COGNICASE and Microcell Labs this week entered into an agreement to jointly form an Internet and
wireless provider of advanced e-services.
In addition, NB Capitals Partners, a merchant bank affiliated with National Bank of
Canada, has conditionally agreed to invest CAN$15 million in the new company.
“This strategic partnership is a clear recognition of the value and
potential of the leading-edge technologies that COGNICASE can bring to this
growing market,” said Ronald Brisebois, COGNICASE President and Chief
Executive Officer.
“This collaboration with Microcell will enable us to deliver unique services
to the fast growing number of individuals relying on wireless and Internet
services for their business and personal transactions.”
The new joint venture will incorporate Microcell Labs’ technologies in the
fields of unified messaging, Web Telephony integration, and residential
gateways.
The new company capitalises on COGNICASE’s eMP-Apps and Watch 4 Me 7/24
technologies to provide what the company calls “smart information on demand” to
wireless and Internet customers.
The potential reach for the services of the new venture represents yet another nod to the projected number of future wireless users — the market expected
to grow to more than 1 billion by 2003.
Microcell Labs is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications (MICT).
Its PCS network, which is based on the GSM standard, serves 53 percent of the Canadian population.
COGNICASE (COGI) specializes in the implementation of business
solutions that leverage information technology, with offices in several
major North American and European business centers.
