Kodiak Networks, the leading provider of advanced wireless voice systems and Samsung Electronics announced a global licensing and marketing agreement to develop handsets. The handsets will be based on Kodiak Networks advanced wireless system technology, which enables a suite of premium, instant voice services applications, including push-to-talk (PTT).

Under this strategic licensing agreement, the two companies will jointly market PTT handsets with Kodiak client software to network operators worldwide. This client version offers customers the latest voice applications including Kodiak Voice Bridge - instant group conferencing and Kodiak Voice Notes - instant voice messaging. Samsung plans to develop a broad range of Kodiak-enabled phones to address all market requirements, including handsets in a variety of form factors.

"Kodiak Networks offers competitive PTT systems with advanced services and is a natural partner for Samsung to enhance its technology leadership," said SeungChul Choi, vice president of the Mobile Research and Development Group, Samsung Electronics."Kodiak-enabled phones will allow us to help operators meet the increasing subscriber demand for PTT handsets."

"Samsung's market leadership will provide significant opportunities for expanding distribution of Kodiak-enabled phones around the world," said Timothy Hall, vice president of strategic alliances, Kodiak Networks. "This agreement supports our mutual interest to market a variety of differentiated handsets that enable innovative, advanced voice services for end users."

"The Samsung and Kodiak partnership is a logical match given Samsung's global presence and product support across CDMA, GSM and UMTS air interfaces," said John Jackson, industry analyst, Yankee Group. "This agreement leverages the strengths of both organizations including Kodiak's advanced handset client software technology and Samsung's innovative production and global distribution capabilities."