Zacks_Analysts' Blog : Amdocs Nets Bridgewater - Analyst Blog

Amdocs Ltd. (DOX), the largest developer of customer experience systems, recently acquired Bridgewater Systems of Canada, a leading intelligent software developer for converged mobile platform. Amdocs paid approximately $215.5 million for Bridgewater. However, after adjusting the net cash position of the company, Amdocs effectively paid a little over $130.7 million.

Bridgewater’s software optimized mobile data growth, reduces network congestion by diverting data traffic to WiFi networks while enabling wireless service providers to migrate from 2G to 3G or next-generation 4G networks. The global telecom world is currently witnessing an unprecedented growth of mobile data traffic. Massive demand for smartphones and tablets has resulted in significant growth of mobile data. Moreover, customers are using these devices on multiple networks such as 3G, 3.5G, and 4G (WiMAX and LTE).

Bridgewater serves more than 150 wireless operators throughout the world. Important among them are giants such as Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communicatios Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group plc. (VOD), Sprint Nextel Corp. (S), Bell Mobility, Telstra, and Etihad Etisalat (Mobily).

Acquisition of Bridgewater will help Amdocs to enhance its phone-billing software, especially its industry leading Customer Experience Systems (CES) product suit. For broadband, the company’s state-of-the-art software suite called ‘CES 8’ provides a single platform capable of supporting complex requirements of traditional and next-generation triple-play voice, video, and data services as it focuses on addressing favorable market trends in the communications industry. This solution facilitates carriers to effectively monetize their assets, deliver superior services and improve its operating performance.

Using Amdocs with integrated Bridgewater software will enable wireless carriers to offer innovative pricing strategy for data plans. While enabling its customers to offer personalized value-based pricing strategy, Amdocs can now move one step forward compared with its rivals, such as Comverse Technologies Inc, Convergys Corp. (CVG), and Tekelec (TKLC), which purchased Camiant last year.