RIDGEFIELD, USA: In the forefront of breaking technology, CoActiv Medical announces new EXAM-PACS touch screen image viewing for the recently announced Apple iPad large-screen digital viewing and communications device.
Based on the existing EXAM-PACS iPhone image viewing system, the new iPad system will support bi-directional data communication between a PACS and any iPad using the new device’s built-in WiFi capabilities. This version of EXAM-PACS for iPad will also be fully compatible with the Apple iPad 3G model scheduled for release in April. The updated 3G model will allow connectivity for anywhere, anytime image viewing.
CoActiv EXAM-PACS iPad support enables secure DICOM Query/Retrieve functionality and also allows files to be pushed directly to the device over WiFi and 3G connections. Once images arrive on the mobile device, they may be viewed using the full range of iPad’s Touch Screen capabilities, including scroll, pan, zoom and window & level and measurement functions. All manipulated and annotated images may be instantly saved locally on the device as JPG files and emailed or sent via messaging to anyone, anywhere in a matter of seconds.
This advanced EXAM-PACS for iPad communication is enabled by a bi-directional integration with the award-winning OsiriX Mobile viewer, which will run on the iPad and requires no additional software installation.
Announced just days ago, the Apple iPad features a new ultra high-resolution 9.7-inch (measured diagonally) LED screen and runs the full range of iPhone applications with the benefit of a much larger, easier-to-manipulate dashboard and unprecedented true-to-life display. The device is extremely lightweight, offering physicians the truly portable, high-quality image accessibility and display that they need.
“Immediately after learning about the new iPad technology, CoActiv realized the potential and focused on ensuring that EXAM-PACS could make the most of it,” said Ed Heere, president and CEO of CoActiv. “This reflects our philosophy of remaining in the forefront of evolving technologies. We believe the iPad will open up important new possibilities for remote image viewing for radiologists and other physicians, and CoActiv placed a priority on being the first in the industry to support it.”
Based on all the preliminary information from Apple, a review of the iPad application standards and Apple’s system developer’s kit (SDK), CoActiv’s application will be waiting and immediately available to current EXAM-PACS users once the iPad is commercially available.
EXAM-PACS for iPad functionality will then be fully integrated in CoActiv’s standard EXAM-PACS configuration at no added cost. EXAM-PACS for iPad also will utilize the enhanced viewing capabilities of the soon-to-be available OsiriX for iPad application.
However, CoActiv does suggest that current EXAM-PACS users wait for and purchase the Apple iPad model utilizing 3G communications to assure availability of truly global medical image communications.
“With this and other new mobile technologies, we believe that the radiology reading room truly has no boundaries,” said Heere. “CoActiv is committed to ensuring its users reap all the benefits and flexibility of this growing trend.”
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Mobile phone shipments rebound to double-digit growth in Q4
FRAMINGHAM, USA: The worldwide mobile phone market grew 11.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 (4Q09), ending five consecutive quarters of retrenchment.
According to IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 325.3 million units in 4Q09 compared to 292.4 million units in the fourth quarter of 2008. Vendors shipped a total of 1.13 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in 2009, down 5.2 percent from the 1.19 billion units shipped in 2008.
"The mobile phone market has rebounded in dramatic fashion," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Tracker. "The Asia/Pacific region and the United States were primarily responsible for pushing the market back into growth territory. Overall, vendors offered a wide array of converged mobile devices (smartphones) and messaging devices in the seasonally strong fourth quarter, to take advantage of increased user demand."
"One area of the market that has consistently shown growth all year is the converged mobile device market," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team.
"Consumer tastes for mobile phones have increasingly shifted from simple voice telephony to greater data usage, and both handset vendors and carriers have been eager to meet demand despite ongoing economic challenges. IDC believes that the converged mobile device market grew nearly 30 percent year over year, and that the market will continue to gain momentum as device selection increases and price decreases continue into 2010 and beyond."
Market outlook
IDC anticipates that the worldwide mobile phone market will rebound in 2010. "In 2009, the mobile phone market, like many others, contracted due to economic pressures. But as the year progressed, demand for mobile phones increased each quarter while year-over-year declines progressively decreased," adds Llamas.
"Economic recovery mixed with pent-up demand will create positive conditions for handset vendors in both developed and emerging markets in 2010. Meanwhile, key handset vendors expect to exceed their 2009 shipment levels with refreshed portfolios, leveraging interest in touchscreens, messaging devices, and converged mobile devices."
Regional analysis
In Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), 2009 as a whole was relatively flat year on year, marked by a stronger preference for low-cost handsets in China and India as users substituted away from more expensive options under recessionary pressure. However, the Asia/Pacific market saw strong gains in 4Q09, reflecting a strong start to recovery. Touchscreen-enabled devices remained a hot segment of the market, helping to drive the demand for converged mobile devices across the region.
The Western European handset market grew on both a year-over-year and sequential basis in 4Q09. LG Electronics and Samsung performed particularly well thanks to their collective strength in the traditional mobile phones segment while Apple, Nokia, and Research In Motion helped sustain growth in the converged mobile device market.
On a full-year basis, however, shipments into the region still declined as the improved second-half performance was not enough to offset the declines in the first half. In CEMA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa), vendors found pockets of improvement during 4Q09, but overall sales in the region were focused on entry-level handsets targeted at first-time users.
The North American market finished 2009 relatively strong posting the second-highest regional growth after the Asia/Pacific region (excluding Japan). Converged mobile devices remained in high demand in the fourth quarter due to a combination of lower priced devices and rate plans as well as greater user and carrier interest.
However, feature phones accounted for the majority of shipments last year despite an overall volume decrease on a year-over-year basis. In Canada, mobile phone shipment volumes were buoyed by the introduction of a new wireless network, which increased the demand for smartphones, particularly the Apple iPhone.
The Latin American mobile phone market shrunk in the fourth quarter. However, the performance marked an improvement from the double-digit declines posted in previous quarters. Stronger Brazilian currency pushed prices for mobile phone imports lower, spurring greater demand. In Argentina, channel partners purchased additional product ahead of a new tax rate that came into effect in December. Finally, the popularity of pre-paid service options across the regions included more converged mobile devices, stoking greater demand from vendors.
Top five mobile phone vendors
Nokia ended the year with a strong fourth quarter performance. Shipments of 126.9 million in 4Q09 represented the company’s highest quarterly total in two years (since 4Q07).
The higher handset figures were boosted by improved smartphone sales. Nokia introduced a number of new smartphone models, including the X6, to various markets. When its handset shipment performance is measured on an annual basis, however, Nokia shipped fewer devices in 2009 than in each of the last two years.
Samsung bested its single quarter record in 3Q09 by shipping 68.8 million units in 4Q09. The company capitalized on growing interest in converged mobile devices with its Omnia2 while addressing end-user demand for touchscreen and quick-messaging devices within developed markets.
In emerging markets, Samsung's attention to local market tastes and extended distribution channels helped build its presence. Despite its heady growth, the company fell further behind market leader Nokia while distancing itself ahead of LG Electronics.
