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WATERCOVE
NETWORKS RAISES $10 MILLION
TO ENABLE MASS DEPLOYMENT OF MOBILE WIRELESS DATA NETWORKS
Experienced Telecom,
Mobile & Data Networking Team Launch New Venture
Burlington, MA, October 25, 2000 - WaterCove
Networks, Inc., an innovative start-up company founded
by senior mobile, telecommunications, and data networking
executives, today announced it has raised $10 million
from leading venture capital firms Charles River Ventures,
Bessemer Ventures, and from inOvate Communications Group,
a company that creates, invests in and manages wireless
businesses.
WaterCove Networks is developing the next-generation
data networking infrastructure solutions specifically
for mobile networks. This new infrastructure will enable
wireless service providers to easily and rapidly deploy
advanced 'always-on' mobile IP applications and services
on a massive scale by simplifying service creation,
enabling data roaming, and scaling network performance.
According to International Data Corporation, M-commerce
transactions will explode to $21B by 2004 in the US
market, and the Yankee Group has predicted that mobile
data services in Western Europe will generate $62B in
revenue by 2005 making up 32% of all service revenues.
"WaterCove Networks was founded to
address the challenges facing mobile operators as they
begin to deploy mobile data services. We are combining
a service-aware intelligent system with data networking
transport that can easily grow as data services move
to mass consumer deployment levels," said Peter
Lojko, President and CEO of WaterCove Networks. "Not
an easy feat given that operators have to support emerging
business models which include being an end-to-end service
provider, enabling application and content providers
access to the network, and even opening their network
to Mobile Virtual Network Operators. WaterCove has zeroed
in on the IP Mobility solution that gives wireless operators
the flexibility to remain competitive under rapidly
changing market and technology conditions."
"The deployment of advanced wireless
data services is just beginning and has become a strategic
initiative for mobile operators worldwide. Significant
investment in the mobile data network will be needed
to support the increased data traffic and migration
to 3G (third generation) wireless, "always-on"
technology," said Bruce Sachs, General Partner,
Charles River Ventures. "New innovative services
will fuel the demand and mobile operators need a flexible
and intelligent infrastructure that can respond to evolving
market dynamics."
"Wireless carriers don't have the
infrastructure in place to rapidly and seamlessly support
the increasing demand for data services," said
Perry LaForge, Chairman & CEO, inOvate Communications
Group. "WaterCove Networks' solution will help
overcome this tremendous roadblock that's been stalling
wireless industry progress. inOvate looks forward to
providing access to our network of resources and wireless
data domain expertise to help WaterCove quickly deliver
a product to serve the needs of the mass market."
First Class Leadership
WaterCove Networks has brought together a first-rate
management team and board of directors that combines
entrepreneurial drive with a wealth of experience in
managing wireless networks and delivering carrier-class
voice and data networking products.
Peter Lojko - CEO, President,
Board Member
Formerly held executive positions with Excel Switching,
NextWave Telecom, American Mobile Satellite Corp.
and Nynex Mobile.
Mark Tubinis - Founder and
Vice President, Development
Formerly held executive positions with Innovative
Telecom Corporation and Summa Four.
Jayesh Patel - Founder, Vice
President, Marketing and Board Member
Formerly held executive positions Northchurch Communication
Inc., Bay/Nortel Networks and Xylogics.
Wen-Khang Han - Founder and
Director of Technology
Formerly held senior engineering positions at Motorola,
Infinet, and Memotec Data Comm. Wen holds three patents
in the area of wireless mobile communications and
applications.
Paul Ciarfella - Founder and
Director of Network Management
Formerly held management positions Lucent Technologies,
Ascend Communications and Cascade Communications.
Full biographies for WaterCove Network's
world-class management team can be found at www.watercove.com.
"WaterCove Networks has assembled
a unique team that has been in the shoes of the customer
and understands the challenges facing the new generation
of wireless carrier," said Bob Goodman, General
Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners. "Members
of the WaterCove team have built some of the industry's
largest wireless and most complex data networks, giving
them the 'in the trenches' expertise necessary for success."
About WaterCove Networks' Investors
WaterCove Networks' investment group, Charles River
Ventures, Bessemer Ventures, and inOvate Communications
Group, includes some of the wireless, data communications,
and telecommunications industry's most successful and
respected individuals:
Bruce Sachs, General Partner at Charles
River Ventures, is a Director of several private and
public companies including WaterCove Networks, and
has held executive positions at Ascend, Stratus Computer,
Bay Networks and Xylogics.
Perry LaForge is Founder, President
and CEO of the inOvate Communications Group and Director
of WaterCove Networks. A 20-year wireless industry
veteran, Perry LaForge is the founder and executive
director of the CDMA Development Group (CDG), a trade
association comprised of over 100 of the world's leading
wireless operators and manufacturers.
Bob Goodman, General Partner, Bessemer
Venture Partners, has over 15 years experience in
the wireless industry and was founder and CEO of two
successful wireless companies: Celcore, Inc. and Boatphone.
Note: Related press release issued today,
"WaterCove Networks Announces Advisory Board".
About WaterCove Networks
WaterCove Networks, headquartered in Burlington, MA,
was founded in 2000 and is privately held. WaterCove
Networks develops next-generation networking equipment
for wireless service providers looking to rapidly deploy
mobile data services within their existing infrastructure
and accelerate the rollout of personalized content and
services using mobile appliances. The founding team
combines extensive experience in the mobile wireless,
data networking and telecommunication equipment industries.
WaterCove Networks has received funding from Charles
River Ventures, Bessemer Ventures, and inOvate Communications
Group. Additional company information can be found at
http://www.watercove.com.
###
Note: WaterCove is a trademark of WaterCove
Networks. All other trademarks are properties of their
respective owners.
Contact:
Joann Anderson
River Bend Consulting
978-948-8458
joann@riverbendconsulting.com
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