NORWOOD Systems is in discussions with British Telecom in a bid to sell its technology for use in a lucrative blue tooth project that the UK telco giant expects will generate half a billion pounds in revenue within three years.
Now UK-based, Norwood Systems is a leading provider of multi-mode connectivity platforms that began life in Perth and still maintains a research and development division in Subiaco.
The project, called BT Project Bluephone, is multi-mode mobile technology that uses Global Systems for Mobiles (GSM) and blue tooth.
Mr Østergaard said Norwood’s multi-mode technology, called Enterprise Mobility, is a cell phone that works like a fixed line phone when inside a user’s home or office.
He said the benefits included better mobile phone coverage, lower costs per minute and faster data transfer rates and that the multi-mode technology relied on a cost-effective, power-effective and space-effective second wireless interface being added to the cell phone platform
Mr Østergaard said BT was expected to make an announcement at the end of the month concerning the project, with the multi-mode service planned for launch in the second quarter of 2004.
Others involved in the project included major players such as Ericsson, which has developed a mobile phone that is currently being trialed by BT.
Mr Østergaard said if successful, Norwood would provide technology and office network infrastructure to the project and would be ultimately “plugged into a consortium” with other consortium members providing handsets and infrastructure for the main network.
He said the potential flow on benefits from such a contract could be significant.
“It is a significant opportunity for us,” Mr Østergaard said.
“If we conclude the BT deal, then we [Norwood] will grow.
“It’s nice to see a telecom wanting to get into that space and we’re aware of about nine or ten other carriers that are looking at the same opportunity.”
Mr Østergaard said consumers as opposed to corporate customers had been quicker at adopting blue tooth technology but that Norwood was at the forefront of creating technology applications that would be attractive to business.
“We are just starting to see corporate opportunities for wireless blue tooth,” he said.
“I would say we are the pioneers of blue tooth enterprise centric modes.”