LG Electronics followed last quarter's record-breaking shipment volume with a new record, reaching 33.9 million units in 4Q09. However, operating margins took a sharp drop from 8.4 percent in 3Q09 to 1.3 percent in 4Q09, reflecting average selling price declines, higher marketing expenses, and channel expansion within emerging markets.
Still, the company continues to reap success from its popular enV and Cookie products while building its converged mobile device portfolio with the Android-powered GW620 and GW880 and Windows Mobile-powered GW820.
Sony Ericsson posted its sixth consecutive quarterly loss this month. However, the joint venture’s gross margins rose to 23 percent from 15 percent on a year-over-year basis, thanks to sales of new higher-margin mobiles.
The vendor'’s sales of 14.6 million handsets represented its highest shipment figure of the year, thanks to the introduction of new models such as the Satio and Aino. It also announced the Xperia X10 and Vivaz models that the company says will be released later this year.
Motorola ended 2009 with mixed results. The company posted its 12th consecutive quarter of year-over-year shipment declines, but also reported its lowest year-over-year decline since the first half of 2008.
Moreover, Motorola recorded an operating loss of $132 million, a reduction of nearly 80 percent from 4Q08 levels. In its first quarter, Motorola demonstrated how Android has become a key component of its product portfolio, shipping 2 million units worldwide. Its DROID and CLIQ/DEXT devices were shipped to more than 20 countries. It also recently announced the BACKFLIP, MOTOROI, MT710, and the XT800 models, which are slated for release later in the year.
According to IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 325.3 million units in 4Q09 compared to 292.4 million units in the fourth quarter of 2008. Vendors shipped a total of 1.13 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in 2009, down 5.2 percent from the 1.19 billion units shipped in 2008.
"The mobile phone market has rebounded in dramatic fashion," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Tracker. "The Asia/Pacific region and the United States were primarily responsible for pushing the market back into growth territory. Overall, vendors offered a wide array of converged mobile devices (smartphones) and messaging devices in the seasonally strong fourth quarter, to take advantage of increased user demand."
"One area of the market that has consistently shown growth all year is the converged mobile device market," said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team.
"Consumer tastes for mobile phones have increasingly shifted from simple voice telephony to greater data usage, and both handset vendors and carriers have been eager to meet demand despite ongoing economic challenges. IDC believes that the converged mobile device market grew nearly 30 percent year over year, and that the market will continue to gain momentum as device selection increases and price decreases continue into 2010 and beyond."
Market outlook
IDC anticipates that the worldwide mobile phone market will rebound in 2010. "In 2009, the mobile phone market, like many others, contracted due to economic pressures. But as the year progressed, demand for mobile phones increased each quarter while year-over-year declines progressively decreased," adds Llamas.
"Economic recovery mixed with pent-up demand will create positive conditions for handset vendors in both developed and emerging markets in 2010. Meanwhile, key handset vendors expect to exceed their 2009 shipment levels with refreshed portfolios, leveraging interest in touchscreens, messaging devices, and converged mobile devices."
Regional analysis
In Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), 2009 as a whole was relatively flat year on year, marked by a stronger preference for low-cost handsets in China and India as users substituted away from more expensive options under recessionary pressure. However, the Asia/Pacific market saw strong gains in 4Q09, reflecting a strong start to recovery. Touchscreen-enabled devices remained a hot segment of the market, helping to drive the demand for converged mobile devices across the region.
The Western European handset market grew on both a year-over-year and sequential basis in 4Q09. LG Electronics and Samsung performed particularly well thanks to their collective strength in the traditional mobile phones segment while Apple, Nokia, and Research In Motion helped sustain growth in the converged mobile device market.
On a full-year basis, however, shipments into the region still declined as the improved second-half performance was not enough to offset the declines in the first half. In CEMA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa), vendors found pockets of improvement during 4Q09, but overall sales in the region were focused on entry-level handsets targeted at first-time users.
The North American market finished 2009 relatively strong posting the second-highest regional growth after the Asia/Pacific region (excluding Japan). Converged mobile devices remained in high demand in the fourth quarter due to a combination of lower priced devices and rate plans as well as greater user and carrier interest.
However, feature phones accounted for the majority of shipments last year despite an overall volume decrease on a year-over-year basis. In Canada, mobile phone shipment volumes were buoyed by the introduction of a new wireless network, which increased the demand for smartphones, particularly the Apple iPhone.
The Latin American mobile phone market shrunk in the fourth quarter. However, the performance marked an improvement from the double-digit declines posted in previous quarters. Stronger Brazilian currency pushed prices for mobile phone imports lower, spurring greater demand. In Argentina, channel partners purchased additional product ahead of a new tax rate that came into effect in December. Finally, the popularity of pre-paid service options across the regions included more converged mobile devices, stoking greater demand from vendors.
Top five mobile phone vendors
Nokia ended the year with a strong fourth quarter performance. Shipments of 126.9 million in 4Q09 represented the company’s highest quarterly total in two years (since 4Q07).
The higher handset figures were boosted by improved smartphone sales. Nokia introduced a number of new smartphone models, including the X6, to various markets. When its handset shipment performance is measured on an annual basis, however, Nokia shipped fewer devices in 2009 than in each of the last two years.
Samsung bested its single quarter record in 3Q09 by shipping 68.8 million units in 4Q09. The company capitalized on growing interest in converged mobile devices with its Omnia2 while addressing end-user demand for touchscreen and quick-messaging devices within developed markets.
In emerging markets, Samsung's attention to local market tastes and extended distribution channels helped build its presence. Despite its heady growth, the company fell further behind market leader Nokia while distancing itself ahead of LG Electronics.
LG Electronics followed last quarter's record-breaking shipment volume with a new record, reaching 33.9 million units in 4Q09. However, operating margins took a sharp drop from 8.4 percent in 3Q09 to 1.3 percent in 4Q09, reflecting average selling price declines, higher marketing expenses, and channel expansion within emerging markets.
Still, the company continues to reap success from its popular enV and Cookie products while building its converged mobile device portfolio with the Android-powered GW620 and GW880 and Windows Mobile-powered GW820.
Sony Ericsson posted its sixth consecutive quarterly loss this month. However, the joint venture’s gross margins rose to 23 percent from 15 percent on a year-over-year basis, thanks to sales of new higher-margin mobiles.
The vendor'’s sales of 14.6 million handsets represented its highest shipment figure of the year, thanks to the introduction of new models such as the Satio and Aino. It also announced the Xperia X10 and Vivaz models that the company says will be released later this year.
Motorola ended 2009 with mixed results. The company posted its 12th consecutive quarter of year-over-year shipment declines, but also reported its lowest year-over-year decline since the first half of 2008.
Moreover, Motorola recorded an operating loss of $132 million, a reduction of nearly 80 percent from 4Q08 levels. In its first quarter, Motorola demonstrated how Android has become a key component of its product portfolio, shipping 2 million units worldwide. Its DROID and CLIQ/DEXT devices were shipped to more than 20 countries. It also recently announced the BACKFLIP, MOTOROI, MT710, and the XT800 models, which are slated for release later in the year.
