networks

Metaswitch Networks, a supplier of next generation infrastructure and applications to network operators, today announced the acquisition of Colibria, an independent provider of enhanced instant messaging, presence and network address book solutions. Colibria’s all-IP, standards-based portfolio is being deployed by operators worldwide to deliver messaging and content sharing capabilities. “Operators around the world have quickly come to realize that it is time to turn up the heat on their over-the-top competitors,” said Kevin DeNuccio, CEO at Metaswitch Networks. “The way people communicate is quickly evolving from just voice and text to a new, richer set of social interaction and contextual calling services. Metaswitch is in the middle of this transformation, helping service providers address these demands and putting their brand front and center in the new communications experience. Colibria technology will play a key role in making this happen.” The Colibria acquisition is said to further complement Metaswitch’s recently launched Thrutu service, an in-call content sharing experience that enables mobile users to impulsively exchange information during a call. Available as a branded platform for global operators, Thrutu allows operators to introduce these new services today. The addition of Colibria’s IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Rich Communication Suite (RCS and RCS-e) compliant portfolio further broadens the range of options that Metaswitch can now present to operators looking for short, mid and long-term answers to the dual challenges of countering competitive threats and keeping the voice call relevant. “We see RCS as a strategic move by service providers that resonates well with customers. A move that could attract nearly 44 million subscribers by 2015,” said Diane Myers, directing analyst, VoIP & IMS for Infonetics Research. “We’ve tracked both Metaswitch and Colibria for a while and see the combination as a potent force in SIP-oriented converged applications for wireline and wireless operators.” “We are thrilled that Colibria has been acquired by Metaswitch,” said Lars Myhrum, Colibria CEO. “The companies share a common culture of engineering excellence and customer-first thinking. Colibria has been in the forefront of messaging and rich communication services, exemplifying Norwegian companies’ ability to innovate and succeed alongside major international companies. Metaswitch will now allow us to write the next chapter in that story.” Metaswitch says it will continue to invest in and support Colibria’s brand, products and strategic industry partnerships. Myhrum will assume the General Manager role for Metaswitch’s presence in Norway, with responsibility for the ongoing development and evolution of the Colibria product line. (NetEvents APAC Press Summit)