RNS Number:6578H
CMG PLC
30 July 2001


30 July 2001


CMG Acquires Unified Communications Technology for the Service Provider Market
                             - from Cisco Systems


  * CMG Enhances Market Positioning in Unified Messaging with uOne Technology



CMG plc, the global Information & Communications Technology (ICT) group, today
announced an agreement with Cisco Systems Inc. to acquire Cisco's uOne Unified
Communications software platform for the service provider market and the
Research & Development team supporting this technology to CMG. The
approximately 100 employees in Richmond, Virginia, USA, will become a part of
CMG Wireless Data Solutions. The unified communications software platform will
continue to be marketed under the uOne brand name, while the technology will
also be embedded in CMG's Unified Messaging solution for wireless network
operators.

The IP-based uOne platform provides advanced unified multimedia messaging and
communications, including voice, fax and e-mail across multiple types of
networks and devices layered with real-time call management capabilities. The
uOne technology delivers capabilities such as text-to-speech conversion, voice
recognition and XML based voice portals, which will be essential in the new 3G/
UMTS networks being planned and built, but which also have application in
current 2G and 2.5G networks. They can therefore contribute to a network
operator's revenues and profits throughout the migration from 2G to 3G.

uOne has established an excellent reputation and is cited as the market leader
in the service provider market per a recent International Data Corporation
(IDC) report. CMG Wireless Data Solutions was a Cisco uOne partner and had
already selected uOne for integration in CMG's Unified Messaging solution. Now
with this transaction, CMG will offer uOne to the communications market world
wide. The ongoing net R&D investment associated with the uOne products will be
subsumed within CMG's total 2001 stated R&D investment of #60 million.

Geert Kolthof, Vice President Mobile Internet at CMG Wireless Data Solutions,
commented:

"This move is an exciting one for CMG. On the one hand, we now own and have
access to market-leading technology which will be integrated in our Unified
Messaging solution. On the other, we now have an additional product set that
can be sold on a 'stand-alone' basis to existing wireless network operators for
inclusion in 2G (GSM, TDMA and CDMA), 2.5G (GPRS) and 3G (UMTS) networks. We
also double the size of our presence in the United States market. We are
excited about the caliber of the uOne team and welcome our new colleagues in
Virginia to CMG and look forward to their contribution to our future success."

David Kirk, Senior Vice President for the Cisco Business Communications Group
added:

"Cisco and CMG have worked together closely to make this is a win-win business
proposition for both companies and our customers. We are confident that CMG is
well positioned to serve the long-term interests of both customers and
employees and continue to deliver uOne successfully to the service provider
market."

Current customers and prospects for uOne include major players in the wireless
telecommunications field, service providers and cable network operators in the
USA. Customers' existing contracts for maintenance, support and software
upgrades will be fully honored and serviced through CMG's Sales & Services
offices across the globe.


For further information please contact:

Peter Maathuis, CMG Wireless Data Solutions

Tel: +31 (0)30 210 3333

Jan Massier, CMG Corporate Communications

Tel: +31 (0)20 6720444

Toby Mountford, Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: +44 (0)20 7638 9571



About CMG (investor.cmg.com)

CMG is a global Information & Communications Technology (ICT) group, with
leading positions in the provision of business information services and
wireless data solutions. Through management consultancy, systems development &
integration, software applications and the outsourced management of key
business processes, CMG helps organisations to generate revenues, improve
competitive positioning and enhance operational efficiency. Today that process
includes building secure ICT platforms that enable the adoption of electronic
and mobile business models (e&mCommerce).

Established in 1964, CMG is headquartered in London and Hoofddorp (near
Amsterdam) and now implements and supports applications for customers worldwide
from bases in 16 countries. CMG has proven knowledge, solutions and products
across a wide spectrum of markets, including finance, transport,
telecommunications, media, petrochemicals, utilities, retail, manufacturing and
governments. The Group also provides long term management of business processes
ranging from payroll, call centres and networks to infrastructure management,
application maintenance and hosting services.

CMG Wireless Data Solutions has established a leading position in wireless
messaging and gateway products, mobile Internet and e-mail, cell broadcast and
customer care & billing systems. These products are provided to mobile
telecommunication operators and service providers worldwide from offices in
Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia Pacific. They also underpin the Group's
ability to advise organisations on mCommerce strategies and implement them
effectively.

CMG works alongside its customers in long term relationships to generate
success for them. Through the quality of its services, products and
professionally committed people, CMG adds value to its customers' businesses.
This creates a basis for the Group's sustained success.

CMG is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 100 and techMARK 100) and
Euronext in Amsterdam (AEX Midcap and Euronext 100).


About CMG Wireless Data Solutions

CMG Wireless Data Solutions is the leading global supplier of messaging, mobile
Internet and Customer Care & Billing solutions for the wireless industry. CMG
develops high-end solutions in close co-operation with its partners. To date,
more than 150 of these quality solutions have been delivered to over 75
operators worldwide. They are widely recognised to be the best around,
combining minimum operator intervention with maximum performance and
availability. The portfolio includes solutions based on the Wireless Service
BrokerTM, Unified Messaging solution, Multimedia Message Service Centre, Short
Message Service Centre, Cell Broadcast System and Customer Care & Billing
System (EPPIX).

CMG Wireless Data Solutions is a division of CMG plc (www.cmg.com)



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