Mobile handset demand fuels 336.5 million shipments
SINGAPORE: “2009 may have started with a whimper but by 4Q-2009 the global mobile handset market ended with a pretty reasonable bang,” says Jake Saunders, Vice-President for Forecasting at ABI Research. “We estimate 336.5 million handsets were shipped in 4Q-2009, up 15.1percent QoQ.” Competition continued to squeeze handset ASPs. In 4Q-2009, shipment-based ASPs were down 2 percent to $117.55.
“Obama'’s stimulus package certainly helped save the mobile handset industry,” Saunders notes. “Renewed consumer confidence in the second half of 2009 meant that shipments for the whole year only shrank 4.5 percent to 1.153 billion. Dire scenarios were mooted in early 2009. There is cautious optimism about 2010 despite the fragile nature of the global recovery. ABI Research forecasts shipments to expand to 1.2 billion handsets in 2010.”
Despite Nokia'’s weakened position in the smartphone segment, it still managed to maintain 37.7 percent of the overall handset market. Samsung, the market-share juggernaut, seems unstoppable. Between June 2008 and December 2009, Samsung increased its market share from 15.2 percent to 20.5 percent.
Samsung has benefited from a strong line-up of feature phones as well as a strong reputation for innovative smartphones. Korea’'s level of influence over the handset market is further underscored by LG, the third-largest handset vendor (10.1 percent). LG has been counting on its S-Class smartphone series to help it secure a bridgehead in the market.
“In 3Q-2009, Motorola, under the direction of Sanjay Jha, has come out of its corner fighting with a refreshed portfolio,” adds practice director Kevin Burden. “The Droid has received critical acclaim. However Motorola'’s market-share continued to contract to 3.6 percent.” Sony-Ericsson also experienced a contraction to 4.3 percent, but has high hopes that its Android-based handsets will generate renewed interest.
HTC'’s market share did not fare well early last year. But its circumstances improved slightly in 4Q, to 1 percent share. Notably, HTC announced a revamped handset portfolio strategy, not just targeting high-end smartphones but also launching smartphones that appeal to purchasers with smaller wallets. These low cost “HTC Smart” devices will rely on BREW.
Source: Businesswire/ABI Research
“Obama'’s stimulus package certainly helped save the mobile handset industry,” Saunders notes. “Renewed consumer confidence in the second half of 2009 meant that shipments for the whole year only shrank 4.5 percent to 1.153 billion. Dire scenarios were mooted in early 2009. There is cautious optimism about 2010 despite the fragile nature of the global recovery. ABI Research forecasts shipments to expand to 1.2 billion handsets in 2010.”
Despite Nokia'’s weakened position in the smartphone segment, it still managed to maintain 37.7 percent of the overall handset market. Samsung, the market-share juggernaut, seems unstoppable. Between June 2008 and December 2009, Samsung increased its market share from 15.2 percent to 20.5 percent.
Samsung has benefited from a strong line-up of feature phones as well as a strong reputation for innovative smartphones. Korea’'s level of influence over the handset market is further underscored by LG, the third-largest handset vendor (10.1 percent). LG has been counting on its S-Class smartphone series to help it secure a bridgehead in the market.
“In 3Q-2009, Motorola, under the direction of Sanjay Jha, has come out of its corner fighting with a refreshed portfolio,” adds practice director Kevin Burden. “The Droid has received critical acclaim. However Motorola'’s market-share continued to contract to 3.6 percent.” Sony-Ericsson also experienced a contraction to 4.3 percent, but has high hopes that its Android-based handsets will generate renewed interest.
HTC'’s market share did not fare well early last year. But its circumstances improved slightly in 4Q, to 1 percent share. Notably, HTC announced a revamped handset portfolio strategy, not just targeting high-end smartphones but also launching smartphones that appeal to purchasers with smaller wallets. These low cost “HTC Smart” devices will rely on BREW.
Source: Businesswire/ABI Research
Global handset market returns to 10 percent growth in Q4 2009
BOSTON, USA: According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, global mobile handset shipments grew 10 percent year-over-year, to reach 324 million units in Q4 2009. This was the cellphone market’s first quarter of positive growth since Q3 2008, signaling an end to the industry’s year-long recession.
Bonny Joy, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics said: “The global mobile handset shipments reached 324 million units during Q4 2009, rising 10 percent from 294 million in Q4 2008. The ten-percent increase was the handset market’s first quarter of positive growth since Q3 2008, signaling an end to the industry’s recession which first began during Q4 2008 and lasted for four quarters.”
Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added: “We expect the global handset market to continue its recovery, with shipments growing a forecast 8 percent annually during the first quarter of 2010. Consumers, operators and handset vendors are steadily regaining confidence. However, some major regions, such as South America, are still a little fragile, so it will not always be a smooth recovery and some regions will fare better than others.”
Other findings from Strategy Analytics’ Q4 2009 Global Handset Market Share Update report include:
* Samsung shipped a record 69 million handsets worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2009, up an above-average 31percent from 52.8 million units a year earlier. Samsung maintained its global marketshare at an impressive level of 21 percent. The company surpassed 200 million units during the full-year for the first time in its history;
* Motorola and Sony Ericsson have been the highest-profile casualties of the handset recession, each shedding several points of global marketshare over the past 18 months. Both firms developed inadequate 3G handset portfolios, enabling rivals like LG and Apple to seduce operators with more attractive offerings during 2009;
* Apple shipped a record 8.7 million iPhones worldwide in Q4 2009, for a healthy 2.7 percent marketshare. Apple recently unveiled the iPad multimedia tablet, which will complement the iPhone but may struggle to match the iPhone’s sizeable volumes.
Source: Strategy Analytics
Bonny Joy, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics said: “The global mobile handset shipments reached 324 million units during Q4 2009, rising 10 percent from 294 million in Q4 2008. The ten-percent increase was the handset market’s first quarter of positive growth since Q3 2008, signaling an end to the industry’s recession which first began during Q4 2008 and lasted for four quarters.”
Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added: “We expect the global handset market to continue its recovery, with shipments growing a forecast 8 percent annually during the first quarter of 2010. Consumers, operators and handset vendors are steadily regaining confidence. However, some major regions, such as South America, are still a little fragile, so it will not always be a smooth recovery and some regions will fare better than others.”
Other findings from Strategy Analytics’ Q4 2009 Global Handset Market Share Update report include:
* Samsung shipped a record 69 million handsets worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2009, up an above-average 31percent from 52.8 million units a year earlier. Samsung maintained its global marketshare at an impressive level of 21 percent. The company surpassed 200 million units during the full-year for the first time in its history;
* Motorola and Sony Ericsson have been the highest-profile casualties of the handset recession, each shedding several points of global marketshare over the past 18 months. Both firms developed inadequate 3G handset portfolios, enabling rivals like LG and Apple to seduce operators with more attractive offerings during 2009;
* Apple shipped a record 8.7 million iPhones worldwide in Q4 2009, for a healthy 2.7 percent marketshare. Apple recently unveiled the iPad multimedia tablet, which will complement the iPhone but may struggle to match the iPhone’s sizeable volumes.
