8th May - The Cloud announced that it has partnered with Devicescape Software to power its forthcoming service called "mycloud". The Devicescape Connect Service automatically connects subscribers' Wi-Fi devices to The Cloud and other European networks, transforming the user experience with a simple, seamless experience.

Over one billion non-laptop Wi-Fi devices are expected on the market by 2010 and these will have significant impact on network operators businesses. Market analysis firm InStat claims that, "to grow their number of users and revenues, service providers need to find ways to get more Wi-Fi-enabled non-laptop devices onto their networks."

"Simple and fast access is key to driving consumer use of Wi-Fi and adding more devices to Wi-Fi networks," said Dave Fraser, CEO Devicescape. "Devicescape provides a simple and secure means to connect any device to any network enabling network operators to improve the consumer experience, load balance their traffic and grow the value of their Wi-Fi service."

Steve Nicholson, CEO of The Cloud, said "By working with Devicescape we have been able to develop a comprehensive and transformational Wi-Fi service. For the first time, mycloud will bring seamless access across the entire range of Wi-Fi locations in Europe, providing simple access for the masses and changing the traditional model for Wi-Fi connectivity."

The Cloud will use Devicescape Connect Service for its new "mycloud" service to allow customers to automatically connect to all of The Cloud's 10,000 hotspots across the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway. The service will initially be offered on select networks to beta subscribers, eventually rolling out to the full footprint of Cloud hotspots. The Devicescape Connect Service makes subscriber access to The Cloud network even easier, improves the user experience, drives network usage and increase revenue potential for The Cloud and its roaming partners.

The Devicescape Connect Service for operators was launched at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. (See the full release at www.devicescape.com/learn/releases). Using the Devicescape Connect Service, operators can provide seamless integration of cellular and Wi-Fi services, increase the number of users and number of sessions, bring new types of devices onto their networks and reduce support costs. The white labeled service, such as provided to The Cloud, means that operators retain their brand equity and direct relationship with customers thereby minimizing risk and reducing any customer confusion.

The Cloud is the latest operator partner to work with Devicescape to enable easy access to Wi-Fi. Devicescape has also been working with BT since May of 2007. Other partnerships announced include Deutsche Telekom, FatPort (Canada) and Vex (Brazil) amongst others.