Announces formation of expanded AOL wireless group and updates mobile strategy to address expanding sector opportunity
America Online Inc has increased its investment in the wireless services sector by acquiring Wildseed Ltd – a leading provider of advanced wireless technologies – and also by forming an expanded AOL Wireless group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company was previously privately held.
Wildseed was founded in June 2000 and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with offices in London UK. Wildseed’s technologies provide the industry’s richest Linux-based mobile operating system solutions, which include support for advanced interactive games, music and video playback, remote device management, and a fully “skinnable” user interface for delivering both branded and themed user experiences on mobile devices.
“Data-related mobile technologies are on the cusp of mainstream adoption. We see it every day in the explosive growth of our mobile AIM traffic. The whole wireless industry is focused on bringing additional media and value-added services to the mobile consumer, and we are committed to being
a leader in that arena,” said John McKinley, Chief Technology Officer and President, Digital Services, America Online, Inc. “With the combination of Tegic and Wildseed, we can offer our carrier and OEM partners the best-in-class platform they need to deliver these rich and engaging mobile experiences and help drive innovation and growth in the industry.”
The expanded AOL Wireless division, which encompasses the AOL Mobile, Tegic and Wildseed groups, will speed the delivery of community and convenience to mobile users with an array of software solutions, communications and content services supported by the top wireless carriers and handset
manufacturers.
AOL Wireless will be led by Craig Eisler, General Manager and Senior Vice President, AOL Wireless, America Online, Inc. Wildseed employees and operations will be integrated into AOL’s current Seattle offices and Wildseed’s CEO Eric Engstrom will become AOL Wireless’ Senior Vice
President, Wireless Products.
“Wildseed’s advanced technologies will help AOL enhance the value of its wireless properties, and speed the development and deployment of new applications and solutions that address the wants and needs of consumers and carriers,” said Eisler. “We are extremely excited to welcome the Wildseed team into AOL Wireless and look forward to working with our carrier and OEM partners to deliver innovative services and must-have
content to their subscribers.”