Source: Strategy Analytics
Friday, January 29, 2010
Indigo Wireless selects Globecomm’s 3G core switch for hosted mobile services
HAUPPAUGE, USA: Globecomm Systems Inc., a leading global provider of satellite-based communications infrastructure solutions and services, announced that Indigo Wireless, a rural wireless operator in Pennsylvania and Nebraska, is the latest carrier to join a rapidly growing base of providers utilizing Globecomm’s 3G switch platform, which offers affordable, 3G hosted mobile services to under-serviced areas worldwide.
The platform provides switching facilities for Indigo Wireless subscribers and its roaming partners, with services for voice, video and data. Globecomm’s carrier-class 3G switch platform, which entered service in November 2009, enables carriers to have access to broadened wireless coverage without a major capital or operational investment.
With full redundancy for all major components, the switch provides a 100 percent IP-based soft-switch architecture with a forward path to 4G technologies. The switch core has a capacity to service more than 1,000,000 subscribers.
To support the new switch, Globecomm installed dedicated power systems in its Network Operations Center in Hauppauge, New York, where technicians and engineers provide 24/7 network-monitoring and customer support. Redundant fiber circuits and generator systems support the Globecomm facility.
Dave Tews, Indigo Wireless CEO and President, said, “We chose Globecomm’s 3G platform because of its reputation for providing high-performance hosted mobile services within a secure and trusted facility.”
Andy Silberstein, Globecomm Vice President and General Manager of Services, said, "We are proud to provide Indigo Wireless services utilizing our carrier-grade hosted mobile core switch and is an example of how Globecomm can help wireless carriers seamlessly and profitably advance to the next generation of mobile services.”
The platform provides switching facilities for Indigo Wireless subscribers and its roaming partners, with services for voice, video and data. Globecomm’s carrier-class 3G switch platform, which entered service in November 2009, enables carriers to have access to broadened wireless coverage without a major capital or operational investment.
With full redundancy for all major components, the switch provides a 100 percent IP-based soft-switch architecture with a forward path to 4G technologies. The switch core has a capacity to service more than 1,000,000 subscribers.
To support the new switch, Globecomm installed dedicated power systems in its Network Operations Center in Hauppauge, New York, where technicians and engineers provide 24/7 network-monitoring and customer support. Redundant fiber circuits and generator systems support the Globecomm facility.
Dave Tews, Indigo Wireless CEO and President, said, “We chose Globecomm’s 3G platform because of its reputation for providing high-performance hosted mobile services within a secure and trusted facility.”
Andy Silberstein, Globecomm Vice President and General Manager of Services, said, "We are proud to provide Indigo Wireless services utilizing our carrier-grade hosted mobile core switch and is an example of how Globecomm can help wireless carriers seamlessly and profitably advance to the next generation of mobile services.”
Thursday, January 28, 2010
ip.access launches plug and play for nanoGSM picocell
USA: ip.access, the leading developer of 2G and 3G in-building wireless solutions, has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the nanoGSM product range with a new system release 4.1 that supports “plug and play” customer self installation and a range of other features which extend the performance and capabilities of the system.
By enabling enterprise customers to directly install the nanoGSM BTS on their own premises, mobile operators can save up to half the total cost of a picocell deployment. This in turn expands the range of sites and businesses where nanoGSM can be deployed economically.
To support “plug and play” installation, the nanoGSM system includes automated BTS pre-configuration prior to delivery to the customer, and templated site creation within the BSC. Once the customer has installed the picocell, it connects automatically with the chosen BSC and can then either come directly into service, or send a notification to the network management system for the site to be finalized with automated handover configuration.
The new System Release 4.1 expands and extends the features and performance of the ip.access nanoGSM picocell which, with live deployments in more than 50 operator networks worldwide, is the most popular picocell in the world.
Enhancements include a new capability to hand over a call directly from a nanoGSM BTS to the operator’s 3G network for better network capacity management, and a fully dynamic AMR capability which enables much greater call density per BTS, thereby improving the efficiency and payback of the whole system.
Commenting on the release, ip.access CEO Stephen Mallinson said, “ip.access continues to innovate and expand the capabilities of our nanoGSM system by improving the value it delivers for our many mobile operator customers. It's a misconception that picocells are hard to deploy; in fact installing picocells is easy. Our plug'n'play capabilities make it possible for the installation to be carried out by the end-customer, saving substantial costs.”
ip.access will be showcasing the nanoGSM "plug and play" capability, alongside its other market-leading 3G picocell and femtocell solutions, on Stand 2D62 in Hall 2 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month (Feb 15-18 2010).
By enabling enterprise customers to directly install the nanoGSM BTS on their own premises, mobile operators can save up to half the total cost of a picocell deployment. This in turn expands the range of sites and businesses where nanoGSM can be deployed economically.
To support “plug and play” installation, the nanoGSM system includes automated BTS pre-configuration prior to delivery to the customer, and templated site creation within the BSC. Once the customer has installed the picocell, it connects automatically with the chosen BSC and can then either come directly into service, or send a notification to the network management system for the site to be finalized with automated handover configuration.
The new System Release 4.1 expands and extends the features and performance of the ip.access nanoGSM picocell which, with live deployments in more than 50 operator networks worldwide, is the most popular picocell in the world.
Enhancements include a new capability to hand over a call directly from a nanoGSM BTS to the operator’s 3G network for better network capacity management, and a fully dynamic AMR capability which enables much greater call density per BTS, thereby improving the efficiency and payback of the whole system.
Commenting on the release, ip.access CEO Stephen Mallinson said, “ip.access continues to innovate and expand the capabilities of our nanoGSM system by improving the value it delivers for our many mobile operator customers. It's a misconception that picocells are hard to deploy; in fact installing picocells is easy. Our plug'n'play capabilities make it possible for the installation to be carried out by the end-customer, saving substantial costs.”
ip.access will be showcasing the nanoGSM "plug and play" capability, alongside its other market-leading 3G picocell and femtocell solutions, on Stand 2D62 in Hall 2 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month (Feb 15-18 2010).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
China Telecom launches CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. B pre-commercial network with Huawei’s solution
BANGALORE, INDIA: Huawei has successfully delivered two CDMA2000 1x EV-DO Rev. B networks in Beijing and Guangzhou for China Telecom.
Huawei’s industry-leading EV-DO Rev. B solution will enable operators to improve capacity, throughput and latency on their existing EVDO networks and offer sophisticated 3G services to the subscribers of China Telecom, including VoIP (Voice over IP), voice on demand, and streaming media.
The EV-DO Rev. B networks are the fastest 3G networks to date in China, supporting downlink data rates of up to 9.3Mb/s per user. Based on 2.1GHz and 800MHz dual-band, the EV-DO Rev.B networks will be able to enhance the carrying capacity to deal with the explosion of data services and provide stable and reliable high-speed mobile broadband experiences for 3G users.
Zhao Ming, President of Huawei CDMA Product Line, said: “Huawei is fully engaged with world leading CDMA operators, including China Telecom, to drive CDMA’s evolution and commercial development. Establishing two EV-DO Rev.B networks for China Telecom in a short time demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to providing our customers with innovative mobile broadband services."
