Nokia strikes enterprise convergence deals

HELSINKI--At its annual Connection event this week, Nokia announced new partnerships with enterprise-focused networking providers Avaya, Cisco and OnRelay, all targeting VoIP and convergence solutions between the corporate PBX and the cellular network.

Avaya and Nokia have agreed to develop a dual-mode handset that uses session initiation Protocol (SIP) connections handled through Avaya’s Communication Manager to bridge the wireless wide area network and the IP PBX. By developing a SIP-based solution, Nokia is forgoing a solution based on Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), which encapsulates a GSM signal over a Wireless LAN connection. Though Nokia is one of the main backers of UMA, a SIP-based convergence technology is considered a closer step toward a true IP multimedia subsystem architecture. The deal is very similar to the partnership Motorola struck with Avaya and Proxim last year to develop a dual-mode phone, which is now being used in BellSouth’s enterprise/wireless convergence trial in Atlanta.

Avaya and Nokia have partnered in the past. Avaya agreed earlier this year to develop its Multivantage business client for the Series 60 platform. Those first clients are expected to ship this summer.

With Cisco, Nokia has agreed to license Cisco technology so it can integrate dual-mode Series 60 devices with Cisco Call Manager solutions. Though the two are not collaborating in creating a device, the partnership is key due to Cisco’s dominance in both the enterprise and Wi-Fi realms. The solution will allow Series 60 devices launched by a carrier to link seamlessly back through a corporate W-LAN network powered by Cisco gear.

Nokia also agreed to co-market OnRelay’s MBX solution, a generic VoIP solution that connects GSM/UMTS networks to IP and legacy PBXs. While the solution is currently available over the Series 60 platform, Nokia said it will now actively promote the technology.