N@N

Ericsson Connections to Accelerate Networked Society in North America

_{//science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. celerate-networked-society-in-north-america.html}
^{Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, March 22nd 2011 at 8:15 GMT by Market Wire}  

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(Marketwire - March 22, 2011) -

* Introducing innovative business ideas to market quickly

* Facilitating the robust concentration of innovators in North America

* Addressing the rapidly expanding ecosystem of connected devices, access technologies, platforms, enablers, applications and vertical industries

With the aim of bringing together innovative companies that will contribute to the evolving networked society, Ericsson (NASDAQ: [ ERIC ]) today announces the launch of Connections. Based at the company's facilities in Plano, Texas, with a network of innovation centers throughout North America, Ericsson will engage with innovators, application developers, entrepreneurs, device manufacturers, vertical service providers and operators to support business development and innovation in the region.

Members of Ericsson Connections will have access to the company's testing lab facilities as well as the combined technological and business innovation insight from Ericsson, its partners and operator customers in North America and throughout the world. The program will give priority to companies with ideas and concepts that have the potential to generate revenue as they improve the way people live and do business. Successful members of the program will have the opportunity to develop and integrate their innovations into new solutions, to present and demonstrate these innovations with Ericsson and possibly to earn a position in key customer innovation centers sponsored by Ericsson.

"A significant growth area for the ICT (information and communications technology) industry is based around connecting devices and machines in a networked society," said Bob Gessel, Head of Technology Strategy Development for Ericsson North America. "Ericsson's role will be to work with developers in consumer, enterprise and vertical industries to help them reach new levels of interactivity and performance. It is essential that these new connections work properly and dependably."

Among the initial priority focus areas will be platforms, technologies and services to connect devices, next-generation TV and multimedia communication services, and advancements in the delivery of video-centric content through broadband networks. Additionally, the program will look closely at concepts to support the medical, transport and utility vertical segments.

To be considered for Ericsson Connections, candidates may sign up and submit an executive summary at [ http://www.ericsson.com/connections ].

Notes to editors:

Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: [ www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room ]

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all- communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.

[ www.ericsson.com ]

[ www.twitter.com/ericssonpress ]

[ www.facebook.com/technologyforgood ]

[ www.youtube.com/ericssonpress ]

[ http://www.ericsson.com/connections ]

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Ericsson North America via Thomson Reuters ONE

[HUG#1499079]