The Hindu Business Line : Openera has applications ready for 3G network

You whip out the gizmo, connect to kid sister in Bangalore, aim and stream. The `oohs' and aahs' at the other end are proof that both of you have enjoyed the beauty across borders, but in real time.

That's not too far-fetched or far off, according to Mr Jawad Ayaz, Founder and CTO, Openera. The scenario will soon be possible when 3G, the next generation of telecom network, is set up in India. Already telco integrators such as Lucent, Japan-based NEC and Alcatel are investing millions in these applications, he added.

Indian-owned Openera works on IP multimedia subsystem client applications (software that will reside in your mobile). The new peer-to-peer (P2P) video sharing application by the company allows mobile users to launch a synchronous audio-video session with a caller.

P2P video sharing can also be used while shopping. And at an affordable cost, said Mr Ayaz. The charge is calculated similar to Internet connection, per MB.

Openera also offers the active phone book, which includes presence awareness. This enables users to check people's availability (office, home, car, or `busy'). The address book gives information on the status of your contacts on a real-time basis. Based on that information, you can connect to them via their preferred communications mode - through e-mail, SMS or a call. While such a system is available in instant messengers, their implementation in mobile phones needs faster broadband at the telecom infrastructure level.

Once 3G is established, mobile users will have access to such exciting new applications.