Easy WAP Configuration for Cell Phones

SmartTrust has launched a portfolio of Device Management solutions to overcome the increasing complexity of mobile handset configuration. Whilst the sophistication of today's devices has opened up new and exciting opportunities for data services, complex end-user configuration has done little to encourage their use. Continued device and service configuration has therefore become a major challenge for mobile operators looking to leverage new data revenue streams and overcome the barriers that are holding back the mass-market acceptance of value added services on WAP, GPRS, MMS and Java.

"In many cases, the primary method for device configuration is to simply pre-provision the required parameters or instruct the subscribers on how to do this manually. Unfortunately, this method results in a low penetration rate for new services, as well as slow growth," explains Abdullah Bakush, Sales Director of Asia Pacific and Middle East at SmartTrust. "The wrong configuration can lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased customer care costs. In particular, as new services come online, or changes made to roaming agreements, operators need a mechanism to support remote configuration of subscribers' devices, allowing them to make changes without any end-user intervention."

SmartTrust Device Management comprises solutions that enable device management to be performed at any stage in the equipment's lifecycle, from pre-production to point-of-sale and beyond.

Mobile operators are placing particular importance on the use of data services to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). These services may include Java games, email and commercial applications. As users begin to explore new services, or upgrade their mobile device, an operator needs to ensure that service settings remain optimised to that user's profile. Alternatively, it may be necessary to make software updates or reconfigure service parameters that relate to changes in a service across an entire subscriber base. For example, an update in roaming network lists.

"The problem of device management is compounded by the increasing array of devices on the market, from basic 2G phones to PDAs and smartphones. The introduction of 3G services will only widen this diversification and whilst it is true that the level of technology and service sophistication will continue to increase, the user's expectations for ease-of-use will remain the same," finishes Bakush."

Posted to the site on 24th September 2003