Alcatel signed a strategic OEM agreement to resell WaterCove Networks' Mobile Data Service System (MDSS) as part of its expanded packet data portfolio for 2.5G and 3G networks. The WaterCove MDSS provides an extended billing solution that allows operators to offer a larger suite of high margin GPRS data services including mobile email, Internet access or multimedia messaging (MMS). Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.alcatel.com
http://www.watercove.com
- Orange UK is using the WaterCove Mobile Data Service System to provide prepaid data services billed in real time.
Key elements of the WaterCove architecture include an intelligent server that creates and manages subscriber profiles and network policies. It provides streamlined provisioning for subscriber data profiles by leveraging existing systems that contain this information, as well as open systems interfaces to third party and/or internally developed applications and services. WaterCove's Mobile Data Support Node performs switching, service delivery, subscriber aggregation and network resource management. Deep processing power enforces policies and for real-time metering.
In January 2003, WaterCove raised $20 million in third round financing. Charles River Ventures, Sprout Group, Orange Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners participated in this round. The company has raised a total of $70 million of equity financing to date.
WaterCove Networks is led by Peter Lojko, previously VP and General Manager of Excel Switching, developers of programmable voice switches. Lucent acquired Excel Switching in August 1999 for $1.7 billion in stock.
