Nettech Systems Inc. formed an alliance with Racotek Inc. to deliver mobile computing solutions leveraging Racotek’s Systems Integration and production support services with Nettech’s InstantRF middleware product family. Racotek said it will integrate its applications, interface tools and network management software with the InstantRF family. Nettech plans to supply products and support to Racotek. Both companies said they will promote and resell each other’s products and services.
NFO Research Inc. announced the formation of InfoCom, a new division specializing in marketing information for the burgeoning telecommunications marketplace. The market research firm launched the new division to exclusively offer market research, analysis and consulting services to the worldwide $1 trillion communications industry, including equipment, local telephone, long-distance, wireless and cable TV companies.
Billing and customer care provider Saville Systems announced it is working with relational database vendor Oracle Corp. to provide telecom service providers with a scalable, flexible convergent billing and integrated customer care solution. The combination of Oracle’s universal data server and Saville’s customer care and billing platform will give telecom service providers the flexibility to add new products and services as their business grows without sacrificing any of Saville’s software business functionality, added Saville.
Ameritel Communications Inc., and Quintel Cellular L.L.C., a division of Quintel Entertainment, formed a joint venture, Q&A Tel L.L.C. to market debit phone equipment and services. Debit cellular phones and prepaid services will be available to consumers using an infomercial format on TV in the fourth quarter, said USCI Inc., Ameritel’s parent company.
Castle Tower Holding Corp. announced it will buy and operate specific existing digital and analog towers now owned by Nextel Communications Inc. in Texas, Florida, Colorado and Pennsylvania. The company also will have the opportunity to purchase or build up to 250 new towers in an 18-state area of the eastern United States and Texas.
GoAmerica Communications Corp. teamed up with MicroAge Inc. to be a principal sponsor of a reseller-focused initiative, the MicroAge Wireless Data Certification Program, which provides resellers the latest in technical training and allows them to offer their vertical market customers complete mobile solutions, said GoAmerica. Training will emphasize the value of GoAmerica’s wireless intranet and Internet service capabilities.
Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems announced it has teamed up with the Richardson, Texas, police department to trial its new Cellular Digital Packet Data service. The company will evaluate the relatively new technology based on RPD’s ability to obtain wants and warrants, check license plate numbers, and obtain building diagrams and other data and determine plans for commercial deployment, the company said.
