Orange UK Launches 'Open Office', Includes UMA

In a move that reinforces the company's overall committment to fixed-mobile convergence, Orange Business Services UK has launched Open Office, a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to offer choice and convenience for flexible workers. To be marketed as "flexible solutions for forward-thinking firms," Open Office includes UMA in its service offer so customers can use one mobile phone over the Wi-Fi network whether at home, work or on the road.

In addition to UMA through Orange UK's "Unique" service, telecommuters and workers-on-the-go can choose from a variety of services in the Open Office portfolio, including broadband access in the home; mobile e-mail; Orange's quad-band "Business Everywhere" data-card service that allows mobile broadband access via 3G and Wi-Fi networks; and some dedicated-fee mobile-access plans.

No word yet on whether this program will be launched in the other countries where Orange has a presence and a UMA service offer. We do know Open Office works with RIM products, specifically the Blackberry 8820, which Orange recently began offering its customers.