Sybase 365 and Belgacom International Carrier Services Bring International SMS Communities Closer Together
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BARCELONA, SPAIN, 3GSM WORLD CONGRESS, Feb. 12: Sybase 365(TM) (NYSE:SY), the global leader in the delivery and settlement of messaging interoperability as well as the management and distribution of mobile content, and Belgacom International Carrier Services (Belgacom ICS) today announced the conclusion of a new international SMS peering agreement, combining the connectivity of the two largest SMS hub providers in the world.
The global initiative will enable 2 billion mobile users in more than 400 operators worldwide to exchange SMS messages in a secure, reliable and scalable environment.
"This collaboration will benefit hub providers, mobile operators, and subscribers through stimulation of an increasing matrix of international messaging connectivity," said Marty Beard, president, Sybase 365. "Greater cross-border text messaging is crucial not only for the dozens of advertising, technology and media industries that are banking on SMS becoming a popular international consumer communications channel, but also for enterprises looking to enhance customer value and make faster, more informed business decisions from anywhere in the world."
"Following the launch of this agreement we are predicting a significant increase in international SMS traffic as carriers are extending text messaging beyond their national borders, in direct response to the growth experienced in their domestic markets," concluded Daniel Kurgan, COO, Belgacom ICS. "In particular, the agreement will make SMS a truly international communication tool as ubiquitous as voice telephony."
The combined messaging environment will also be the first to integrate all the benefits of the recent GSMA-led Open Connectivity initiative, by reducing time and complexity for establishing inter-working agreements between mobile operators through a global hubbing infrastructure.
"This is a big step forward in meeting the aim of the GSMA's Open Connectivity programme, which allows all subscribers to exchange SMS throughout the world," said Lori Gonnu, member of the GSMA's Executive, International Director, SFR, France. "I am looking forward to further announcements of other peering relationships between hubs."
About Belgacom ICS
Belgacom International Carrier Services S.A./NV (Belgacom ICS) is a leading global carrier of voice, data and value added services to more than 400 wireless, wireline and service providers through sales offices in Brussels, Bern, Dubai, Singapore and New York. Belgacom ICS is at the forefront of the international communications industry, acting as a catalyst for growth, both in terms of traffic and reach. The company aims to enable global interworking across all networks, technologies and services. As a result of this approach and the joint venture with Swisscom ICS, Belgacom International Carrier Services is now one of the largest wholesale voice carrier and a world leader in data transit services.
About Sybase 365
Sybase 365 is a new subsidiary of Sybase, Inc., following the acquisition of Mobile 365. Sybase 365 leads the world in the global delivery and settlement of mobile messaging interoperability, and the management and distribution of mobile content. Processing more than 4.5 billion messages per month, Sybase 365 reaches more than 700 mobile operators around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sybase.com/365/.
FCMN Contact: firstcallsyb@sybase.com
Source: Sybase, Inc.
CONTACT: Carmel Coscia of Sybase 365, +33 153 05 2910, or carmel.coscia@sybase.com; or Frankie Harding of Octopus Communications,
0845 3700 655, or francesca@octopuscomms.net, for Sybase 365; or Catherine Bals of Belgacom ICS, +32 2 547 52 30 / +32 473 92 28 10, or catherine.bals@belgacom.com
Web site: http://www.sybase.com/
