PA Consulting Group

Alphamosaic and PA Consulting Group collaboration on mobile video signals a breakthrough in 3G reliability Two Cambridge based companies, Alphamosaic and PA Consulting Group have created a solution to one of the most urgent problems affecting the commercial potential of 3G network rollout - variable and unpredictable delays across the network that affect real-time applications, including video. " The development of the technology will greatly enhance 3G's ability to realise its promise," says Robert Swann of Alphamosaic, who adds: "In 3G, the network is prone to congestion, and when that happens delays occur. This could result in video images 'hanging' or worse, a temporary loss of video until the network recovers. Thus the quality of the experience for the user can be compromised and that results in a very unhappy customer." The solution lies in combining two complementary technologies developed separately by Alphamosaic and PA, the results of which will ensure the delivery of consistently high quality video images regardless of network behaviour. Essentially, PA's software engineers have created a system that measures the performance statistics in the 3G-network environment and makes this information available to 3G applications. This, when allied to Alphamosaic's VideoCore low power flexible processor, solves a problem which could have seriously impaired 3G's ability to deliver good video services. "Operators will have to create innovative services for 3G and real time video is going to be the flagship for many networks", believes Dr Phil White of PA adding: "Subscribers will only be prepared to pay for video services if the quality delivered meets their expectations. The solution PA and Alphamosaic have developed will ensure optimum performance of real time video across the network." This new 3G solution will be demonstrated on the PA stand (G52)at the 3GSM World Congress, at Cannes (19 -22 February 2002). -Ends- For more information and photographs please contact: PA Consulting Group: John O'Neill +44 (0)1763 267133 email: john.o'neill@paconsulting.com Alphamosaic: Steve Greenhalgh, Profile Communications 01223 236736. e-mail halghs@aol.com. Mobile 07779 129193 Note to editors: 1. PA Consulting Group is a leading management, systems and technology consulting firm, with a unique combination of these capabilities. Established almost 60 years ago, and operating world-wide from over 40 offices in more than 20 countries, PA draws on the knowledge and experience of around 4,000 people, whose skills span the initial generation of ideas and insights all the way through to detailed implementation. PA builds strategies for the creation and capture of shareholder and customer value, and helps clients accelerate business growth through innovation and the application of technology. PA works with clients to improve performance, mobilize human resources and deliver change effectively, including managing major projects, and designing and implementing enterprise-wide systems and full e-business solutions. PA focuses on creating benefits for clients rather than merely proposing them, and this focus is supported by an outstanding implementation track record in every major industry and for governments around the world. PA also develops leading-edge technology both for its clients and within its own portfolio of venture companies in areas ranging from software to wireless technology to life sciences. PA distinguishes itself from its competitors through the range and quality of its people, the depth of its industry insight, its development and use of technology, and also its independence and culture of respect, collaboration and flexibility in working with clients. We are proud that our clients say 'PA makes it happen'. www.paconsulting.com 2. Alphamosaic provides innovative video for everyday products, servicing markets including Handheld Computers, Security Cameras and Surveillance Systems and particularly Mobile Videophones. VideoCore, the company's core technology, is a flexible, high performance and low power video processor platform that enables device manufacturers to rapidly integrate advanced video processing functionality into their designs. VideoCore offers a unique architecture consisting of a 32 bit RISC scalar processor and 16 8/16-bit vector processors that have been optimised to support video processing algorithms, proprietary codecs and industry standard codecs such as MPEG4. VideoCore's processor architecture couple with its advanced software tool chain and algorithm libraries provides a compelling solution for the deployment of rich personal media. Alphamosaic has recently raised £6.3M in venture backing, receiving unprecedented interest despite the prevailing hostile investment climate. For more information, please visit Alphamosaic's web site at www.alphamosaic.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/02/05/20020205BIT00380/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/02/05/20020205BIT00380/bit0001.pdf