Wipro to take over Nokia Berlin unit

Wipro Technologies has taken over the business and assets of Nokia Siemens Networks' radio access related R&D activities in Berlin. As part of the partnership, 58 employees of Nokia Siemens Networks would be fully integrated into the operations of Wipro Technologies.

Nokia Siemens Networks would provide Wipro with business assurance, although Wipro declined to specify the quantum of revenues expected. Following the take over, the Berlin R&D centre would initially serve Nokia Siemens Networks. However, over a period of time, Wipro will have the flexibility to work with other telecom vendors from the centre, said Ramesh Emani, President, telecom & product engineering solutions.

"This partnership will further strengthen Wipro's capabilities and R&D in 3G services. This will enhance its offerings across the wireless network including access, core and service infrastructure," said Emani. "This agreement is a key milestone in Wipro's significant relationship with Nokia Siemens Networks, while enhancing our presence in Europe," he added. Wipro had been working with Nokia and Siemens for the last 9 years.

Said Ari Lehtoranta, Head of the Radio Access Business Unit, Nokia Siemens Networks, Ari Lehtoranta, Head of the Radio Access Business Unit, Nokia Siemens Networks, "We have cooperated with them on various development programmes. The personnel transferring to Wipro Technologies will join a strong partner, where their competencies will be a natural fit. Our customers will see a strengthening of our capabilities to ensure high quality products".

Wipro has a R&D centre in Duesseldorf, Germany, thanks to its acquisition of New Logic in December 2005. The company will have over 500 people in Germany, located in Duesseldorf and Berlin, official sources said.

Wipro has over 18,000 dedicated resources under its telecom and product engineering (TPE) division, including 16,000 in product engineering.

The division contributes over 31 per cent to Wipro Technologies' annual revenues.

Wipro is one of the leading players in telecom engineering solutions space, covering wireless, wireline, broadband and enterprise communication, legacy and next-generation products. Wipro has been focusing on competency development for next generation radio access technologies.