Ericsson and Endemol sign global partnership

Ericsson and Endemol International B.V. today announced a global partnership agreement to develop interactive TV and user-generated content via Ericsson's 'Me-On-TV' solution.

The Ericsson 'Me-On-TV' solution was developed in partnership with Endemol, a global leader in TV and digital entertainment, and Dutch technology company Triple IT.

'Me-On-TV' is a network and device-independent technology, allowing consumers to upload, publish and share live or pre-recorded video content via any mobile device, from anywhere to any screen around the world. Consumers can transmit to websites, TV broadcasts, or stay in contact with friends in a community. It also allows broadcasters, internet sites, and mobile network operators to directly manage live and on demand content via state-of-the-are editorial management tools.

Jan Wäreby, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson's multimedia business, says: "This global partnership flags Ericsson's commitment to establish a leading position in multimedia. It shows our partnership approach with innovators in complementary fields to develop consumer solutions for multiple screens that can benefit media companies and operators alike."

William Linders, Executive Director of Digital Media at Endemol International, says: "We're delighted to be working with Ericsson on this exciting new technology. The market for digital content is rapidly evolving and 'Me-On-TV' could have a significant impact on the way consumers interact with TV and digital media."

'Me-On-TV' will be offered as a white-label service to content aggregators such as broadcasters, internet sites, and network operators. It will be delivered as an end-to-end service, fully integrated, hosted and managed by Ericsson.

Endemol will act as a distributor for 'Me-On-TV', licensing the technology as an integrated service in existing and newly developed TV and multimedia formats. 'Me-On-TV' is already being used by Endemol in the Netherlands. Last season's Big Brother TV series saw ex-housemates using the technology to communicate with the house, and this week Endemol in the Netherlands launched the "Ik op TV" format on TV and the internet, in which 'Me-On-TV' is used by citizens to broadcast live and recorded content from their mobile phones, as well as to broadcast live interviews to the program.

Nokia announce new Global Network Marketing Agency

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has chosen JWT as its global network marketing agency. The announcement is part of Nokia's marketing renewal that focuses on streamlining marketing planning and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of all marketing activities. The marketing agency review has been an integral part of the marketing renewal process.

In July, Nokia announced Wieden + Kennedy's appointment as the global lead agency for Mobile Phones. Multimedia will continue to use Interpublic Group (IPG) for Nokia NSeries creative support and Enterprise Solutions will continue to use WPP as their global creative agency.

JWT will support the lead creative agencies in the implementation and localization of global campaigns. Also, as a strategic global partner, the agency will support local marketing activities in over 80 markets worldwide.

''Working together with JWT will help us to align our marketing efforts. With one global marketing network partner, we believe we will be better positioned to reach our goal of becoming the most loved and admired brand by people in the world",says Pekka Rantala, Senior Vice President, Nokia.

In the network marketing agency selection, a strong emphasis was put on choosing an agency that is best positioned to support Nokia's long term marketing strategy and business requirements locally. Additionally, a diverse repertoire of knowledge and experience was a key priority.

Transition to the new marketing mode will begin during the fall and will be fully operational by January 1, 2008.