Action Engine LLP, Dangaard Telecom Partner to Create Integrated Solutions for Operators Launching Services Built Around Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone and Pocket PC Devices.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

3GSM World Congress 2003

CANNES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

Action Engine LLP (www.actionengine.com) and Dangaard Telecom (www.dangaard.com), with support from Microsoft, today announced a joint partnership that will create a complete single source solution for Mobile Network Operators.

Their services will be built around mobile phones powered by Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Powered Smartphone software and Pocket PC Phone Edition software. Action Engine LLP is an Action Engine-DAT Group (www.datgroup.com) company.

The solutions will enable network operators to create added value throughout the entire subscriber life cycle from pre-sale to point of sale and on to post-sale. Additionally, operators will be able to create differential value with applications and personalization features to inspire more subscribers to use their smart device more often. The companies will provide a complete solution through the Microsoft Mobile2Market programme that includes customer and IT training, marketing and sales support, and participation with Microsoft in joint sales meetings with prospective operator customers.

"The smart device market is quickly maturing and presents a great opportunity for mobile Operators to gain new customers while driving non voice-related revenues with increased ARPU. Operators need to quickly and easily launch rich data services and devices," said Robbie Wright, Director, Mobile Devices Marketing Group, Microsoft EMEA. "The Action Engine LLP and Dangaard Telecom solution adds to the functionality and rich data capabilities of Windows Powered devices with world-class device provisioning and management capabilities while cost-effectively streamlining this process for operators."

At the point of sale, devices will be automatically configured, cutting costs and preparing subscribers to enjoy the benefits of wireless data the moment they leave the store. After the sale, device management capabilities will reduce support costs and automated software delivery will create new data revenue through the download and use of mobile applications.

"The Action Engine LLP-Dangaard Telecom partnership enables operators to launch smart devices sooner because we've eliminated substantial effort and risk from the process, and our partnership gives operators the ability to launch a variety of devices at volume levels that suit their needs," said Craig Eisler, Action Engine CEO. "Additionally, Dangaard Telecom provides operators with industry leading solutions and support, and gives Action Engine LLP unprecedented breadth with their vast distribution channel," continued Eisler.

The companies will also work together on the development and delivery of new and exciting rich data, including connected lifestyle services like travel, location-based services, news, weather, stocks, grocery shopping, horoscopes and more.

"As operators seek to drive revenue growth through data services, they've underestimated the importance of intuitive user interfaces, such as those developed by Action Engine, to really drive that growth, said Ed Rerisi, director of research, Allied Business Intelligence. "Moreover, operators need to differentiate value throughout the entire subscriber life cycle, from pre-sale to point of sale and on to post-sale. Action Engine and Dangaard Telecom address that, and offer operators an easy mechanism for device management and personalization features that will drive customer loyalty and satisfaction."

Initial products and services that will be available include the Action Engine Mobile Web Services Platform, system integration and professional services, Smartphone services and a full suite of device management services from Action Engine LLP.

With the Action Engine Mobile Web Services Platform, network operators can create, manage and deploy browserless data applications that fully exploit the capabilities of smart devices and operating systems.

The Action Engine Mobile Web Services Platform is a client-server solution for smart devices that, by using a thick client, provides a rich and easy-to-use experience, unparalleled network efficiency, and convenient and always-available access to applications and data independent of a network connection.

Action Engine provides a free downloadable SDK for its Mobile Web Services Platform that allows developers to build smart client, smart server applications using industry standard XML.

Action Engine LLP also provides a comprehensive Over-The-Air Device Management Platform that simplifies device configuration, device registration, software maintenance, service provisioning, security, wireless data backup/restore, applications downloads, and more.

Dangaard Telecom will provide comprehensive sales and distribution services and support including:

-- Content Solutions

-- Call Center Support

-- Financial Solutions

-- Accessory Solutions

-- Education & Training

-- Retail Solutions

-- Marketing

-- SIM Services

-- Supply Chain Management

When implemented, the program will enable consumers to purchase devices and services from a myriad points of sale including:

Web purchase

Customers will be able to browse through a comprehensive catalogue and purchase smart devices, data rich applications, ring tones, media, games, delivered via Over the Air (OTA) push, or download mechanism.

Purchase with device

Mobile users can be notified on their device home screen of newly available applications from a catalogue, where they can and select and purchase.

Over-The-Air Billing

Delivery and payment can be done over-the-air with customer billing showing individual purchases reflected as part of their operator bill.

Operator Push

In addition to downloading items of their choice, operators will be able to push over-the-air new applications, updates or service upgrades to the customer's device, with automatic installation and billing.

Operator device configuration and localization

The program also enables operators to provide automatic device configuration reflecting their branding when a customer purchases a new device in-store. Once a customer selects a device and carrier, the device can be fully configured in seconds. This reduces point-of-sale costs associated with provisioning a new device. It also provides a simple configuration of web and/or POP based email and messaging services.

About DAT Group

Based in the UK, DAT Group is a provider of innovative technology solutions that create real business advantage for their clients. DAT offers full-scope engineering solutions from infrastructure design and implementation to application development. Solutions are implemented by cross-functional groups of specialists. Our mobility team integrates and develops solutions based on an understanding of available communications infrastructure and solid user interface design. Highly rated by our customers Tesco.com, Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Lunn Poly and MyTravel, DAT are market leaders in the mobile solutions space. DAT has developed a range of intelligent configuration tools for the Pocket PC and Smartphone that can add value at point of manufacture through to point of sale and beyond. For more information visit www.datgroup.com

About Action Engine

Action Engine's browserless Mobile Web Services Platform delivers a superior user experience and access to web services, also called connected applications, and personal data from smart mobile devices. With Action Engine's evolutionary "smart software for smart mobile devices," carriers and wireless network operators, smart device manufacturers, and enterprises can rapidly deploy mobile web services that are easy to use and manage, are network efficient, and do not require a constant network connection. For more information visit www.actionengine.com. Our network operator customers include Orange SA (FOREIGN OTC:ORGEF) and mmO2 (NYSE:OOM) (LSE:OOM).

About Microsoft Mobile2Market

Microsoft Mobile2Market--the Marketplace for Mobile Applications--enables a process for the certification and market delivery of network-ready wireless applications for the Windows(R) Powered Pocket PC and Smartphone software platforms. Mobile2Market certified applications assure mobile operators that the applications are network-ready, and of high quality and reliability.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.