Taral Networks, a start-up focused on messaging infrastructure to mobile operators and content aggregators, has acquired Schlumberger Messaging Solutions (MSG), a UK-based supplier of messaging infrastructure. The two companies will be combined into a new entity called airwide solutions.
Taral Networks provides carrier grade platforms that enable wireless operators to set-up, maintain and grow a dynamic and highly profitable content messaging business. Specifically, Taral Networks focuses on multimedia messaging (MMS) and enabling the delivery of content from any application server to any MMS enabled device over any operator network.
Schlumberger Messaging Solutions developed the SMSC infrastructure that sent the first SMS message in 1992 and has since provided messaging solutions to 69 customers around the world.
The deal was supported by a US$10 million Series C round of equity financing led by Key Venture Partners, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based venture capital firm. New investor Axiom Venture Partners and existing investor Kodiak Venture Partners also participated in the financing.
airwide solutions will be based in Reading, U.K. and have 200 employees worldwide. Simon Everitt, General Manager of Schlumberger Messaging Solutions has taken on the role of airwide CEO while Vinit Nijhawan, Taral Networks’ CEO, has assumed the position of Executive Director. http://www.taralnetworks.com/
