Nokia to license WAP 1.2 compliant browser as source code (August 21, 2000)

Nokia WAP Browser enables customers to offer
customized user interface and integrate value added functionality 
 
In an effort to speed the deployment of standards-based, wireless
Internet solutions, Nokia today announced the availability of the
Nokia WAP Browser 2.0, compliant with the WAP 1.2 specification.
Unlike other major WAP browsers, the Nokia browser will be made
available to mobile phone and other device manufacturers as source
code, giving the manufacturer significantly more control over the
software and their development costs. 
 
The current release of the browser is WAP 1.2 compliant with 
support for WML 1.2, WML Script, and supports Push functionality.
Because the browser is shipped as source code, it will be possible
for manufacturers and wireless carriers to manage the user interface
and to develop the functionality of the product to meet their 
specific market needs. A number of different licensing arrangements 
are available, including a royalty free option.   

The Nokia WAP Browser is based on the software that Nokia has 
deployed in the world's first WAP compliant handsets, the Nokia 
7100 Series "smart phone" and the Nokia 9110i Communicator platforms.  
 
To speed up the overall success of the industry, developing wireless
Internet or WAP software should be easy and cost-effective," said 
Pertti Lounamaa, vice president, Nokia Internet Communications. 
This is another step that Nokia is taking to eliminate barriers by
providing high-quality, low-cost, and most importantly, flexible 
software solutions."    

By providing WAP 1.2 source code, Nokia gives customers the essential
WAP 1.2 baseline functionality and then enables them to add extensions
or modifications as needed.For example,a wireless carrier could create
a distinct user interface for the browser and then make it available
to all of its phone suppliers.Additionally handset or PDA manufacturers
could add new features to their product such as synchronization or 
instant messaging, and they would be able to integrate those features
securely with the core browser. 

 
"Compelling applications are central to both the success of WAP and
to Nokia's vision of the Mobile Information Society. In the wireless
Internet world, the browser is the application environment," continued
Lounamaa. "We recognize the value our customers place on providing a
pleasant user experience in that environment, and it is our mission 
to give our customers the tools they need to create those applications.  
About WAP  WAP is an open global standard for communication  between 
a mobile handset and the Internet or other computer application. 

WAP-based technology enables the design of advanced, interactive 
and real-time mobile services, such as mobile banking or Internet-based
news services, which can be used in digital mobile phones or other 
mobile devices. The WAP specification allows solutions from multiple
suppliers to perform consistently and reliably for the end-user across 
digital networks. 

For more WAP information visit: www.wapforum.org .