Global vendor strategies - 02/03/2006

Ericsson has filed a lawsuit against Samsung alleging patent infringement on GSM, GPRS and EDGE technologies. The case followed the expiration of its contract with Samsung on December 31, 2005.

Motorola invested in Netomat, a content-sharing IP-based platform developer.

Huawei is dealing with HP on network management. Huawei will integrate HP OpenView OSS product in its own solutions.

Italtel confirms IPO within 2Q06. Main shareholders are Clayton Dubilier & Rice with about 49% stake, Telecom Italia with about 19.4%, Cisco with about 18.5%; Advent International owns 8.7% and Brera Capital Partners holds 2.2%, Italtel' s staff owns 2.7%.

Cisco takes a a position in policy management in signing an OEM deal with Tazz Networks.

Ericsson is setting up a long-term incentive plan for all employees. The plan consists in three parties: a stock purchase plan for all employees; a key contributor program for up to 6,000 key contributors, and a performance matching program for up to 220 senior managers.

Avaya and Samsung Electronics form strategic alliance to jointly deliver enterprise IP telephony solutions .

Microsoft plans to set up a technical center in HO CHI MINH CITY (Vietnam) to provide updated technology, training and consultancy.