Ericsson has launched its annual Frontier competition, giving pioneering technology developers in Australia and New Zealand a chance to turn their mobile and broadband applications into reality.

The aim is to find the latest next generation content and applications, with entries including anything from 3G multimedia entertainment services, to innovative business automation. 

Ericsson has partnered with the New Zealand Herald and The Australian through the duration of the competition for case studies of the entrants and announcement of the finalists and winners.

The prize pool is valued at $26,500.  The grand prize winner receives a travel and accommodation package to 3GSM Asia or CommunicAsia in Singapore and a technology start-up pack of a Sony VAIO Laptop, 17" Sony Clear Bright Monitor and Sony MP3 Walkman. The winner also receives business consulting from MAP Management Consulting.

Six finalists will present their entry to a judging panel of industry heavyweights, including Telstra, TelsltraClear, Hutchison, Telecom, Vodafone, Optus and Commander.  Finalists also receive the latest Sony Ericsson 3G mobile phone and free membership to the BEA developer program, Dev2Dev.

Sarah Phan, General Manager of Mobility Solutions for Ericsson says it’s a unique opportunity for local developers to promote their application or service.

“Through Frontier, Ericsson is proud to be able to offer local developers the chance to help create something of real significance to operators; their customers and the industry as a whole.

“It’s also quite timely, as our industry matures with faster speeds and more services.  Broadband ISPs are now providing speeds of 10-20Mbs, and delivering a full range of triple play services - Internet, video and telephony.  On the mobiles side, 3G services will be available nationally in the near future, reducing the digital divide between cities and the bush.

Last year, Amethon Solutions claimed one of the top prizes with its mobile message tracking application called FriendsWhoForward. 

Adrian Jensen, CEO for Amethon Solutions, says winning Frontier has helped his company gain local credibility and develop international exposure.

“Since winning Frontier in 2005, we have successfully raised $900K in funds in Australia and have sales opportunities in the funnel with 30 carriers around the world, including the UK, U.S. and Australia.   We have also established a cooperative marketing agreement with Ericsson in Sweden.”

“Our business has been growing and we’ve increased our staff by 150%. Now we’re focusing on expanding into mobile analytics solutions for carriers. This includes our new service that identifies viruses and enables us to target patches to specific infected files in the MMS (Mobile Multimedia Messaging Service) environment,” added Adrian.

Last year's New Zealand winner Adam Clark from M-COM, whose technology turns the mobile phone into a virtual wallet, said winning was invaluable.

"The relationship build with Ericsson through the trip to the networking event and internal exposure, and the credibility in the customers' eyes, have created direct and indirect opportunities for M-COM."

Applications for the 2006 competition close 22 September 2006 and the entry form can be found at www.ericsson.com.au/frontier

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Elizabeth Middleton                
Ericsson Australia                 
Phone: +613 9301 6589 

Mobile: +61 409 426 480