Synchronica Introduces 'Pay as you Grow' RCS as a Service

Highlights:

• Synchronica launches RCS as a Service, a low-risk, 'pay as you grow' solution for mobile operators
• Fully hosted solution with no capital expenditure requirement
• Full RCS service without the need for a costly IMS core network
• Helps operators to combat the threat from OTT players
• Free trial periods available for operators to test and evaluate the service
• Follow @SynchronicaPLC for live Synchronica updates from Mobile World Congress
• Demo available at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Hall 2, Stand 2A37

BARCELONA, Feb. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - HALL 2, Stand 2A37 - Mobile World Congress - Synchronica plc, the global innovator in mobile messaging solutions, today launched Synchronica RCS as a Service, a 'pay as you grow' solution for mobile operators wishing to roll out a fast and cost effective RCS (Rich Communications Suite) service.

Synchronica's solution is based on technology from NewPace and follows last week's announcement of a partnership deal between the two companies for the development, sales and marketing of NewPace's RCS platform.

By using Synchronica's hosted RCS service, mobile operators can avoid the need to implement their own, costly IMS core network and can instead undertake a more cost-effective and accelerated roll out to subscribers. Synchronica RCS as a Service also allows groups of mobile operators in one country to benefit from a 'joined up' RCS experience, irrespective of whether they have all deployed an IMS core, by launching their services simultaneously to enable cross-network messaging between subscribers. Synchronica's service, which is fully controllable by the mobile operator, provides a viable safeguard to competitive threats from the OTT direct-to-user players such as WhatsApp and Google.

An industry standard defined by the GSMA, RCS provides the specifications to unify popular communications channels such as voice, presence, status, instant messaging (IM), SMS, buddy lists, media sharing, conferencing and video chat into a single service accessible from the mobile handset. During the opening of Mobile World Congress 2012, the GSMA unveiled a new consumer-facing brand identity for RCS named 'joyn'. Synchronica's solution enables mobile operators to rapidly deliver a joyn service based on an RCS-e Application Server which is fully compliant with version 1.2 of the RCS-e specification. Synchronica will continue to upgrade the service to comply with future iterations of the RCS specification as these become available.

Provided as a hosted option, with a clear migration path for future deployment into a mobile operator's own premises, Synchronica's solution enables a mobile operator of any size to cost-effectively provide RCS without upfront capital outlay. Synchronica RCS as a Service does not require mobile operators to purchase, install or maintain additional hardware equipment, or to procure software licences.

"Synchronica's RCS as a Service provides mobile operators with a unique opportunity to cost-effectively change the way we use our mobile phones," explains Kim Hartlev, Chief Technical Officer at Synchronica. "With our solution, operators don't need to invest in an IMS core, and from our global data centres, they can rapidly introduce their service within 12 to 16 weeks."

Synchronica RCS as a Service provides full server and client interoperability with Unity, Synchronica's flagship mobile messaging platform, enabling operators to offer full RCS functionality that can be enhanced with Unity's unified messaging support for external portals and social networking communities. The solution also enables operators to reuse their existing infrastructure with built-in interconnection to legacy communities and service platforms.

"We believe that operators shouldn't have to abandon legacy investments as a means of deploying new technology," continues Hartlev. "At the same time, we recognise that RCS is an evolving standard which will face regular technical revisions. Because Synchronica's solution is hosted on behalf of the mobile operator, it's easy for us to deploy software upgrades as the RCS-e specification evolves, keeping the mobile operator's service fully up to date without facing additional costs."

A demonstration of Synchronica RCS as a Service is available in Hall 2, Stand 2A37. Operators can also enjoy a no-obligation time-limited trial in which to test and evaluate the service.

About Synchronica

Synchronica plc is a global innovator in next-generation mobile messaging technologies. Its flagship product, Unity, has been chosen by more than 100 of the world's leading mobile operators and OEMs to power their own-branded push email, instant messaging, and social networking  services.

With leading features such as Unified Messaging, Geo Socialization and RCS as a Service, Unity connects to any mobile device - from the most basic mobile phone, to high-end tablets - providing customers with a strong foundation on which to achieve market differentiation, diversified revenue streams, and reduced churn.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Synchronica maintains global research and development centres in Canada, Germany, India and the Philippines. Synchronica's shares trade on the London Stock Exchange AIM market (SYNC) and the Venture Exchange of the Toronto Stock Exchange (SYN).

Cautionary Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of Synchronica. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from Synchronica's plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Synchronica with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. Synchronica does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

please visit www.synchronica.com or follow Synchronica on Twitter: @SynchronicaPLC.

For trade media and analyst enquiries, please contact:

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For Synchronica corporate information, please contact:

Synchronica plc
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Angus Dent

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Shane Gallwey;
Rod Venables

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Paul McManus
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