Dulles, VA and Espoo, Finland, January 18, 2001 -- America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, today announced a licensing agreement whereby America Online will develop and market a Netscape-branded version of Nokia's WAP microbrowser, with AOL enhanced features, for use across a wide variety of mobile communications devices.
Under the multi-year agreement, America Online will work with the Nokia technology to bring to the market enhanced microbrowser technology and to promote wireless standards, including WAP, that foster a vibrant mobile data experience.
Dennis Patrick, President of AOL Wireless said, "This agreement is a key component of our wireless strategy. WAP is the most widely adopted wireless standard in the world among carriers and handset manufacturers and it makes sense for us to work to support that standard. We're delighted to work with a leader like Nokia. Licensing their WAP browser source code allows us to quickly enter the WAP market with an established technology. Additionally, America Online will continue to lead in the development of technologies and standards that deliver the best possible wireless experience for consumers as we move towards the convergence of wireless and wire-linked Internet technologies."
"AOL is an important customer for our WAP browser source code," said Pertti Lounamaa, Vice President, Nokia. "They are a pioneer and clear leader in providing consumer services in the fixed Internet environment through Netscape. We are pleased that AOL's first forays into wireless microbrowser services are based on open global standards and our tested technology."
The agreement between Nokia and America Online marks the first extension of the Netscape brand to the microbrowser market. It supports America Online's AOL Anywhere (sm) strategy, which makes AOL's industry-leading brands and features available to online consumers anywhere, anytime through a range of devices beyond the PC.
Nokia currently licenses their WAP browser source code to manufacturers, chip set vendors, service providers and operating system suppliers.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.
About AOL Time Warner, Inc.
AOL Time Warner (NYSE:AOL) is the world's first Internet-powered media and communications company, whose industry-leading businesses include interactive services, cable systems, publishing, music, cable networks and filmed entertainment.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Nokia Mobile Phones Communications , Tel. +358 10 5051
Nokia Inc. Corporate Communications, Tel. +1 972 894 6146
AOL Communications, Bruce C. Harris , +1 703 265 1408
www.nokia.com