Orion, CellPoint agree to merge

Orion Information Services, a Miami-based developer of mobile content platforms and applications, including a recently-announced interactive TV mobile entertainment portal, is merging with CellPoint Connect AB, a Swedish wireless hardware and software firm.

Under the terms of the merger, Orion will take on the CellPoint name and head up the company’s America’s division, which includes both North America and Latin America. Kristian Gjerding, Orion CEO, said the merger will allow the combined company to compete in all significant international markets, including Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. Gjerding will become CEO Americas of the combined entity.

Thus far, Orion has focused mostly cross media integration of Web, TV and wireless. Just last week, it announced an effort to work with another company, PixelPlay, to unveil a new front end for Orion's DishMobile.com interactive TV mobile entertainment portal.

CellPoint, meanwhile has developed client solutuions that include GSM location position technology; the Flamingo Bluetooth headset with its patent-pending EarClick technology; an SMS-based marketing/CRM tool called Direct; and its 112Now personal surveillance technology that provides both subscribers and security companies with an instant alert on their mobile phone when an intruder is detected and allows both the consumer and the security company to see or hear what is happening at the alarm location.