OWING MILLS, Md.-Aether Systems Inc. announced it will acquire RTS wireless Inc, a developer of software systems connecting the Internet to wireless devices. Specifically, RTS builds the interface software between computer systems, wireless networks and end-user devices.
RTS’ products include wireless messaging services such as short messaging services, instant messaging and unified messaging, as well as Web content transformation and delivery services to wireless devices. Customers include America Online Inc, Alltel Communications, Ameritech, L.M. Ericsson, Motorola Inc., Verizon and Voicestream. Aether said it will gain relationships with these firms from the deal, as well as RTS’ wireless engineers and mobile application development experience.
Aether also said the acquisition fills in key components of its product roadmap to unify and broaden the company’s offerings while also enhancing its current solutions for the carrier and Internet service provider market.
Aether said it will pay $26 million in cash and about 1.3 million in stock for the company.
“This acquisition makes Aether an even stronger technology company in many ways,” said David Oros, Aether chairman and chief executive officer. “Aether can now offer value-added products and services directly to carriers and ISPs. The RTS Advantage System brings new capabilities that fit perfectly into our product roadmap as we build a complete mobile computing platform.”
RTS has a significant presence in Europe, as well as Hong Kong.
In other Aether news, the company licensed its ScoutWare family to Cotelligent through its MobileEnterprise partner agreement plan
Cotelligent is a systems integrator and mobile technology integrator which said it will use Aether’s technology to connect its clients to backoffice applications.
