Can You Meet the Series 60 Challenge? Nokia Calls On Developers to Build the Next Hot Mobile Applications

Business Wire, Nov 11, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HELSINKI, Finland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2002

Nokia today announced the Nokia Series 60 Challenge, a contest for mobile application developers in the Europe, Africa and Middle East regions, as well as in Asia Pacific.

Following the success of previous contests, Nokia wanted to encourage developers to create Symbian OS, MIDP Java(TM) and MMS based applications for the Nokia 7650 and Nokia 3650 imaging phones, both of which are based on the Series 60 platform. The three application categories for the competition are messaging, entertainment and productivity.

"Nokia invites all developers based in the European, African and Middle East countries, as well as Asia Pacific, to compete with their Series 60 applications. The Series 60 platform is a compelling platform for mobile applications given the number of companies that have licensed the platform. There is an extensive, rapidly growing market for quality applications that will engage consumers," said Jouko Hayrynen, Vice President, Forum Nokia. "A contest is a creative way to activate developers to explore both the technical capabilities of the Series 60 mobile devices and the ways of distributing the applications."

The winning applications will be those that demonstrate the best combination of innovation, quality and usability. The contest opened on November 8th and the last day to submit applications to the jury is January 6th, 2003. Winners will be announced in February 2003. Representatives from Nokia and other Series 60 licensees, such as Siemens, will form the jury.

Besides Nokia 3650 imaging phones and either free application testing or technical support services, winners will also be able to showcase their winning application at an industry trade event during 2003. In addition, the top three developers from Europe, Africa and Middle East will be offered an invitation to a Series 60 VIP event in 3GSM World Congress, 2003, in Cannes, France where they have the chance to meet several Series 60 licensees.

The two other winners in each of the three categories will also receive Nokia 3650 phones and application testing for their winning application. All winners will be invited to appear in Forum Nokia print and on-line materials, and will also receive certificates acknowledging their success. All applications submitted to the contest will remain the property of their owner, also if they win.

Forum Nokia, the on-line service for developers of mobile applications worldwide, is hosting the contests and will play an active role in supporting the entrants in their development work. The applications can be created and tested by using the tools and emulators provided by Forum Nokia free of charge.

Entry and evaluation criteria together with contest rules and registration information are available at http://www.forum.nokia.com/series60contest/

About Forum Nokia

Nokia's global developer program, Forum Nokia, connects developers to the tools, technical information, support, and distribution channels they need to build and market applications around the globe. From offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Singapore, Forum Nokia provides direct technical and business development support to developers and operators in order to ensure the successful launch of services to consumers and enterprises. More information is available at www.forum.nokia.com.

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and reliable solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.