go mobile and Hewlett Packard, the multinational IT giant, yesterday signed an agreement for the installation of an Interactive Voice Response (IVP) platform, a technology that could integrate a host of communication systems into one and enhance go mobile’s voice messaging system.

The agreement was signed by go mobile CEO Juanito Camilleri and his HP counterpart Rudi Kozak. The signing was also attended by Maltacom chairman Saviour Portelli and Alberto Caprara, HP’s European emerging markets sales manager.

Asked to comment on the practical implications of this new technology for the end user, Professor Camilleri said that “the IVP, as opposed to the technology present in Malta at the moment, is an open system that allows greater convergence of communication systems.

“In fact, the IVP could eventually allow the company to offer a service by which voice messages can be received on a computer and used much like a regular email. On the other hand, it also allows greater interaction with the message itself, whereby messages will not only be accessed and heard but could be manipulated and answered to.

“Through this agreement with HP, go mobile is starting a process which will lead to the upgrade of the company’s infrastructure with regard to the messaging in general. As a result the company will be in a position to offer new value added messaging services,” Prof. Camilleri emphasised.

Mr Rudi Kozak thanked go mobile for their recognition of HP’s technology and used the agreement as an example of HP’s commitment to Malta’s IT development both on the public and private front. A few hours earlier Mr Kozak explained, HP signed an agreement with the IT Ministry and BOV, in which the company pledged a number of computers at reduced prices, for students.

“Mr Alberto Caprara visits Malta almost every other day giving back up to the partners HP has locally,” he said. HP believes firmly in having local firms represent the company, as they know what is best for the market. However, he added, these partners are intensively trained by HP and given all the back-up and support they need to carry out their business.