MUNICH -- Siemens has signed a takeover agreement with Garderos Software Innovations GmbH, Munich. The start-up company, one of the leading suppliers of software for operational support systems (OSS), will continue to be run under its existing name as a fully owned Siemens subsidiary. The OSS from Garderos will be a strategic element of the Siemens Wireless Integration Platform (WIP). This platform enables fast and flexible integration of WLAN, WiMAX and Flash-OFDM networks with mobile and fixed networks. A number of functions from the large operator networks, such as billing, roaming or authentication, can then also be used for wireless broadband customers. With the Siemens Wireless Integration Platform, operators looking to enter wireless broadband business will have key competitive advantages over pure broadband providers.

"Wireless broadband networks are a very promising market for both mobile and fixed network operators. Our Wireless Integration Platform ensures that our customers can add wireless broadband services to their portfolio cost effectively and thus generate extra profit from their existing infrastructure," said Christoph Caselitz, head of Mobile Networks at Siemens Communications.

Operational support systems are found in the IP (Internet Protocol) infrastructure of networks. Their main tasks include authentication, authorization and accounting of subscribers and their services. As an element of the Siemens WIP, the hardware- independent Garderos software architecture enables service providers to securely set up and operate wireless broadband services.

One of the strengths of WIP is that it can integrate broadband networks in the operators' existing and mostly highly complex billing systems. In addition, WIP enables an operator's end customers to roam, i.e. use broadband networks of other providers. Access control remains the responsibility of the original operator, who can offer various billing methods, such as postpaid, prepaid, electronic voucher, etc. The various access procedures also enable operators to apply different business scenarios.

Siemens AG