New application hails real-time services to users
January 22 2007, Cambridge, UK
OpenCloud Limited, the supplier of next generation application servers to the telecommunications industry, today announced the launch of a real-time talk-by-text application for mobile devices. The application, powered by OpenCloud Rhino, the JAIN SLEE* standards-compliant service logic execution environment for carrier grade implementations, will benefit organisations looking to offer revenue-generating real-time communication services to users.
Unlike other text-based messaging functionality such as SMS, MSN or email, the new talk-by-text application is real-time. Each letter appears on the recipient’s display screen as the sender types it so the recipient no longer has to wait for a complete message to be sent. The application can be loaded to a mobile device enabling a lively and interactive form of communication while on the move. It will soon be available on PCs with internet access enabling users to hold a real-time text conversation with anyone, anywhere in the world.
By exploiting real-time communications, service providers (for example, telecoms operators) can offer richer services to a broader range of consumers and generate more revenue. Opening up the real-time communications opportunity will also encourage innovation among telecoms operators beyond telephony as they can leverage opportunities into other verticals.
The real-time application powered by OpenCloud has been deployed at AnnieS, a charity for the deaf and hard of hearing named after Annie Sullivan, the private teacher to deaf and blind Helen Keller*. TNO Information and Communication Technology developed the application and KPN is the first operator to offer the service in Holland.
The deaf and hard of hearing are often excluded from society because their disability makes communication and access to information difficult. AnnieS aims to provide means of communication to the 100,000 deaf or hard of hearing in Holland. The talkby- text application supported by OpenCloud is an example of how technology can improve communication for the deaf community.
OpenCloud will work with AnnieS, along with more telecoms operators and service providers in the near future, to execute new service deployment strategies rapidly, cost effectively and independently from existing and future underlying networks, providing an evolutionary path for the delivery of revenue-generating services. For AnnieS, any profits will be invested back into the use of innovative technology to fulfil its mission of improving means of communication to the deaf community in Holland.
For the launch of the mobile talk-by-text service for the deaf in Holland, KPN is using BlackBerry handsets with the real-time application. The BlackBerry device incorporates all the necessary features for the deaf to benefit fully from the mobile service including QWERTY keyboard, vibrating alert, long battery life, email, phone, SMS and internet access.
Stephen Newton, CEO of OpenCloud, said: “By supporting the real-time application in Holland, we are initially helping a disadvantaged section of society but the potential to positively impact business and end users worldwide is huge. The revolutionary application highlights how real-time communications needs to be exploited to offer revenue-generating and innovative services to consumers. We look forward to demonstrating this on our stand at the 3GSM conference in February*.”
Raymond Kruyer, CEO of AnnieS, said: “A key driver behind me developing the mobile talk-by-text application was seeing how both my deaf parents were unable to grasp modern technology because it was not suited to their disability. I believe the real-time service will help the deaf and hard of hearing worldwide integrate fully into mainstream society.”
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* Notes to editors:
- OpenCloud will be on stand H06 - Hall 2 Level 1 at 3GSM World Congress, 12-15 February 2007 (www.3gsmworldcongress.com)
- JAIN SLEE (Java application programming interfaces (APIs) for Integrated Networks Service Level and Execution Environment) is primarily designed to support the rapid development of robust telecommunications applications in Java. For more information, please visit: www.jainslee.org
- The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) claims that there are 8,945,000 people who are deaf or hard of hearing in the UK (www.rnid.org.uk)
- For more information on Helen Keller, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller
About OpenCloud
OpenCloud was formed in New Zealand in 2000 to create open standard software technology that would revolutionise the portability and interoperability of services in telecommunications specifically in the evolution to IP and 3G IMS. The company was founded on the vision that the use of Java in telecommunications would stimulate innovation, interoperability and simplicity in telecommunication systems. OpenCloud works with partners to deliver, integrate and support end-to-end solutions incorporating OpenCloud products to global network operators and service providers. OpenCloud has representatives in Cambridge, UK; Wellington, New Zealand; Madrid; Tokyo, and San Francisco. More information is available at www.opencloud.com.
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