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Mobile access to ICQ instant messaging service launched in Russian GSM network

Novosibirsk, Russia - November 27, 2001

Novosoft Mobile Instant Messenger, a solution that lets GSM subscribers use ICQ instant messaging service directly from their mobile phones without Internet connection has been started by Mobile TeleSystems, Russia's leading cellular operator.

Launched by Mobile TeleSystems (NYSE: MBT) in Novosibirsk, West Siberia, the solution developed by Novosoft LLC. provides GSM subscribers with mobile access to the growing number of Internet Messaging Service users worldwide.

Following the idea of "Messaging and Presence", Novosoft Mobile Instant Messenger lets users constantly keep track of message recipients status (Online, Busy, Offline), set own presence options, and enables mobile phone owners to get access to the functionality provided by ICQ including exchanging messages, managing ?ontact list, getting user details from the Internet, viewing messages history, etc.

Novosoft Mobile Instant Messaging Platform includes server and clent parts (Java-applet) stored on the phone SIM-card. Data exchange between user's handset and the server is based on SMS protocol. In comparison with similar WAP-based solutions, this does not require from subscribers to keep mobile Internet connection open, allows simultaneous ICQ messaging and voice communication and finally makes Novosoft Mobile Instant Messenger convenient and affordable for larger number of users.

The platform is easily expandable to provide mobile access to multiple Instant Messaging Services, such as MSN, Yahoo Messenger, etc. without modification of existing services either on IMS provider or GSM operator sides.

Novosoft Mobile Instant Messenger was first presented at SIMagine'2001, Worldwide GSM and Java Card Developers Contest that was held in Cannes in the framework of 3GSM World Congress, and where Novosoft LLC. won 'Innovation Award'. For more information, please visit website

Company Information:

Novosoft LLC. is one of the leading Russian-based offshore programming companies operating in the market of custom software development. Founded in 1992, the company is incorporated in Austin, TX, and a staff of 350+ experienced software engineers residing in Novosibirsk, Siberia. Novosoft has worked with major customers such as Samsung America, Hewlett Packard, and IBM. The company, a certified IBM and Lotus business partner, has a proven track record of more than 450 successfully completed projects ranging from desktop applications to electronic and mobile commerce systems.

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