As the leading CDMA end-to-end solutions provider, Huawei released the first commercial EV-DO Rev.B solution at the fourth Global CDMA Operation and Development Forum in June 2009.
Huawei’s industry-leading EV-DO Rev. B solution will enable operators to improve capacity, throughput and latency on their existing EVDO networks and offer sophisticated 3G services to the subscribers of China Telecom, including VoIP (Voice over IP), voice on demand, and streaming media.
The EV-DO Rev. B networks are the fastest 3G networks to date in China, supporting downlink data rates of up to 9.3Mb/s per user. Based on 2.1GHz and 800MHz dual-band, the EV-DO Rev.B networks will be able to enhance the carrying capacity to deal with the explosion of data services and provide stable and reliable high-speed mobile broadband experiences for 3G users.
Zhao Ming, President of Huawei CDMA Product Line, said: “Huawei is fully engaged with world leading CDMA operators, including China Telecom, to drive CDMA’s evolution and commercial development. Establishing two EV-DO Rev.B networks for China Telecom in a short time demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to providing our customers with innovative mobile broadband services."
As the leading CDMA end-to-end solutions provider, Huawei released the first commercial EV-DO Rev.B solution at the fourth Global CDMA Operation and Development Forum in June 2009.
Mobile cloud application revenues to hit $9.5 billion by 2014
HAMPSHIRE, UK: New research has found that annual revenues from cloud-based mobile applications will reach nearly $9.5 billion by 2014, fuelled by the need for converged, collaborative services, the widespread adoption of mobile broadband services and the deployment of key technological enablers such as HTML5 and the Open Mobile Alliance’s Smart Card Web Server (SCWS).
The Juniper Research report found that enterprise applications will account for the majority of revenues over the next five years, with businesses increasingly seeking to capitalise on the ability of Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers to offer scalable, flexible data storage solutions allied to device agnostic, synchronised office services.
However, consumer-oriented apps will comprise an ever-larger proportion of total revenues, derived both from time-based subscriptions to services such as mobile online gaming and advertising from cloud-based social networks.
However, the mobile cloud applications & services report warned that many enterprise customers still remained wary of entrusting their personal data to remote third-parties, and that recent high-profile data losses amongst corporate mobile users in the USA would only exacerbate these concerns.
According to report author Dr Windsor Holden, “Not only is it imperative for cloud providers to ensure that access to and storage of customer data is secure, but that the procedures that they put in place in this regard – including data backup strategies – are transparent to the customer.”
Other findings from the Juniper report include:
* While the onset of a cloud-based ecosystem may further erode the strength of the mobile operator/customer relationship, cloud offers operators the opportunity to develop new revenues streams as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and PaaS providers.
* Lack of network capacity may continue to be a constraint on the growth of network-based services even after LTE and WiMAX networks are deployed.
The Juniper Research report found that enterprise applications will account for the majority of revenues over the next five years, with businesses increasingly seeking to capitalise on the ability of Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers to offer scalable, flexible data storage solutions allied to device agnostic, synchronised office services.
However, consumer-oriented apps will comprise an ever-larger proportion of total revenues, derived both from time-based subscriptions to services such as mobile online gaming and advertising from cloud-based social networks.
However, the mobile cloud applications & services report warned that many enterprise customers still remained wary of entrusting their personal data to remote third-parties, and that recent high-profile data losses amongst corporate mobile users in the USA would only exacerbate these concerns.
According to report author Dr Windsor Holden, “Not only is it imperative for cloud providers to ensure that access to and storage of customer data is secure, but that the procedures that they put in place in this regard – including data backup strategies – are transparent to the customer.”
Other findings from the Juniper report include:
* While the onset of a cloud-based ecosystem may further erode the strength of the mobile operator/customer relationship, cloud offers operators the opportunity to develop new revenues streams as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and PaaS providers.
* Lack of network capacity may continue to be a constraint on the growth of network-based services even after LTE and WiMAX networks are deployed.
Novatel Wireless announces successful HSPA+ dual-carrier data transmission with Qualcomm's MDM8220 chipset
SAN DIEGO, USA: Novatel Wireless, a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that it has successfully completed the first data transmission over dual-carrier HSPA+ using Qualcomm's industry-leading MDM8220 chipset.
Dual-carrier HSPA+ is a network innovation that will deliver more advanced data capabilities and support more compelling applications with richer user experiences. Novatel Wireless is working with operators and plans to launch commercial data devices based on the MDM8220 in the second half of 2010.
"Novatel Wireless is continuously investing in research and development to ensure that we lead the market with cutting edge wireless data solutions," said Dr. Slim Souissi, CTO, Novatel Wireless. "We are very pleased to be working closely with industry technology leader Qualcomm to achieve these technical milestones, and we look forward to continuing to evolve our product line to deliver innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers."
Dual-carrier HSPA+ is a network innovation that will deliver more advanced data capabilities and support more compelling applications with richer user experiences. Novatel Wireless is working with operators and plans to launch commercial data devices based on the MDM8220 in the second half of 2010.
"Novatel Wireless is continuously investing in research and development to ensure that we lead the market with cutting edge wireless data solutions," said Dr. Slim Souissi, CTO, Novatel Wireless. "We are very pleased to be working closely with industry technology leader Qualcomm to achieve these technical milestones, and we look forward to continuing to evolve our product line to deliver innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers."
IEEE 802 LAN/MAN standards committee launches project to develop standard on co-existence of wireless networks in TV white space
PISCATAWAY, USA: The IEEE 802.19 Wireless Coexistence Working Group received approval on 9 December 2009 for a new project, IEEE P802.19.1, to develop a standard for coexistence between wireless networks operating in the TV white space.
In November 2008, the United States Federal Communication Commission (FCC) issued a report and order providing the rules under which unlicensed wireless devices can operate in unused TV channels, referred to as “TV white space.”
Regulators in other countries have also been considering TV white space regulations. These TV white space channels are those not utilized by TV broadcasts, CATV headends, or other licensed devices (such as professional wireless microphones) in a given geographic location.
There are already several projects for development of standards for wireless networks operating in the TV white space. The IEEE 802.22 Working Group has been developing a standard for wireless regional area networks (WRANs) in the TV white space.
Recently, the IEEE 802.11 working group initiated a project to develop an amendment to the 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standard for operation in the TV white space. In addition to these two projects, other unlicensed wireless use of the TV white space is likely.
The regulations for operation in the TV white space do not restrict access to any particular type of wireless device. Since these wireless networks are unlicensed, they do not have exclusive access to the TV white space. Therefore, in any given location there may be multiple types of unlicensed wireless networks accessing the TV white space. In some locations there may be many TV white space channels while in other locations there may only be a few.
According to the IEEE 802.19 Working Group Chair, Steve Shellhammer, “It is important that these unlicensed TV white space networks coexist well in conditions where there is an abundance of white space spectrum and also in conditions where there is limited TV white space spectrum.”
“Standardized coexistence mechanisms between wireless networks operating in the unlicensed TV white space spectrum are critical to prevent interference between different wireless technologies. The P802.19.1 project provides an excellent consensus-driven forum open to all stakeholders to develop that Standard,” said Paul Nikolich, IEEE 802 Chair.
