BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced it is providing systems integration services to three Korean telecom companies in their joint effort to vastly expand the number and quality of services for their mobile customers.
SK Telecom, Korean Telecom and LG U+ are cooperating, through a consortium, to create a single, Korea-specific clearinghouse that will link to a global application development initiative called the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC).
Formed in 2010, WAC brings together more than 60 of the world’s communications service providers (CSPs) to create a common set of interfaces, standards and tools that will help developers create new, enriched applications that will run on the CSPs’ networks and handsets.
The Korea-WAC platform will function as an intermediary, handling transactions and processing, to ensure that global WAC applications are available and optimized for use by the three Korean CSPs and their mobile customers.
In addition, a Korea-WAC application can enrich the mobile experience for all users by integrating key network enablers from the three different CSPs. For example, an application that depends on a user’s location or availability can share that information automatically among all users, even if they are on different CSP networks.
The Korea-WAC platform is being implemented by a consortium formed by the Mobile Internet Business Association (MOIBA) and the three CSPs with support from the Republic of Korea.
“Our goal is to make sure that Koreans continue to have the best possible mobile experience,” said DongJin Choi, director, MOIBA. “Through cooperation, both globally and in Korea, we can reach that goal. The pan-country approach of Korea-WAC is unique, and again demonstrates Korean leadership. We look forward to continued progress with HP.”
To build the Korea-WAC platform, HP is drawing on its experience in large, complex projects that require both telecom and IT expertise, as well as its capabilities in consulting and integration, architectural guidance and overall project management.
“The innovative Korea-WAC approach creates growth opportunities for CSPs and application developers, and will ultimately enhance the mobile experience for millions of users,” said Erwan Menard, vice president and general manager, Communications and Media Solutions business unit, HP. “HP believes WAC can be a catalyst for re-shaping the global landscape, and Korea-WAC might well be a model for other countries.”
The Korea-WAC platform is expected to be fully operational later this year. At that time, the three Korean CSPs intend to start incorporating new, enriched WAC-based applications into their respective app stores.
LG U+, Korea Telecom, SK Telecom and HP are members of WAC.
More information on HP developer communities and app stores is available at www.hp.com/go/sdp
About KWAC
KWAC is a consortium formed by Mobile Internet Business Association (MOIBA) and SKT, KT and LG U+ with support from the Republic of Korea. KWAC aims to build an ecosystem for developers, CSPs and consumers in the Korean domestic market in order to promote the production of local-specific apps. KWAC will provide WAC on-boarding services on behalf of the three CSPs so that global developers can sell their apps in the domestic market.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com. Editorial Contacts
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by HP’s businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected operational and financial results; and other risks that are described in HP’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
© 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.