The Plot Thickens

From Reiter's Camera Phone Report Verisign to buy LightSurf.

Acquisition Will Add Picture Messaging Suite and Enhanced Multimedia Messaging Capabilities to VeriSign’s Digital Content Services

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA — January 10, 2005 — VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Santa Cruz, California-based LightSurf for $270 million in VeriSign stock.

LightSurf is a global leader in multimedia messaging and interoperability solutions for the wireless market. The company’s industry-leading technology platform enables mobile subscribers to exchange pictures, video, and other forms of multimedia content.

LightSurf supports a broad range of mobile devices and wireless networks, and its services are currently being used by millions of subscribers worldwide. Operators and service providers offering the LightSurf solution today include Sprint, Bell Mobility, Kodak, mm02, Rogers Wireless, Microcell, Telecom New Zealand, Iusacell, and Qwest. Additionally, the company works closely with leading handset manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Motorola, Sanyo, LG International Corp, and Toshiba to develop and deploy easy to use multimedia messaging services.

By adding LightSurf’s capabilities into its existing communication services platforms, VeriSign expects to offer carriers a comprehensive wireless data utility that covers all aspects of the mobile content value chain. Functionality will include picture messaging, multimedia messaging services, and Inter-carrier messaging and interoperability.

About LightSurf
LightSurf is the global leader in Open Standards MMS, Picture and Video Messaging, and Interoperability solutions supporting all mobile devices and wireless networks. LightSurf's open-standards-based services are currently deployed worldwide with partners including Bell Canada, Eastman Kodak, Iusacell, LG International Corp., mmO2 plc, Motorola, Rogers Wireless, Samsung Electronics, Sanyo, Sprint, Telecom New Zealand and Toshiba. Founded in 1998 by Philippe Kahn, LightSurf is a privately-held company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

The mobile market getting interesting. Doesn't Versign also provide the registry for RFID tags too? Hmm think of the possibilities.