Sprint Selects Openwave to Power New Browser-VAS Ecosystem Solving Fragmentation Challenges for Developers

Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OPWV) a global software innovator delivering context-aware mediation and messaging solutions, today announced that Sprint (NYSE:S) has selected Openwave’s Integra technology to deploy a new ecosystem of enhanced services within the browser.

The Sprint Browser-VAS (value-added services) ecosystem powered by Openwave will provide developers the tools they need to develop apps and value-added services that run in the browser, allowing developers to monetize and market application content to consumers and enterprise customers. Sprint is the first operator globally to announce a browser-VAS ecosystem.

Mobile developers are challenged today by fragmentation in the OS/application development environment. Even within the same operating system, there may be multiple versions as platforms continue to evolve. And the variety of hardware form factors and capabilities – from smartphones to new entrants like tablets – make it tough to ensure that apps will port from one to another. Until now, no ecosystem has been available to deploy enhanced services through the browser. But Sprint’s partnership with Openwave is changing that, and delivering a revolutionary opportunity for developers to create apps that will execute in the browser and therefore will work across platforms and form factors.

"Operator data, distribution capabilities, and other assets have always been highly comprehensive and sought after assets, yet to date they have not been as easy to leverage as Web counterparts for ecosystems players,” said Dan Nguyen, vice president of product management, Openwave. "We are pleased to announce Sprint as our first customer to provide this first of its kind offering to developers through their Browser-VAS Ecosystem.”

During the Sprint Application Developer Conference Oct. 26-28 at the Santa Clara Convention Center developers will be able to experience live demos and learn more about this groundbreaking opportunity. In addition, developers are able to begin creating apps and services for this ecosystem now by visiting http://success.openwave.com/developer-app.html. The storefront will be available in the first half of 2011, and will be similar to what exists within the application space today.

"With the launch of the Sprint Browser-VAS Ecosystem powered by Openwave, developers now can create applications that can be executed in the browser, within the Sprint 3G network or in the cloud, to ultimately provide new and innovative applications and services for Sprint’s customers,” said Len Barlik, vice president of wireless and wireline services for Sprint. "We are excited about our collaboration with Openwave to enable a clear path to rapidly develop and market mobile content that addresses our large footprint of browsers.”

"Developers expect to be able to quickly and easily develop, market, distribute and monetize mobile applications,” said Scott Ellison, vice president, Mobile and Wireless, IDC. "In order to compete in the app store space, developers need a way to quickly create and deliver contextual offerings that enhance the overall mobile user experience. Solutions that help enable developers enjoy the same benefits of the app stores and platforms within the mobile browser environment combined with the unique benefits that operators have to offer, should ultimately grow the mobile ecosystem market opportunity for everyone.”

Openwave Integra-based Technology

Openwave’s new Integra-based technology is comprised of Application, Mediation and Data Mediation engines with open APIs that allow developers to quickly write network-based applications that leverage technology in Openwave Integra, an in-network policy and workflow engine, and Openwave^® Analytics, for location information, analytics data, content adaptation, security and more. The Integra-based technology also lends itself to a variety of monetization models that include ad targeting, flexible billing options, paid downloads for one-time billing, content targeting and conversion services, syndicated data reports/subscriptions, mobile wallet and developer API subscriptions.

Taptu Among the First to Test and Develop in the New Ecosystem

Taptu, the mobile search and discovery applications developer reaching over 5 million users worldwide, has been testing and developing within the Sprint Browser-VAS Ecosystem powered by Openwave to make its search directory service available for Sprint users when the ecosystem launches in 2011.

"Taptu’s search and directory service will enable Sprint users to discover touch-friendly websites, videos and music that load quickly and display well on mobile devices,” said Mitch Lazar, CEO, Taptu. "We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Openwave to highlight compelling services that leverage the touchscreen device experience.”

About Sprint Application Developer Program

Sprint offers customers access to thousands of apps and data services and a variety of award-winning smartphones that use Android^™, RIM^®, Palm webOS^™ or Microsoft Windows^® platforms. Sprint views the developer community as the forum for creativity, and invests in technology and processes that enable developers to have access to important capabilities unique to the Sprint’s networks, with an evolving Application Developer Program established in 2001. Sprint offers access to more APIs than any other carrier to make their apps richer.

Visit http://developer.sprint.com to learn more about the Sprint Application Developer program and to take advantage of the resources and tools available to developers.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.1 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About Openwave Systems

Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OPWV) is a global software innovator delivering context-aware mediation and messaging solutions that enable communication service providers and the broader ecosystem to create and deliver smarter services.

Building on its mobile data heritage, Openwave mobilizes the Internet with predictive solutions fueled by real-time analytics that mediate among different ecosystem elements, permitting the enhancement of IP traffic modes. The result can provide customers with a 360-degree view of their network, devices and services, and enables them to proactively optimize network resources, quickly launch smart mobile services, and provide a contextually relevant user experience.

Openwave is a global company with a blue chip customer base spanning North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Openwave is headquartered in Redwood City, California. For more information please visit www.openwave.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains statements regarding Openwave Systems’ expectations regarding the functions and benefits of Sprint Browser-VAS Ecosystem powered by Openwave solution, as well as the expected availability of Sprint Browser-VAS Ecosystem powered by Openwave solution. Actual timing of release and performance of Sprint Browser-VAS Ecosystem powered by Openwave solution could differ materially as a result of unanticipated factors and events, including technical difficulties or other unforeseen reasons. Further risks inherent in Openwave Systems’ business are detailed in the section entitled "Risk Factors” in Openwave Systems’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 (filed September 7, 2010 with the Securities and Exchange Commission).

Openwave and the Openwave logo are trademarks of Openwave Systems Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.