apfel said: "We are all excited to have a new corporate identity to rally around. The name Opuswave was chosen to convey the combination of opus as a creative achievement and the wave nature of wireless communications. Our company logo further promotes the idea of seamless integration across PBX, IP and GSM technologies."

Opuswave's Corporate GSM solution helps enterprises cope with the rise in mobile phone usage, both on and off the corporate campus. Opuswave integrates GSM base stations on campus with the existing PBX voice and IP-based data network. The result is secure on-campus communication and seamless roaming between the campus and the public GSM network. Corporate GSM protects legacy investments in PBX and IP networks, while being fully compatible with the rapidly emerging Voice over IP (VoIP) Internet telephony protocol, as well as General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) and third-generation GSM enhancements.

Mobile users can use all major features of the PBX and access the enterprise network through their mobile handsets. Corporate GSM reconnects these mobile workers with the rest of the enterprise, while giving them the freedom to work wherever customer demands and market opportunities take them. Opuswave expects Corporate GSM to be particularly popular with companies that encourage alternative work arrangements, such as telecommuting and hoteling.

The foundation for Opuswave Networks was built in August when Siemens Information and Communication Networks acquired a majority interest in Omnipoint Technologies' Wireless IP Networks Division, for which Omnipoint Technologies received $40.5 million in cash. Siemens Information and Communication Networks views this investment as a key step in strengthening its position in the emerging enterprise convergence market.

Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc., provides integrated wireline and wireless voice, data and video communications networks to carrier and enterprise customers. Siemens Information and Communication Networks is a complete provider of GSM solutions, offering all the components and services needed to establish GSM networks, from switching systems through base stations and terminals to wide- ranging services such as consulting and planning for network setup and operation. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of GSM systems, the Siemens Information and Communication Networks Group of Siemens AG has already provided the equipment for more than 120 network operators in over 65 countries. Last year, the 7000 U.S. employees of Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc., generated sales of nearly $2 billion. The parent firm, Siemens AG, is a pioneering electronics giant with 440,000 employees worldwide and global sales of $75 billion. For more information on Siemens Information and Communication Networks, visit the company's Web site at www.icn.siemens.com.

Opuswave Networks, Inc. Opuswave Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc., develops end-to-end, wireless IP-based communications solutions. By integrating mobile radio and Internet technology, these systems seamlessly connect the worlds of wireline and wireless communications. Corporate GSM is the company's first commercial offering. Opuswave was recently spun off from Omnipoint Technologies and established as a Siemens subsidiary, leveraging the resources and expertise of two recognized technology leaders. The company employs a staff of 130 and is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. (www.opuswave.com)