Syniverse NEXT Signifies Breakthrough in Mobile Messaging

Syniverse Technologies (NYSE: SVR) today announced a breakthrough solution that ushers in a new era of mobile messaging for operators and subscribers worldwide. SyniverseSM NEXT, an advanced messaging hub, is the first and only solution to connect any network to any other network across any messaging protocol, and to deliver to subscribers the ‘go-anywhere, do-anything’ communication services they desire.

“We expect that Syniverse NEXT, a true first in the mobile industry, will permanently change the messaging landscape for operators and subscribers alike,” said Tony Holcombe, President and CEO, Syniverse. “Its appeal is its simplicity. Our innovative solution removes any remaining interoperability barriers that have been holding back the global expansion of enhanced messaging solutions.”

NEXT gives operators the flexibility and functionality to enhance their mobile messaging offers by delivering leading-edge message interoperability, regardless of message type, network or protocol. Moreover, the hub makes possible the exchange of subscriber presence information that shows when users are online and available to interact.

Holcombe said presence is fundamental if mobile messaging services are to develop beyond the one-way, simple text delivery of SMS.

“Not only will the heightened real-time interactivity of presence open the door for new services, such as social networking and content sharing, presence will be critical for operators to win the race for subscriber loyalty and incremental data revenue as early adopters interact in communities of common interest and develop greater ties to each others’ address books,” he said.

Syniverse NEXT also positions operators to capitalize profitably on the expected explosion in mobile instant messaging (MIM), which is forecast to become a $9.9 billion market by 2012, according to a recent report. The cost-effective solution provides operators with the ability to rapidly launch MIM services, and gives them the opportunity to capitalize on the instantaneous and interactive nature of IM-based messaging services. The same services that are expected to be the catalyst for greater ARPU from subscribers who wish to use social networking, mobile VoIP and mobile Internet services when they are on the move.

Operators who have yet to launch a presence-based IM service will be able to rely on Syniverse NEXT to improve SMS delivery by ensuring that messages are not lost or delayed. Syniverse NEXT also provides a full audit trail for each message that will be essential as operators introduce mobile money and banking services that utilize messaging.

Pamela Clark-Dickson, editor of Mobile Messaging Analyst, which is published by Informa Telecoms & Media, said most of the mobile operators who have launched mobile IM services have avoided the problem of IM interoperability by partnering with one or more of the established global Internet portal communities rather than launching their own-brand service.

“Letting the global ISPs carry the load is an approach that has value for cellcos in what is still a relatively nascent market,” Clark-Dickson said. “But if cellcos want to be regarded as smarter than a bit pipe, they will need to take greater control of the opportunity that mobile IM and presence represents to their business by, for example, also tapping into established local IM communities or enabling presence across multiple messaging types.”

Syniverse CEO Tony Holcombe explained that NEXT works at several levels to provide the ubiquitous messaging services that subscribers expect.

Operators who join a messaging hub with advanced capabilities, such as those in NEXT, are provided a central point of connectivity and service interchange with other operators. This allows them to quickly expand their global footprint, meet the challenges of setting up agreements, and manage data clearing and financial settlement. The hub also performs all of the complex messaging protocol interworking and interoperability between messaging partners and frees subscribers to interact with each other any way they choose. For the first time, NEXT eliminates messaging barriers caused by divergent formats. IM, for example, can be converted and delivered in SMS format to recipients who are not yet part of an IM community.

“Syniverse NEXT is the logical evolution of messaging services,” Holcombe said. “With more than 20 years of extensive experience solving the complexities of roaming and interoperability, Syniverse clearly has the answer for operators who want to deliver to their subscribers the industry’s most advanced messaging services.”

To watch the Syniverse NEXT video, visit the NEXT webpage and click on the video icon on the left side of the page.

About Syniverse

Syniverse Technologies (NYSE:SVR) solutions allow more than 600 communications companies in over 120 countries to provide seamless mobile services by making it possible for disparate technologies and standards to interoperate. Syniverse's flexibility and customer focus permit its customers to quickly react to market changes and demands, enabling the delivery of everything from voice calls to sophisticated data and video services wherever and whenever subscribers need them. With more than 20 years in the industry, Syniverse is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, U.S.A., and has offices in major cities around the globe. Syniverse is ISO 9001:2000 certified and TL 9000 approved, adhering to the principles of customer focus and quality improvement practices. More information is available at www.syniverse.com.