US : Mobile solutions innovator Kodiak Networks and ZTE Corp. have signed a worldwide licensing and strategic marketing agreement. Under the agreement, ZTE will feature Kodiak Networks integrated mobile applications on multiple Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) devices, including ruggedized handsets for several geographic and vertical markets.

Inset is Timothy Hall, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Kodiak Networks quoted below.

The licensing agreement allows ZTE to integrate the embedded Kodiak handset client with UMTS (3G) handsets for the enterprise, professional, and field workforce markets. One of the fastest-growing telecommunications equipment companies worldwide, ZTE announced a full series of 3G handsets in December 2006. The first Kodiak-enabled ZTE handset is scheduled for release in the second half of 2007.

ZTE and Kodiak will be integrating the following applications and feature functionality into UMTS devices:

• Mobile Conference — Allows immediate dialout of full-duplex, mobile conference calls to both wireless and wireline participants.
• Group SMS — Enables convenient SMS communications with individuals or groups.
• PTT Presence — Displays on-screen icons indicating the real-time availability or status of individuals and groups to receive calls.
• Push to Talk — Provides users with an instant 1:1 or group calling communications option with fast call-setup times and guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS).
• Voice Notes — Allows users to leave instant voicemail messages from Kodiak-enabled PTT phones to contacts/groups with wireless phone numbers without ringing the recipient’s phone.
• Convert to Cellular — Gives users the ability to convert a half-duplex PTT conversation to a full-duplex group conference call.
• Call Me Alerts — Enhances the efficiency of PTT calling by allowing subscribers to send an on-screen alert to another PTT user to request a voice conversation.

“Kodiak Networks and ZTE have forged a strong relationship to supply wireless operators with a wide range of devices spanning a variety of price points, form factors, and functionality,” said Timothy Hall, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Kodiak Networks. “Going forward, Kodiak will support ZTE in meeting the needs of wireless device customers requiring advanced group communications capabilities and sustainable handset performance, especially under environmentally challenging conditions.”

“As the uptake of 3G services continues to grow, consumers and prosumers are demanding handsets with an integrated mobile applications suite and a rich feature set,” said Li Ying Feng, General Manager, 3G Mobile Products, ZTE Corp. “Together with Kodiak, ZTE is packaging these services into attractive mobile devices for both market segments, as well as specialty ruggedized devices for field personnel, public safety, and outdoor workforces.”