CMVT Comverse Technology, Inc. (MM)

Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), and the world's leading supplier of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication services, today announced that it has commenced work with Optus, a member of the Singtel group (SINGAPORE: SGX), to deliver its Mobile Instant Messaging service based on Comverse's Mobile IM solution. Optus has also chosen Comverse's Presence Platform to supply its subscribers with presence-based value added services. Mobile IM brings instant messaging to the mobile environment, closely replicating the look, feel, and functionality of the popular desktop IM user experience with real-time two-way and multi-party chat-like communication based on presence-enhanced buddy lists. IM users in Australia are now able -- from wherever they are -- to keep up with their IM contacts around the world. Optus launched its mobile IM service on several handset models using Comverse handset clients as part of the Comverse end-to-end solution. Additionally, Optus is using the Comverse Presence Server to empower other authorized services and applications with information about users' device capability, availability, and willingness to communicate. This enables callers to determine the optimal mode for initiating contact, which encourages calling during irregular hours, triggers greater usage of value-added services, and increases overall network utilization and efficiency. It also paves the way for presence-empowered communications and new application-based entertainment possibilities. "IM adds an entirely new dimension to our service offering, linking the mobile and PC worlds," said Chris Lane, Group Director, Products & Delivery, Optus Consumer. "We expect Mobile IM to enjoy the same popularity as PC-based IM. Young subscribers will respond to Mobile IM's coolness, and will enjoy fun, fast-paced, multi-party conversations simultaneously with friends, nearby and in distant time zones. We believe we have a hit on our hands." "IM became successful on the PC because it speaks to a basic need to reach out in exciting new ways that enable us to express different aspects of ourselves," said Eitan Achlow, President of Comverse APAC. "The interest in Mobile IM and Presence at Optus is another proof point for the premise driving total communication, that users and operators benefit by making all communication and information options equally accessible from every relevant device." About Optus Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications - serving more than six million customers each day. The company provides a broad range of communications services including mobile, national and long distance services, local telephony, international telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television. In 2001, SingTel became the parent company of Optus, paving the way for Optus to become a strong and strategic telecommunications player within the Asia-Pacific region. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au/aboutoptus About Comverse Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), is the world's leading provider of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication services. These value-added enhanced services solutions, along with the company's real-time billing solutions, comprise the company's Total Communication portfolio. Comverse's Total Communication portfolio addresses four primary categories: call completion and call management solutions; advanced messaging for groups, communities and person-to-person communication; solutions and enablers for the management and delivery of data and content-based services; and real-time billing and account management solutions for dynamic service environments. Other Comverse Technology business units include: Verint Systems, a leading provider of analytic software-based solutions for communications interception, networked video security and business intelligence; and Ulticom, a leading provider of service enabling signaling software for wireline, wireless and Internet communications. Comverse Technology is an S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Index company. For additional information, visit the Comverse Web site at www.comverse.com or Comverse Technology's Web site at www.cmvt.com. All product and company names mentioned herein may be registered trademarks or trademarks of Comverse or the respective referenced company(s). Note: This release may contain "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from forecasts and estimates. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others: risks associated with integrating the business and employees of the GSS division of CSG Systems, International; changes in the demand for the Company's products; changes in capital spending among the Company's current and prospective customers; the risks associated with the sale of large, complex, high capacity systems and with new product introductions as well as the uncertainty of customer acceptance of these new or enhanced products from either the Company or its competition; risks associated with rapidly changing technology and the ability of the Company to introduce new products on a timely and cost-effective basis; aggressive competition may force the Company to reduce prices; a failure to compensate any decrease in the sale of the Company's traditional products with a corresponding increase in sales of new products; risks associated with changes in the competitive or regulatory environment in which the Company operates; risks associated with prosecuting or defending allegations or claims of infringement of intellectual property rights; risks associated with significant foreign operations and international sales and investment activities, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and valuations of public and private equity; the volatility of macroeconomic and industry conditions and the international marketplace; risks associated with the Company's ability to retain existing personnel and recruit and retain qualified personnel; and other risks described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These documents are available through the Company, or its website, www.cmvt.com, or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov. The Company makes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made.