MOU concluded with NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic Mobile and ESTEEMO
TOKYO, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCESS CO., LTD., a global provider of
advanced software technologies to the mobile and beyond-PC markets, today
announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with NTT DoCoMo,
Inc., NEC Corp., Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd., and ESTEEMO
Co., Ltd. under which the companies will study the use of ACCESS Linux
Platform(TM) as the basis for developing a shared Linux(R) platform for
mobile phones and an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo.
In a market characterized by frequent model changes and fast
time-to-market requirements, high-performance handsets demand increasingly
complex software. ACCESS intends to help handset makers meet these
requirements by developing a shared platform for the global market based on
ACCESS Linux Platform, a next-generation open operating system platform, in
combination with custom-tailored operator packs embedded with a full slate
of carrier-specific applications. ACCESS Linux Platform enables the
creation of world-class mobile phones and wireless devices by providing an
integrated, flexible and complete, commercial-grade Linux platform designed
for the worldwide mobile phone and converged device markets.
Under the MOU, ACCESS will make use of MOAP(L) (Mobile Oriented
Application Platform based on Linux) which is the FOMA(TM) mobile platform
used by NTT DoCoMo, and will lead the development of a shared software
platform that also conforms to specifications of the LiMo Foundation, an
independent, non-profit foundation established with the aim of promoting
the use of Linux by the mobile industry. The five companies have also
agreed to consider development of an operator pack for NTT DoCoMo based on
the shared platform. ACCESS intends to begin marketing the commercial
products resulting from these efforts during fiscal 2009.
"Linux-based mobile phones are attracting attention at home and
abroad," said Toru Arakawa, president and CEO, ACCESS. "The agreement by
NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic Mobile and ESTEEMO to join us in discussing the
development of a shared Linux-based platform and operator pack will
contribute to the efficient development and prompt release of
next-generation handsets by providing the type of user-friendly interface
that is only possible with Linux."
"In January this year, NTT DoCoMo established the LiMo Foundation,
together with key companies worldwide," said Kiyohito Nagata, senior vice
president, managing director of Product Department, Products & Services,
NTT DoCoMo. "The conclusion of this memorandum will substantially expedite
the development of a shared platform based on LiMo Foundation
specifications, as well as promote consideration of an operator pack by the
five participating companies. In this way, the memorandum will contribute
to the dissemination and growth of the Linux platform and the creation of
an associated ecosystem. We expect it to enable the development of products
that are even more attractive to NTT DoCoMo."
"As a firm believer in the Linux-based platform for mobile terminals,
NEC has long been involved in development of MOAP(L) and has been a
founding member in the LiMo Foundation," said Susumu Otani, senior vice
president of NEC. "We hope entering into today's MOU will enable us to
accelerate the further expansion of a LiMo Foundation-compliant Linux
platform and its ecosystem."
"As a founding member of the LiMo Foundation, Panasonic Mobile
Communications has been contributing to the realization of a Linux-based
mobile platform using software technologies cultivated during the
development of NTT DoCoMo's FOMA 3G mobile service," said Osamu Waki,
president of Panasonic Mobile Communications. "We anticipate that the
conclusion of this MOU will hasten the creation and further evolution of a
Linux platform based on LiMo and its ecosystem."
"With the combined strengths of both Panasonic Mobile Communications
and NEC, we believe we can truly contribute to developing and promoting a
globally competitive common platform and software for Linux-based mobile
terminals," said Yoshiharu Tamura, president of ESTEEMO.
About ACCESS
ACCESS CO., LTD. is a global company providing leading technology,
software products and platforms for Web browsing, mobile phones, wireless
handhelds, and other networked devices. ACCESS' product portfolio,
including its NetFront(TM) Browser, Garnet(TM) OS (formerly Palm OS(R)) and
ACCESS Linux Platform(TM), provides customers with solutions that enable
faster time to market, flexibility and customizability. The company,
headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates 29 subsidiaries and affiliates
within Asia, Europe and the United States. ACCESS is listed on the Tokyo
Stock Exchange Mother's Index under the number 4813. For more information
about ACCESS, please visit http://www.access-company.com.
(C) 2007 ACCESS CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
ACCESS, NetFront, Garnet and ACCESS Linux Platform are trademarks or
registered trademarks of ACCESS CO., LTD. and ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc.
(formerly PalmSource, Inc.) in Japan and other countries.
The registered trademark Linux(R) is used pursuant to a sublicense from
LMI, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a
world-wide basis.
Palm OS is a trademark owned by Palm Trademark Holding Company and is
licensed exclusively to ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc.
All other trademarks and logos are the property of their respective
owners.
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SOURCE ACCESS CO., LTD.
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Related links:
http://www.access-company.com
CONTACT:
Head Office (Japan), Mariko Hanaoka
+81-3-5259-3685, prinfo@access.co.jp; or U.S., Pam Miracle,
+1-408-400-1543, pam.miracle@access-company.com; or Europe,
Laurence Clavere, +33-0-6-72-38-05-38,
Laurence.clavere@access-company.com; or China, Delia Liu,
+86-10-6439-6167, delia.liu@accesschina.com.cn, all of ACCESS
CO., LTD.
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