NMS buys Openera

Details: Alec Barton; Category: Consumer Ecosystems; 13 March 2006; 8190 views

NMS Communications has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Openera Technologies, a provider of mobile application handset solutions for converged mobile networks...

NMS Communications has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Openera Technologies, a provider of mobile application handset solutions for converged mobile networks.

Openera will become an integral part of NMS' Mobile Applications business, reporting to Mark Grindeland, Vice-President and General Manager.

Openera's Mobile IMS Client serves as a single, simplified pathway for launching and managing Openera's portfolio of presence-based applications, including Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing, Active Phone Book for community services, Push to Talk over Cellular, and Instant Messaging. Openera's SIP-based solutions enable the delivery of these emerging IP multimedia communication services on mobile devices spanning 2.5G, 3G, IMS and WiFi networks.

The acquisition is intended to position NMS as a leading mobile service enabler, delivering personalised, content-rich, user-centric applications and services. Openera's portfolio of client-based 3G and IMS mobile applications for smart-phone and feature-phone platforms complements NMS's network-based applications and technology, enabling the company to deliver services to existing and new customers. The combined capabilities will provide mobile operators and next-generation service providers with an end-to-end solution - incorporating network integration, applications, content and an optimal user experience - targeted specifically at 3G wireless, IMS, and mobile Internet applications and services.

NMS will maintain Openera's operations in Bangalore, India , and Openera executives will play critical roles at NMS in the ongoing development of the company's Mobile Applications business. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur within the next few weeks, for consideration of US$16.4 million in stock, approximately 51% of which is contingent upon the continued employment of key employees of Openera over the 30-month period following the closing.

The company anticipates the financial effect of the transaction to be neutral to its 2006 earnings, before taking into account the effect of amortisation of the non-cash compensation and other purchased intangibles. The effect of these non-cash amortisation charges will be determined based on an asset valuation analysis yet to be completed and will have a significant effect on the company's GAAP earnings.

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