NEC has signed a definitive agreement to acquire US-based OSS software for telecom operators developer NetCracker. No financial details were disclosed. With this acquisition, NEC adds a key element of software and services to its portfolio of mobile and fixed infrastructure products. NetCracker's products, services and domain expertise will be integral to leveraging complementary assets within both companies.

NEC will now leverage the acquisition of NetCracker to strengthen its existing business foundations and to provide total solutions for communications businesses whose IP and service diversification needs continue to grow. The company anticipates that Operations Support Systems will represent a key element to new international growth that is expected to generate approximately JPY 200 billion over the next 5 years. The new business relationship is expected to foster innovative new solutions that address the needs of communications service providers and accelerate NEC's international software business. NEC is committed to retaining the relationships and go-to-market strategies that NetCracker has developed. Upon the closing of the transaction, NetCracker will operate as an independent business unit led by its current management team and will become the centerpiece of NEC's communications service provider software business.

Source:Telecompaper