Wireless Data Services Opens New Seattle-based Service Center to Support VoiceStream, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and Other Americas Clients

Business Wire, July 9, 2002

Business Editors, High-Tech Writers

WDS Continues to See Strong Growth Despite Tough Economy

Wireless Data Services (WDS) announced opening a fully functioning service center in Kirkland, Washington in response to North and South America customer demand.

The office will support a growing list of customers, including VoiceStream (DT), Nokia (NOK), Western Wireless (WWCA), Motorola (MOT), Sony Ericsson (ERICY), Microsoft (MSFT), Microcell (MICT) and Novatel Wireless (NVTL).

"Since 1994, we've been focused exclusively on wireless data, and that strategy is paying off as this dynamic industry becomes real," said CEO David Ffoulkes-Jones. "We're seeing the convergence of sophisticated devices, e-mail and other data applications really moving in the Americas and are responding."

"End customers are demanding more from their wireless devices and that translates into strong demand for our tools and services around these complicated technologies," added Tom Ryan, COO and US office lead. "We have 15 people initially serving Americas customers full-time which should grow to 45 this year because of our specialization."

Ryan added that the company has logged over a million data technical support calls and the solutions to those calls are recorded in a series of WDS proprietary tools. One such web-based tool gives end-users direct access to the WDS Knowledgebase, reducing costly support calls and improving the WDS client's bottom line. The knowledgebase helps to configure and set-up a wide variety of devices with such diverse technologies as GPRS, CDMA 1X, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

About WDS

With eight years of global experience helping wireless carriers, manufacturers and software companies, WDS specializes in helping its clients launch new wireless data offerings and in the process grow and retain their most profitable customers. Specifically, WDS offers third-tier technical support, product testing, wireless data training of sales and support agents, and web-based self-help/configuration tools. WDS is headquartered in the U.K. and has offices in South Africa, America, Australia and Singapore offering support in 20 languages (including French, Spanish and Portuguese in the Americas). WDS serves a variety of top-tier customers around the world, such as Singtel, Samsung, Vodafone, Orange, Siemens, T-Mobile, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Microsoft and Motorola.