Leading 3G Operator, Sonera, Selects Portal Software; Infranet to Support Mobile Portal Service, Emerging 3G Wireless Applications

    Portal Software Inc. (Nasdaq:PRSF), a leading provider of business infrastructure software for Internet and next-generation communications services, today announced that Sonera (Nasdaq:SNRA), an international forerunner in mobile communications and mobile-based services and applications, has licensed Portal's Infranet(R) customer management and billing software. This partnership provides Sonera with the sophisticated business infrastructure technology it needs to support its new Sonera Zed mobile portal service. By partnering with Portal, Sonera expects to accelerate the launch of new wireless Internet solutions based on third generation wireless telecommunications (3G).

    Sonera Zed is a service entity, which combines mobile and net communications. Zed, which brings the Internet into the mobile phone, offers several new mobile phone services, such as real-time information retrieval and e-commerce. Zed is not dependent on a particular type of equipment, it functions in all mobile devices. The services are available both in SMS text messages and WAP service. Zed will also function in future solutions utilizing UMTS technology.

    After its launch in October 1999 Zed for consumers received a lot interest from mobile operators and content providers. Zed, while based on existing and proven technology, provides many advantages for operators. Zed concepts and services are in operation and being piloted in Finland, the most advanced mobile communications market in the world. Finland has the highest penetration of cellular phones in the world - approximately 70% -- compared to the world average in developed countries of around 18%. At the end of January 2000, Zed had over 600,000 users in Finland (total pops 5.1 million). The number of users registered at Zed's Finnish net service was close to 140,000.

    "Portal's Infranet is the industry's most flexible and comprehensive customer management and billing system," said Turkka Oksanen, senior vice president, Sonera Ltd. "With Portal's support and technology, we are confident that we will be able to bring new services to market quickly and effectively, enabling our customers to take maximum advantage of today's emerging technologies."

    Portal will support Sonera's 3G initiatives through its recent partnership with Cap Gemini. This joint relationship (see announcement, "Portal Software and Cap Gemini to Provide Infrastructure Solution for Next-Generation Mobile Services," January 31, 2000) will allow the two companies to provide the business infrastructure required to offer emerging wireless Internet applications. Portal and Cap Gemini will deliver a comprehensive customer management and billing solution for managing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services (UMTS) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) based applications and services. As a result, Portal expects to enable mobile service providers, including Sonera, to deliver wireless Internet services that can support millions of subscribers.

    "Portal is committed to helping the wireless industry embrace the Internet and IP," said Steve Sommer, vice president of business development, Portal Software. "3G wireless communications have triggered the emergence of a new breed of telco, positioned at the confluence of traditional telecommunications and Internet-enabled content. Today's telcos must focus on customer service and providing Internet-based content. Portal's Infranet enables companies like Sonera to evolve their business strategy and quickly capture emerging markets by rolling out new types of services."


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