(March 18, 1999) - The world leading mobile phone manufacturers, Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola have today introduced a new marketing initiative to simplify the introduction and recognition of the Mobile Internet. The WWW:MMM (Mobile Media Mode) icon will enable consumers and industry partners, such as content providers and network operators to immediately recognize Internet based Value-Added Services and mobile devices such as smartphones and PDA's that are designed to work seamlessly together.
One of the main challenges with wireless Value-Added Services and technologies has been their abstract and complicated nature. Until today, a common symbol for Mobile Internet access has been missing. The WWW:MMM icon is targeted to become the unifying tool that will boost the recognition and usage of the Mobile Internet and other Value-Added Services by consumers.
Mobile Media Mode defines a new space on the Internet, where content has been optimized for access via a mobile device. This contrasts with the World Wide Web currently the dominant space on the Internet, which is designed for access via fixed computers, with their large screens, full size keyboards and high bandwidth connections. Mobile Media Mode content and devices will ensure rapid access to value-added services on the move whilst taking into account the more limited screen and keypad capabilities of mobile devices and the additional complexity of wireless connections.
Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola will jointly own the trademark of WWW:MMM and each company will be entitled to license the WWW:MMM icon to any company that accepts the terms of the licensing agreement. In the initial phase, the licensees will, for a nominal administrative fee, receive the right to use the WWW:MMM icon solely in conjunction with WAP compliant products, content and services.
"The market for Mobile Internet devices and services depends on open standards but will only take off if the industry can explain the benefits for the consumer. Consumers want simple communications solutions, where technology is the enabler, but benefit is the goal", says Jan Ahrenbring, Vice President Marketing and Communications at Ericsson Mobile Communications.
"We have predicted that by the end of year 2005, there should be more mobile devices connected to the Internet than fixed terminals. However, this change will only happen if the benefits of mobile internet access are clearly highlighted to end users, network operators and content providers. The WWW:MMM initiative helps to clarify these benefits by clearly identifying which devices and content will work seamlessly together, speeding up the adoption rate of new internet-based services and providing the necessary return on investments required by network operators," says Frank Lloyd, Senior Vice President, General Manager, EMEA Personal Communications Sector, Motorola,
"The origin of the MMM (Mobile Media Module) symbol was the WWW ( World Wide Web). We simply decided to turn WWW upside down and create a symbol for the new location-independent services for trend-setting mobile phone users. The icon will not only be easy to recognize but it will simultaneously set the expectations of Value-Added Services to a high standard. Customers will be able to enjoy high-quality services and products," says Juha Reima, Vice President, Global Product Launch Management of Nokia Mobile Phones.
Nokia is the world's leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks including related customer services. Nokia also supplies solutions and products for fixed and wireless datacom, as well as multimedia terminals and computer monitors. In 1998, net sales totalled FIM 79.2 billion (USD 15.7 billion, EUR 13.3 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on five European Stock Exchanges and on the New York Stock Exchange (NOK.A), has sales in over 130 countries and employs more than 44,000 people worldwide. For further information, please visit Nokia on the web at www.nokia.com.
Ericsson is the leading provider in the new telecoms world, with communications solutions that combine telecom and datacom technologies with freedom of mobility for the users. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for its customers - network operators, service providers, enterprises and consumers - the world over. For further information, please visit Ericsson on the web at www.ericsson.com.
Motorola is a global leader in advanced electronic systems and services. It liberates the power if technology by creating software-enhanced products that provide integrated customer solutions and Internet Access via wireless and satellite communications, as well as computing, networking, and automotive electronics. Motorola also provides essential digital building blocks in the form of embedded semiconductors, control and systems. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion. For further information, please visit Motorola on the web at www.motorola.com.
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