More of the release from Business Wire (Not out on DJ of PR):

Sprint Announces New Emerging Solutions Unit to Bolster M2M and Mobile Computing Portfolio, Accelerate Delivery to Marketplace

Unit Has Singular Focus on Emerging Devices for Multiple Platforms - 3G, 4G, iDEN and IP - and Drive Rapid Go-to-Market Strategy

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct 06, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leveraging America's most dependable 3G network*, wireless 4G capabilities that are well ahead of other national wireless carriers, and industry-leading iDEN and wireline/IP networks, Sprint (NYSE:S) has formed a new Emerging Solutions business unit with a singular focus on accelerating the delivery of machine-to-machine (M2M) and mobile computing solutions to businesses and consumers.
This new strategic business unit consolidates resources into one team with common goals and a sharp focus on Sprint's overall open device and M2M strategy and business development. The unit will assess revenue opportunities, develop go-to-market plans and execute quickly, working closely with Sprint's customer-facing channels and partners. This move builds on more than 10 years of experience in working with vendors to provision non-Sprint-branded devices to operate on its networks, as well as extensive expertise in operating multiple platforms and assets.

Sprint will focus on innovative applications in these key areas, which are rapidly transforming the ways machines and people interact:


Mobile computing devices together with traditional consumer electronics and devices with broadband access offer increased durability, hardware/software integration, simple setup and lower support costs for customers and partners.
M2M devices deliver capabilities to multiple industries and include such applications as remote monitoring, asset tracking, fleet management, telematics, automation and control, automated meter reading, SmartGrid initiatives, point-of-sale/ATM and wireless routing.

"With the multiple players in M2M and varied solutions that can be complicated to implement, businesses often need help cutting through the complexity," said Steve Hilton, vice president of research, Yankee Group. "Sprint's M2M history and new focused approach will make them thoughtful partners for businesses in this space as well as lead to continued innovation in solutions for consumers."

Emerging Solutions has a substantial ecosystem of both internal expertise and external partners to draw upon to ensure speed-to-market and delivery of the most appropriate solutions to meet the varied customer needs. The team will leverage the hundreds of Sprint solutions specialists who interface with business customers every day - such as solutions engineering, custom network and industry-specific specialists - and understand and continually gain new information about the evolving mobility needs of businesses. The team will work closely with Sprint's consumer customer-facing channels and leverage its strong relationships with national third-party retailers and wholesale partners.

"Emerging Solutions will be a differentiator for Sprint and is a critical aspect of our future," said Danny Bowman, president of Integrated Solutions Group, Sprint. "Customers want mobile computing devices and wide area wireless access now, and we are well positioned to keep 'on top of the wave' for this heavy demand. Wayne Ward will lead our Emerging Solutions team. Based on his 25 years of experience in marketing, product development and professional services, he is uniquely qualified to lead a team focused on developing a clear, unified strategy to generate new business, implement a comprehensive sales approach, and rapidly execute."