In November 2008, the United States Federal Communication Commission (FCC) issued a report and order providing the rules under which unlicensed wireless devices can operate in unused TV channels, referred to as “TV white space.”
Regulators in other countries have also been considering TV white space regulations. These TV white space channels are those not utilized by TV broadcasts, CATV headends, or other licensed devices (such as professional wireless microphones) in a given geographic location.
There are already several projects for development of standards for wireless networks operating in the TV white space. The IEEE 802.22 Working Group has been developing a standard for wireless regional area networks (WRANs) in the TV white space.
Recently, the IEEE 802.11 working group initiated a project to develop an amendment to the 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standard for operation in the TV white space. In addition to these two projects, other unlicensed wireless use of the TV white space is likely.
The regulations for operation in the TV white space do not restrict access to any particular type of wireless device. Since these wireless networks are unlicensed, they do not have exclusive access to the TV white space. Therefore, in any given location there may be multiple types of unlicensed wireless networks accessing the TV white space. In some locations there may be many TV white space channels while in other locations there may only be a few.
According to the IEEE 802.19 Working Group Chair, Steve Shellhammer, “It is important that these unlicensed TV white space networks coexist well in conditions where there is an abundance of white space spectrum and also in conditions where there is limited TV white space spectrum.”
“Standardized coexistence mechanisms between wireless networks operating in the unlicensed TV white space spectrum are critical to prevent interference between different wireless technologies. The P802.19.1 project provides an excellent consensus-driven forum open to all stakeholders to develop that Standard,” said Paul Nikolich, IEEE 802 Chair.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Pricing for profit: strategies for low-ARPU subscribers in India
HYDERABAD, INDIA: Intense competition and subscriber growth potential have resulted in sharp tariff decline in Indian mobile industry in the recent few months.
According to a new report from Ovum, the global analyst and consulting company, Indian operators can mitigate pressures to engage in price wars and grow profitably by adopting appropriate pricing strategies. The report titled “Pricing strategies for low-ARPU subscribers in India” analyzes operators’ current pricing strategies and outlines more profitable approaches.
”Aggressive pricing initiated by one operator is usually followed by the rest. Recent examples of this dynamic are per-second and per-call billing. Tata was first to introduce these options, and other operators promptly responded by launching more aggressive similar plans.” said Amit Gupta, Principal Analyst, based in India.
“Unwise and reactionary price cuts have a direct impact on profit margins. Recent price cuts have been too steep to be compensated by top-line growth. But due to intense competition, once prices are reduced it is difficult to roll them back.” explains Mr. Gupta, author of this research.
New entrants are adopting more aggressive pricing strategies to get a foothold in the market. Larger incumbents are not only responding by launching similar offerings, they are also better positioned to absorb a reduction in profitability.
“As market growth starts to slow in the medium term, the combined effect of slow growth, declining ARPU and margins will become unsustainable for the smaller and weaker players. Larger incumbents will still be viable due to better economies of scale. We expect smaller players to lead the wave of consolidation in the market that will ensue.” adds Amit Gupta.
While many of the current pricing options offered by Indian operators are of questionable viability, a few are apt for low-ARPU customers. Such offerings include time-based static tariff discounting, discounted pricing for on-net calls, lifetime validity prepaid plans, low-denomination recharge, discounted pricing for rural cooperatives and handset micro-financing.
“However, Indian operators can benefit from exploring many other profitable pricing strategies successfully implemented in developed and other emerging markets” said Gupta.
He adds: “We believe that Indian operators should apply best practices from other markets and industries. Dynamic traffic based tariff discounting, segmentation and value-based differentiation, advertising-based pricing models, subsidized and sponsored connections, and ‘collect call’ pricing are some of the powerful options to pricing for profit while growing market share.”
According to a new report from Ovum, the global analyst and consulting company, Indian operators can mitigate pressures to engage in price wars and grow profitably by adopting appropriate pricing strategies. The report titled “Pricing strategies for low-ARPU subscribers in India” analyzes operators’ current pricing strategies and outlines more profitable approaches.
”Aggressive pricing initiated by one operator is usually followed by the rest. Recent examples of this dynamic are per-second and per-call billing. Tata was first to introduce these options, and other operators promptly responded by launching more aggressive similar plans.” said Amit Gupta, Principal Analyst, based in India.
“Unwise and reactionary price cuts have a direct impact on profit margins. Recent price cuts have been too steep to be compensated by top-line growth. But due to intense competition, once prices are reduced it is difficult to roll them back.” explains Mr. Gupta, author of this research.
New entrants are adopting more aggressive pricing strategies to get a foothold in the market. Larger incumbents are not only responding by launching similar offerings, they are also better positioned to absorb a reduction in profitability.
“As market growth starts to slow in the medium term, the combined effect of slow growth, declining ARPU and margins will become unsustainable for the smaller and weaker players. Larger incumbents will still be viable due to better economies of scale. We expect smaller players to lead the wave of consolidation in the market that will ensue.” adds Amit Gupta.
While many of the current pricing options offered by Indian operators are of questionable viability, a few are apt for low-ARPU customers. Such offerings include time-based static tariff discounting, discounted pricing for on-net calls, lifetime validity prepaid plans, low-denomination recharge, discounted pricing for rural cooperatives and handset micro-financing.
“However, Indian operators can benefit from exploring many other profitable pricing strategies successfully implemented in developed and other emerging markets” said Gupta.
He adds: “We believe that Indian operators should apply best practices from other markets and industries. Dynamic traffic based tariff discounting, segmentation and value-based differentiation, advertising-based pricing models, subsidized and sponsored connections, and ‘collect call’ pricing are some of the powerful options to pricing for profit while growing market share.”
Roamware deployment base crosses 400 networks in 150 countries
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Roamware Inc., a leader in mobile roaming and financial solutions, announced that its solutions now benefit more than 400 networks in 150 countries.
Speaking on achieving this milestone, Bobby Srinivasan, President and CEO, Roamware said: “This is a great moment for the Roamware family and is a testimony of our innovation-led growth. The feat is particularly remarkable considering we have achieved this in a span of less than eight years.”
The figure is consistent with Roamware’s market dominance of the roaming solutions market and leadership in the mobile financial services space. This count is exclusive of Roamware’s non-telecom customer base, which includes several banks and other financial service providers. Geographically, Roamware’s customer base is spread evenly worldwide and in line with the global mobile network distribution pattern.
Abraham Punnoose, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, Roamware commented: “Roamware recognizes these network relationships as a key strength and the pivot of our growth strategy going forward. With a penetration of about four applications per customer network on the roaming side, we have potential to push more of roaming applications to these subscribers not to mention cross-selling roaming and mobile financial services to the other subscriber base.”
The figure is particularly significant considering that the universe of GSM operators is around 800 across 219 countries with an estimated 50-80 of networks still in various degrees of rollout and hence still to deploy roaming solutions.
Speaking on achieving this milestone, Bobby Srinivasan, President and CEO, Roamware said: “This is a great moment for the Roamware family and is a testimony of our innovation-led growth. The feat is particularly remarkable considering we have achieved this in a span of less than eight years.”
