SILA Communications, Schlumberger sign licensing agreement

Aether Systems Inc.'s European venture with Reuters, SILA Communications (London), has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with smart card company Schlumberger. The agreement means that Schlumberger Simera's Java SIM cards will host SILA's software allowing large volumes of data, such as market and share changes, to be transmitted to wireless devices quickly and at minimal cost.

The compression software allows high volumes of data and broadband services to be compressed into small packages and sent to any device over the limited amounts of bandwidth currently available. The Java card technology enables easy integration of the software into the mobile environment and brings end-user interactivity. The Simera card decompresses the information and allows mobile subscribers to adjust their shares portfolios.

SILA Communications is initially targeting its broadband service at the financial sector, providing users with up-to-date information on movement in the markets, breaking news, and sports to any wireless device. However, the decompression software embedded in the SIM card will enable SILA to offer a range of personalized services and information from sports fixtures and latest scores to local entertainment guides.

"Up until now, traders have been able to view stock movements using paging devices but have been unable to react to them," said Bo Kroll, president of SILA. "The deal with Schlumberger means that mobile devices will soon be fitted with decompression software that will enable us to offer up-to – minute financial information enhanced with full two-way transaction capability alongside other broadband services."

SILA Communications, formed in May 2000 with an initial capitalization of $167 million, is in the process of granting a number of operating licenses to mobile phone network operators for the commercial use of the system.

Edited by Ellen Jensen