The complete list of new parter members are: Visto (push email solutions), Epocware (application solutions), ARM (chipset / application optimisation), weComm (rich media applications), Flander (porting), Neustar NGM (training), Inmote (messaging applications), EMCC Software (software solutions, consultancy and training) and SysOpen Digia (software solutions, consultancy and training).
The idea behind such partner programs (both Symbian and S60 have their own versions) is to make it easier for customers (phone manufacturers) to make contact with potential solution providers. For example it allows a phone manufacturer to add off the shelf products and solutions, (that have been pre-integrated into UIQ) to a new phone project and thus cut costs and time to market.
Extract from the press release:
"This announcement not only demonstrates our continued commitment to provide accessible partner applications and services for our customers, but also the rapid growth and market acceptance of our partner program and our product, UIQ" says Elisabet Melin, VP Marketing. "We are very pleased to welcome our new partners into the UIQ Alliance and look forward to a good cooperation."
The purpose of UIQ Alliance is to shorten time-to-market when creating UIQ phones. UIQ Alliance is a business case driven partner program giving early access to UIQ releases, roadmap updates, joint marketing, technical support and other.