TIME • Jul 28, 2003
Openwave
TIME’s 2003 profile on Don Listwin’s Openwave era, covering the dot-com crash, the turnaround, and the leadership lessons that stuck.
Board
Openwave
Openwave (born from the merger of Software.com and Phone.com) built the essential software stack that powered the first generation of the mobile internet.
Highlights
- Under Don’s leadership (2000–2004), Openwave merged global teams, navigated the dot-com crash, and refocused on durable carrier-grade infrastructure.
- Technology shipped on more than a billion devices, defined early mobile browsing/messaging standards, and set the foundation for today’s mobile data services.
- The experience reshaped Don’s leadership philosophy—balancing innovation with pragmatic execution for founders building next-gen networked technologies.
References
Related reading
Computer History Museum • 2018
Oral History of Don Listwin
Long-form interview and chapter summary covering Cisco, Openwave, and the Canary Foundation.
Light Reading • Jul 17, 2002
Cisco's Nuti Moves to Symbol
Light Reading story on Cisco executive moves, with context that references Don Listwin’s earlier transition.
Light Reading • Aug 9, 2000
Listwin Leaves Cisco
Light Reading coverage of Don Listwin leaving Cisco, capturing the industry framing around the leadership shuffle.
Cisco Newsroom • Aug 8, 2000
Cisco Systems, Inc. Announces Departure of Don Listwin
Cisco newsroom announcement marking Don Listwin’s departure and the leadership transition that preceded his Openwave CEO chapter.