Effnet to sharpen focus of operations on mobile internet and voice over IP
11/19/2001 9:01 AM EST
Effnet to sharpen focus of operations on mobile Internet and voice over
IP
Organization concentrated to one facility in Sweden and one in the U.S.
Earlier this year Effnet decided to focus operations on products for IP
Header Compression for wireless IP networks, mobile Internet, and voice
over IP. As a consequence of this decision, Effnet will phase-out
facilities in Luleå, Sweden and Mountain View, California, affecting 15-
20 people.
On an annual basis, these actions are estimated at reducing Effnet's
costs by approximately SEK 40 million, much of which can be attributed
to the Silicon Valley facility. Costs associated with this restructuring
are estimated at SEK 26 million, which will burden fourth-quarter
results. Effnet's offices in Stockholm, Sweden and Tuscon, Arizona will
manage product development, marketing, and sales efforts. Some positions
in Stockholm will also be lost as a result of the restructuring. MBL
(codetermination) negotiations will begin as soon as possible.
"By focusing operations in this way, we are creating the best possible
opportunities for Effnet. Concurrent as we reduce costs, we expect the
joint 3G initiatives currently being taken in the telecommunications
industry to spark a resurgence in the market. For Effnet, with its
unique position as an independent provider of Header Compression
solutions in this environment, this would be an extremely positive
development," says CEO, Örjan Grinndal.
IP Header Compression enables more effective broadband utilization in
mobile networks, mobile Internet (3G), and voice over IP. By using
header compression technology, the IP packet header overhead in the
communication can be reduced to a minimum, which leaves more capacity
for the actual content. This is especially important for effective high-
speed transportation of multimedia content such as video, games, music,
and voice over IP.
"After carrying out the measures announced today, the transformation of
Effnet will be complete. Today, Effnet is a software company with a
slimmed-down organization, appropriate structure, financial strength,
and exciting product portfolio. By focusing on IP Header Compression,
Effnet will become part of a data and telecommunications industry on the
brink of some incredibly interesting developments," says CEO Örjan
Grinndal.
For additional information please contact:
Örjan Grinndal, CEO Effnet Group +46-(0)8-564 605 50, +46-(0)709-57
53 75
Marika Philipson, CFO Effnet Group +46-(0)8-564 605 50, +46-(0)708-32
44 56
About Effnet
Effnet innovates and licenses award-winning key technologies that
resolve data speed, efficiency and security challenges in Internet
Protocol (IP) networking and IT security. Effnet focuses on software
development in Robust Header Compression (ROHC), a technology viewed as
becoming essential for providers of IP-based wireless networks. Effnet's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Wkit Security, develops copy protection
software. The Effnet group employs approx. 55 persons. Effnet Group AB
shares are traded on Sweden's Nya Marknaden (symbol: EFFN). Read more
about Effnet at www.effnet.com. Read about Wkit at www.wkit.com.