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Motorola Veteran Named General Manager at 4thpass

Posted on: Thursday, 30 October 2003, 06:00 CST

SEATTLE, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran Motorola executive, Ed Zylka, was recently named General Manager of 4thpass Inc. He was promoted to expand the Seattle-based wireless software company which has already commercially launched its mobile data services software with some of the world's largest operators. Zylka will continue to manage Enterprise Solutions within Motorola's PCS division as he seeks to grow 4thpass and its offerings.

"4thpass is poised to grow and innovate in the wireless data arena," said Zylka, adding more than 270 million subscribers now have access to 4thpass mobile services technology. "We will continue to drive data traffic and create unique mobile experiences for operators as we advance the 4thpass software."

The 4thpass mobile services software is integrated into carrier networks and its content download service is generating hundreds of thousands of downloads a week. Most recently, 4thpass deployed its wireless software service, MAS, at China Mobile and China Unicom -- the number one and number three largest operators in the world.

Currently, 4thpass technology is commercially launched with seven major operators spanning from Spain, Korea and China to the US and the UK.

Operators use 4thpass MAS to market, manage, deliver and profit from mobile content. The technology makes for simple, trouble-free downloads for subscribers which drives data traffic for operators.

"Subscribers don't need to know 4thpass makes complicated, advanced software. What's important is the technology makes it fun and easy for subscribers to get and use mobile services," said Zylka. "We've formed alliances with operators to build communities of download enthusiasts. When that happens, we all see revenue - operators, content developers and device makers."

In September 2002, Motorola acquired 4thpass, and the company became an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola. The 4thpass MAS mobile services software works with nearly all mobile devices, including Smart phones and currently runs on GSM, CDMA and iDEN operator networks.

"4thpass is a key component in our global strategy to deliver compelling mobile experiences to operators," said Mike Bordelon, VP of Consumer Experience & Software in Motorola's Personal Communications Sector (PCS). "4thpass is a strong business. The company is in tune with operator needs, and with Ed's leadership we expect 4thpass to add even more value to Motorola devices."

Zylka replaces Mazin Ramadan, the founding CEO of 4thpass. After Motorola acquired 4thpass, Ramadan agreed to stay on board for a set period of time, ensuring a smooth transition and no lost time in software development advances for operators.

Zylka is uniquely positioned to lead 4thpass ( http://www.4thpass.com/ ). He is General Manager of the Enterprise Solutions business group for the Motorola Personal Communications Sector (PCS) driving the business productivity market. Previously at Motorola, he was Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development for Motorola's Broadband Communications Sector. While there he established the SURFboard(TM) cable modem business, the worldwide market share leader for delivering high-speed Internet access over cable TV networks.

About 4thpass

4thpass ( http://www.4thpass.com/ ) is a Seattle-based company that builds a suite of mobile services for wireless operators to drive data traffic and run a profitable mobile services business. 4thpass software allows operators to manage, market, deliver and profit from mobile content. Operator services include Content Management and Merchandizing, Digital Rights Management, Mobile Community Building and other revenue generating components. 4thpass software is deployed worldwide including at China Mobile, China Unicom, LG TeleCom (Korea), Telefonica Moviles (Spain), Nextel (US) and T-Mobile USA. As of September 2002, 4thpass was acquired by Motorola Inc. and became an independently operated, wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola.

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