The figure is consistent with Roamware’s market dominance of the roaming solutions market and leadership in the mobile financial services space. This count is exclusive of Roamware’s non-telecom customer base, which includes several banks and other financial service providers. Geographically, Roamware’s customer base is spread evenly worldwide and in line with the global mobile network distribution pattern.
Abraham Punnoose, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, Roamware commented: “Roamware recognizes these network relationships as a key strength and the pivot of our growth strategy going forward. With a penetration of about four applications per customer network on the roaming side, we have potential to push more of roaming applications to these subscribers not to mention cross-selling roaming and mobile financial services to the other subscriber base.”
The figure is particularly significant considering that the universe of GSM operators is around 800 across 219 countries with an estimated 50-80 of networks still in various degrees of rollout and hence still to deploy roaming solutions.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Motorola files complaint with International Trade Commission against RIM
SCHAUMBURG, USA: Motorola Inc. has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that Research In Motion Ltd RIM) has engaged in unfair trade practices by the importation and sale of RIM products that infringe on five of Motorola's patents.
The five patents listed in Motorola's complaint relate to certain early-stage innovations developed by Motorola in key technology areas, such as Wi-Fi access, application management, user interface and power management, that are now being used by RIM. These patented technologies are important to Motorola as they allow for more comprehensive connectivity, a better user experience and lower product costs.
Motorola has requested that the ITC commence an investigation into RIM's use of Motorola's patents and, among other things, issue an Exclusion Order barring RIM's importation of infringing products; prohibiting further sales of infringing products that have already been imported; and halting the marketing, advertising, demonstration and warehousing of inventory for distribution and use of such imported products in the United States.
Jonathan Meyer, senior vice president of intellectual property law at Motorola, said: "Through its early-stage development of the cellular industry and billions of dollars spent on research and development, Motorola has created an industry-leading intellectual property portfolio that is respected by the entire telecommunications industry.
"In light of RIM's continued unlicensed use of Motorola's patents, RIM's use of delay tactics in our current patent litigation, and RIM's refusal to design out Motorola's proprietary technology, Motorola had no choice but to file a complaint with the ITC to halt RIM's continued infringement. Motorola will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its R&D and intellectual property, which are critical to the company's business."
The five patents listed in Motorola's complaint relate to certain early-stage innovations developed by Motorola in key technology areas, such as Wi-Fi access, application management, user interface and power management, that are now being used by RIM. These patented technologies are important to Motorola as they allow for more comprehensive connectivity, a better user experience and lower product costs.
Motorola has requested that the ITC commence an investigation into RIM's use of Motorola's patents and, among other things, issue an Exclusion Order barring RIM's importation of infringing products; prohibiting further sales of infringing products that have already been imported; and halting the marketing, advertising, demonstration and warehousing of inventory for distribution and use of such imported products in the United States.
Jonathan Meyer, senior vice president of intellectual property law at Motorola, said: "Through its early-stage development of the cellular industry and billions of dollars spent on research and development, Motorola has created an industry-leading intellectual property portfolio that is respected by the entire telecommunications industry.
"In light of RIM's continued unlicensed use of Motorola's patents, RIM's use of delay tactics in our current patent litigation, and RIM's refusal to design out Motorola's proprietary technology, Motorola had no choice but to file a complaint with the ITC to halt RIM's continued infringement. Motorola will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its R&D and intellectual property, which are critical to the company's business."
Saturday, January 23, 2010
IP telephony revenue in hospitality industry will top $2 billion in 2014
NEW YORK, USA: Sophisticated systems based on IP telephone networks in hotels will increasingly enable a range of new services aimed at improving customer service in hotels and resorts.
Although worldwide revenue from such systems totaled only $869 million in 2008, by the end of 2014 annual earnings will exceed $2 billion.
These systems will eventually penetrate mid-range hotels, but in the initial period will be found mainly in the top-tier of properties catering to those willing to spend $300 or more a night. According to ABI Research vice president Stan Schatt: “High-end hotels are increasingly turning to technology as a differentiator to attract a high-spending clientele. These services put a premium on improving customer service and staff accountability.”
Scenario 1: You order room service. Three phone calls later, your order finally arrives. Using new phone-based technologies, managers can see who took the order, track its current status, and see how long it took to fulfill.
Scenario 2: You a’re in your room, wondering which of the hotel’s restaurants to visit and what show to see. A screen on your phone shows you video of all your options, and allows you to make bookings.
Scenario 3: You a’re lounging by the pool. If you had a pocket, your money would be burning a hole in it. You punch a button on a wireless phone provided by the hotel, and it shows you items available in the hotel gift shop. Another button makes a purchase, which is billed to your room account.
“The variety of technologies needed to deliver such services means that this market is difficult for vendors to reach,” says Schatt. “It may require several different channels, including systems integrators.
Services companies such as IBM will play a major role here. Also to watch: specialized companies such as MTech, a SaaS company offering workflow managed services for the hotel industry.
Although worldwide revenue from such systems totaled only $869 million in 2008, by the end of 2014 annual earnings will exceed $2 billion.
These systems will eventually penetrate mid-range hotels, but in the initial period will be found mainly in the top-tier of properties catering to those willing to spend $300 or more a night. According to ABI Research vice president Stan Schatt: “High-end hotels are increasingly turning to technology as a differentiator to attract a high-spending clientele. These services put a premium on improving customer service and staff accountability.”
Scenario 1: You order room service. Three phone calls later, your order finally arrives. Using new phone-based technologies, managers can see who took the order, track its current status, and see how long it took to fulfill.
Scenario 2: You a’re in your room, wondering which of the hotel’s restaurants to visit and what show to see. A screen on your phone shows you video of all your options, and allows you to make bookings.
Scenario 3: You a’re lounging by the pool. If you had a pocket, your money would be burning a hole in it. You punch a button on a wireless phone provided by the hotel, and it shows you items available in the hotel gift shop. Another button makes a purchase, which is billed to your room account.
“The variety of technologies needed to deliver such services means that this market is difficult for vendors to reach,” says Schatt. “It may require several different channels, including systems integrators.
Services companies such as IBM will play a major role here. Also to watch: specialized companies such as MTech, a SaaS company offering workflow managed services for the hotel industry.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Motorola announces application store and ecosystem partners for China
BEIJING, CHINA & LIBERTYVILLE, USA: Motorola Inc. has introduced SHOP4APPS (or Zhi-Jian-Yuan in China, which means "Place for Apps Wisdom" in Chinese), Motorola's store for Android applications, which makes it easy to discover, purchase, and download applications designed to customize Android-based Motorola phones in China.
SHOP4APPS will be available on new Motorola smartphones in China starting in time for Chinese New Year. Motorola additionally announced a new feature on their Android handsets enabling users to customize their Android devices by selecting their own search provider. Users will be able to select their search experience from a number of providers including Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) and others, with whom Motorola has signed strategic agreements.
With SHOP4APPS and the ability for users to select their apps and search services, Motorola is providing China consumers with the ability to personalize their mobile device experiences. The store will support the open Android ecosystem and will be offered to other manufacturers or partners in China for license.
