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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Sprint TO Launch New Mobile Applications for the AOL Instant Messenger(TM)(AIM(R)) and MSN Messenger
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Feb. 8 -- Sprint (NYSE: FON) announced
today that it is launching new Java-download instant messaging (IM)
applications for the AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) and MSN Messenger
services from Microsoft Corp. Sprint is launching these easy-to-use
applications as a way to better serve the growing population of customers
wanting to take their instant messaging experience mobile. The new instant
messaging applications from Sprint will make it easier for Sprint PCS Vision
customers to stay in touch with family and friends by offering a mobile option
for sending and receiving instant messages from their preferred instant
messaging service, including those from America Online, Inc. and MSN.
The applications will allow customers to have the same look and feel of
their existing desktop experience, including being able to access their AIM(R)
Buddy List(R) feature and MSN Contact List to see who is online and to use
enhanced graphics and emoticons. With the new IM applications, customers can
get unlimited instant messaging on select handsets for $2.99 per month with a
Sprint PCS Vision plan. The application is located in
Downloads/Applications/Get New/Messaging.
"Sprint recognizes the increasing need of customers who want to be able to
continue the IM experience while away from their desktop," said John Styers,
director - Wireless Messaging Services, Sprint. "The new AOL Instant Messenger
and MSN Messenger applications will allow our customers to experience many of
the same IM features they have at home or work now in the palm of their hand."
Other enhancements to mobile instant messaging from Sprint include:
Access and download the instant messaging applications from familiar
sources directly to a handset and begin using it within minutes;
Send, receive, and reply to messages instantly;
Receive notifications of incoming messages;
View and manage buddy/contact/friend lists and always know who is
online; and
Set IM status directly from the handset and now appear as "mobile" when
accessing IM account from a handset.
According to market research firm IDC, wireless instant messaging is
poised for dramatic growth, especially in the youth and business segments. The
U.S. wireless IM subscriber market is forecast to increase at a CAGR of nearly
32% to more than 37 million users by the end of 2008, with resulting messaging
growth reaching a whopping 77.7 billion total messages sent and received
annually by 2008.
"IM is one of the few areas in which the U.S. is clearly leading the rest
of the world from both a wireline and wireless perspective," said Lewis Ward,
senior research analyst, wireless and mobile communications, IDC. "This
announcement is further proof that Sprint recognizes the value -- and perhaps
obsession in some cases -- of IM to youths, adults and business professionals
alike, and opens the door to even greater IM adoption that will help keep
America at the forefront of this real-time form of text communication."
The launch of the new mobile applications for the AIM and MSN Messenger
services will give subscribers an easier and more real-time experience. Sprint
already offers enhanced instant messaging for mobile Yahoo! (R) Messenger
clients. The mobile application for the AIM service is available immediately.
The mobile application for the MSN Messenger service is anticipated to launch
within the month.
Powering Sprint PCS mobile instant messaging is the OZ Mobile IM Gateway
and Client solution. The OZ Mobile IM Client connects to the branded IM
services via the OZ Mobile IM Gateway -- furnishing Sprint with an end-to-end
solution. This standards-based, highly customizable application delivers to
Sprint PCS Vision customers a branded and recognizable IM experience that
mirrors existing desktop IM services.
Sprint recently announced 6.2 million Sprint PCS Vision customers through
the end of the fourth quarter 2004, leading the industry in the use of
advanced data services. Sprint PCS Vision includes services that allow
customers to take and receive pictures; browse the Internet; check personal
and corporate email; view streaming audio and video clips of news, sports and
entertainment; and download voice ringers, graphically rich games and screen
savers, all on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.
About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and
solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A
Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004,
Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-
of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide
all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone;
and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in
the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/mr .
The names of the actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
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