Alcatel agreed to acquire WaterCove Networks, a start-up developing next generation mobile networking equipment called GGSN (GPRS Gateway Support Node) for an undisclosed sum.
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.
The Watercove technology and Alcatel software can be used by mobile operators to charge their subscribers according to the type of content they wish to access or the way they prefer to access this content. For example, an operator can choose to charge a different price for sports-results multimedia messages than for traffic-warning multimedia messages, or different prices for instantaneous access versus delayed access to the results of a sports event. Watercove's GCSN is being used by Orange UK.
Watercove Networks is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. http://www.alcatel.com
- In August 2003, 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.
- 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 Jayesh Patel, who prior to founding WaterCove was Vice President of Product Management and Business Development for Northchurch Communications. Northchurch was acquired by Newbridge Networks in 1999.
