MTC-Vodafone - Kuwait selects 724 Solutions' X-treme Mobility Gateway
724 and ITS implement WAP 2.0 technology for advanced data services
Santa Barbara, CA (July 22, 2003) - 724 Solutions (NASDAQ: SVNX; TSX: SVN), a leading provider of next-generation IP-based network, applications and data services, along with International Turnkey Systems (ITS), a major supplier of total integrated solutions and wireless products and solutions for the Middle East, today announced that MTC-Vodafone Kuwait has selected 724's X-treme Mobility Gateway (XMG) for their WAP 2.0 premium services offering. The XMG is currently deployed in MTC-Vodafone's network in Kuwait and is supporting live data traffic including java downloads, one of today's hottest premium data applications.
Founded in 1983, MTC-Vodafone Kuwait, part of the MTC Group, is the largest mobile operator in Kuwait. As a pioneer in mobile services in Kuwait, MTC-Vodafone is fully dedicated to providing its customers with the latest advancements in technology and more importantly, offering improved services to enhance its customers' way of life.
"This is a significant win for both ITS and 724 in the Middle East," said Mohammad Hussam, telecommunications account manager, ITS Kuwait. "MTC is advancing ahead of other mobile operators and is furthering its position to support its increasing market growth and demand."
"724 and ITS have proven that their wireless data solution and WAP gateway technology can support the premium services that our market demands," says Saad Al-Qaoud, eBusiness group manager, MTC. "The solution enables our continuous dedication to offer the latest data applications and services that both appeal to and enhance our customers' lives."
"724 and ITS provided an excellent level of customer support during the weeks of our solution evaluation and final deployment," says John Sims, CEO, 724 Solutions. "Our value-add to MTC is exemplified with our combined total solution offering that enables quick and seamless integration for faster time-to-market of applications and services. We were able to quickly complete the integration process and offer a highly responsive level of support every step of the way."
724 and ITS first announced its joint partnership initiatives in early 2001. 724 and ITS have a long history of successfully implementing complete end-to-end wireless data solutions for several customers in that region.
XMG is a push/pull WAP 2.0 gateway that features a highly flexible and scalable platform that supports every major carrier standard including MMS, WAP 1.x and WAP 2.0. XMG is deployed throughout the world in several countries and continents.
About 724 Solutions Inc.
724 Solutions (NASDAQ: SVNX; TSX: SVN) delivers reliable, scalable technology and solutions that allow mobile network operators to rapidly deploy flexible and open next generation IP-based network and data services. Additionally, in conjunction with mobile operator partners, the company provides a series of actionable alerting solutions to enterprises to assist them in lowering operating costs and improving customer relationship management. 724 Solutions is a global company with development operations in North America, Switzerland and Germany with headquarters in Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit www.724.com.
About MTC-Vodafone
Mobile Telecommunications Company was founded in 1983 and is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The company pioneered mobile and paging services in Kuwait, starting with the ETACS system and the tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz.
In September 2002, MTC entered into a partnership agreement with Vodafone, the world's leading mobile communications company. The agreement was the first of its kind in the Middle East and has been followed closely with an agreement to work as a partnership on the second GSM license in Bahrain. MTC-Vodafone Bahrain will commence as a service on 31st December 2003.
In January 2003, MTC acquired a 96.6 percent equity interest in Jordan Mobile Telephone Services Company Ltd. ("Fastlink"). The acquisition represented the first step towards MTC's regional expansion strategy and places the company on a regional footing.
In April 2003, Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) presented MTC-Vodafone with a mobile telecommunications services licence to operate in Bahrain. MTC-Vodafone Bahrain will commence as a service on 31st December 2003. For more information, visit www.mtc-vodafone.com.
About International Turnkey Systems
International Turnkey Systems (ITS) is a leading solutions provider with an established presence in the Middle East and Africa. Incorporated in 1981, ITS has been the pioneer in information technology in the Gulf region for more than two decades offering solutions for Telecommunications, Banking and Finance, e-Business, Security, Infrastructure and Networking.
ITS has a profound understanding of the Middle East culture, values and business practices. This, combined with our technical expertise and proven experience in implementing effective solutions, account for most of our success. Our alliances with global leaders enable us to provide international IT solutions to our clients by customizing them to suit local requirements.
At ITS, our solutions touch everyday lives of people, and straddle across industries as diverse as telecommunications and banking. By adopting a collaborative approach with our clients well beyond traditional customer relationships, we help them realize maximum business value for their technology investments and retain the competitive edge by allowing them to focus on their core business.
And with our pool of 650+ highly qualified and skilled IT professionals spread across 12 offices in 9 countries in the region, we ensure that every challenge has a solution, be it enhancement of revenues or reduction in costs. For more information, visit www.its.ws.
For more information, contact:
Avichai Levy, VP Marketing Mobixell Networks
Tel: +972 544 666 785
Avichai.levy@mobixell.com
Kirsten Scott and Kim Smith, éclat Marketing
Tel: +44 (0)1276 486000
mobixell@eclat.co.uk
