Ericsson today announces the creation of an interoperability test program for Instant Messaging and Presence Services (IMPS) solutions. Several key testing partners, including Ecrio, magic4, MessageVine, Motorola, Ruksun Software Technologies, and Sony Ericsson have agreed to join the program.

"Ericsson is the market leader in Wireless Village based Instant Messaging and Presence Services and our testing and verification program is the industry's most complete multi-network, end-to-end testing environment", says Cragg Nilson, strategic product manager, Ericsson. "Ericsson's goal is to ensure handset availability, best possible performance and highest level of quality of service for the user."

Current instant messaging services are often based on desktop users and non-interoperable, proprietary protocols. Ericsson's IMPS solution is designed to be fully interoperable and optimized for mobile users - independent of the service provider, network and device manufacturer. The solution enables users to publish and subscribe to other users' presence information, send and receive instant messages and join community chats. Ericsson IMPS can be configured as a stand-alone presence service or combined with Instant Messaging and community chat.

The testing and verification program includes interoperability development testing, network performance testing and verification of test suites. A multi-network test environment, including GSM, GPRS, CDMA2000, and UMTS/WCDMA will be available to testing partners. Ericsson expects more companies to announce their support of the program shortly.