Network365 wins major digital software contract

Wireless software company Network365 has landed a multimillion dollar, eight-country contract to provide digital wallet software to 3G telecommunications operator Hutchison 3G, a subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa.

Hutchison 3G will introduce the software, which allows 3G phone or device users to make payments securely, in Britain first, then across its networks in Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.

"This is really the most significant deal we've done. It's a huge turning point for us," said Network365 founder and chief executive Mr Raomal Perera. The Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow-based company, won the contract in a bidding war with some of the leading names in the wireless sector.

While Network365 will provide some development, training and deployment work for Hutchison, Mr Perera said the real value for his company "is the straightforward deal" - the licensing arrangement that would see new countries gradually added on to the deployment list.

Eventually the deal would be worth an eight-figure sum of "real revenue", he said.

Hutchison 3G is "the biggest new entrant to 3G and therefore they need to offer new services" using wallet technology, said Mr Perera.

Hutchison Whampoa continues to look for 3G licences and is one of the bidders for one of the Republic's licences.

If the company is successful, Mr Perera said Network365 would be providing its wallet software to the Irish market as well.