Infineon introduces instant messaging including presence and e-mail functionality for smart entry mobile phones

Neubiberg, Germany – February, 2008 – Infineon Technologies, a leading supplier of communication ICs and solutions, is the first company to demonstrate e-mail and chat functionality on ultra-low-cost mobile phone solutions, also called smart entry mobile phones. By taking this leap, the company has paved the way to mobile Internet on existing platforms. Infineon has partnered with TJAT Systems to come up with a solution that allows simultaneous access to all leading communication portals such as MSN, ICQ, Chikka or Yahoo.

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Infineon is showing a phone implementing the joint solution. Together with Singapore-based Jurong Technologies, an international mobile phone manufacturer, Infineon is showcasing web-based instant messaging services on low-cost platforms. Smart entry phones will now enable users to receive fast-and-easy access to chat and e-mail on low cost mobiles.

Market research firm Gartner* estimates that mobile instant messaging will gain huge momentum. According to the firm, in 2008, 2.8 trillion messages will be sent via that channel. This is a growth of 19.6 percent compared to 2007. Revenues are expected to grow by 15.7 percent to 60.2 billion US dollars in 2008.

“The demand for low-cost, easy-to-use mobiles continues to increase, particularly in the emerging markets. Yet while this is so, many people still don’t want to be without functions normally offered only in the high-end segment. Our joint efforts with TJAT on the server-based instant messaging solution gives our target group low-cost access to the mobile Internet,” said Prof. Dr. Hermann Eul, Member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG and Head of the Communication Solutions Business Group.

Availability

Infineon’s instant messaging solution for entry-level smart phones is now available.

*Source: Gartner Press Release December 17, 2007; “Gartner Says Mobile Messages to Surpass 2 Trillion Messages in Major Markets in 2008"