SHOP4APPS additionally gives developers a seamless path to promote their applications in the market through MOTODEV, Motorola's global developer program, and through other Android development ecosystems. Developers can begin immediately to submit their Android applications for ingestion into the SHOP4APPS store in China.
"Our ability to offer SHOP4APPS and choice in search is a testament to the openness of the Android platform. SHOP4APPS will provide developers the opportunity to market and promote their applications on Android handsets within the Chinese market," said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services, Motorola Mobile Devices.
"In addition to our close collaboration with the Android community, we are working closely with our carrier partners in China, and with ecosystem partners like Baidu to provide consumers with a full suite of services. These services will include search, email and maps for our newest China smartphones."
"With handsets like the new XT800 Zhishang from Motorola, we're able to deliver great Android-powered mobile experiences to the people of China," said China Telecom. "By providing them a choice in their applications and services, Motorola is letting consumers in China customize the way they experience the power of the mobile Internet."
"The ability to add applications and services is essential for people in China because increasingly we live our lives and express ourselves through our mobile phones," said China Unicom. "We want phones to reflect our lifestyle and our choices, and the ability to pick our own search sites, our own chat services, our own games, and to craft our own mobile experience is helping China Unicom deliver on the promise of 3G."
SHOP4APPS is an extremely flexible applications delivery platform.
SHOP4APPS and search capabilities through Baidu and others will be available in China, starting in time for Chinese New Year, through either pre-load on a device or through over-the-air updates for devices already in market.
SHOP4APPS will be available on new Motorola smartphones in China starting in time for Chinese New Year. Motorola additionally announced a new feature on their Android handsets enabling users to customize their Android devices by selecting their own search provider. Users will be able to select their search experience from a number of providers including Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) and others, with whom Motorola has signed strategic agreements.
With SHOP4APPS and the ability for users to select their apps and search services, Motorola is providing China consumers with the ability to personalize their mobile device experiences. The store will support the open Android ecosystem and will be offered to other manufacturers or partners in China for license.
SHOP4APPS additionally gives developers a seamless path to promote their applications in the market through MOTODEV, Motorola's global developer program, and through other Android development ecosystems. Developers can begin immediately to submit their Android applications for ingestion into the SHOP4APPS store in China.
"Our ability to offer SHOP4APPS and choice in search is a testament to the openness of the Android platform. SHOP4APPS will provide developers the opportunity to market and promote their applications on Android handsets within the Chinese market," said Christy Wyatt, corporate vice president of software and services, Motorola Mobile Devices.
"In addition to our close collaboration with the Android community, we are working closely with our carrier partners in China, and with ecosystem partners like Baidu to provide consumers with a full suite of services. These services will include search, email and maps for our newest China smartphones."
"With handsets like the new XT800 Zhishang from Motorola, we're able to deliver great Android-powered mobile experiences to the people of China," said China Telecom. "By providing them a choice in their applications and services, Motorola is letting consumers in China customize the way they experience the power of the mobile Internet."
"The ability to add applications and services is essential for people in China because increasingly we live our lives and express ourselves through our mobile phones," said China Unicom. "We want phones to reflect our lifestyle and our choices, and the ability to pick our own search sites, our own chat services, our own games, and to craft our own mobile experience is helping China Unicom deliver on the promise of 3G."
SHOP4APPS is an extremely flexible applications delivery platform.
SHOP4APPS and search capabilities through Baidu and others will be available in China, starting in time for Chinese New Year, through either pre-load on a device or through over-the-air updates for devices already in market.
Nokia makes worldwide walk and drive navigation free on smartphones
BANGALORE, INDIA: Nokia announced plans to make walk and drive navigation free on its smartphones as part of a new version of Ovi Maps, available for download at nokia.com/maps.
Nokia’s mapping and navigation software has been specifically designed for mobile use and is based on unique hybrid technology. The new version of Ovi Maps will include all essential car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries in 46 languages, and traffic information for over 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for over 180 countries.
“We want to make using your mobile for navigation as familiar as using it to send a text or take a picture. We believe that making the best maps with voice guided navigation available for free will be the catalyst to do this,” explained Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia.
“Why have multiple devices that work in only one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you have something that is truly useful and can help you get round almost any city in the world whether you’re on foot or driving.”
According to D. Shivakumar, Managing Director, Nokia India: “This is a strategic move that will be the game-changer for the industry. We believe that offering the world’s best maps with full navigation features and premium content at no extra cost will be the catalyst that drives mass market and penetration of mobile maps in India.”
This move has the potential to nearly double the size of the current mobile navigation market. For Nokia, removing the costs associated with navigation for drivers and pedestrians allows the company to quickly activate a massive user base to which it can offer new location features, content and services.
This is part of Nokia’s strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services. The move is also in line with Nokia’s vision that the next wave of growth will be centered on the location-aware, social Internet -- as the ‘where’ people are doing things becomes as important as the ‘what’ they are doing.
According to research firm Canalys, the number of people worldwide using GPS navigation on their mobile phones was approximately 27 million at the end of 2009. With this announcement Nokia potentially grows the size of this installed user base to about 50 million by enabling smartphone owners, with compatible devices and devices that will be made compatible shortly to activate free drive and walk navigation through a simple download of the new Ovi Maps. Nokia will further grow this base as it quickly adds more smartphones to the compatible devices list.
Canalys also estimated in 2009 that the installed base of smartphones with integrated GPS was 163 million units worldwide, of which Nokia accounted for more than half (51 percent) having shipped cumulatively 83 million GPS devices.
“This is a game changing move. By leveraging our NAVTEQ acquisition, and our context sensitive service offering, we can now put a complete navigation system in the palm of your hand, wherever in the world you are, whenever you need it - and at no extra cost,” continued Anssi Vanjoki. “By adding cameras at no extra cost to our phones we quickly became the biggest camera manufacturer in the world. The aim of the new Ovi Maps is to enable us to do the same for navigation.”
New version of Ovi Maps
Here are the key features that sets Ovi Maps apart:
No hidden costs
The new version of Ovi Maps comes with all the maps and high-end, car grade navigation features you need for free and is yours to keep for the life of the smartphone. No additional licenses needed for extra countries, regions or services like traffic information or city guides. Data charges from network operators may apply.
Best global coverage
You take your mobile with you wherever you go in the world so, as standard, voice guided navigation for both pedestrians and drivers is available for 74 countries in 46 different languages and there are maps for over 180 countries. This gives you the best maps with the largest global coverage for free.
No network connection required when navigating
Avoid expensive, battery-draining network connections with Nokia’s unique hybrid technology. Maps can be pre-loaded on to your Nokia smartphone so you can set Ovi Maps to offline mode, saving battery power, and the navigation system will still work. This is particularly useful for those worried about data connection costs when travelling abroad or when you are travelling through areas with little or no network coverage.
Unique hybrid technology
Ovi Maps is built on an advanced technology called hybrid vector maps. Vector maps are high quality but less data intensive and allow you to continue to navigate even if you lose your network connection. This means that maps downloaded or updated across a network connection are about half the size of bulky bitmaps used by other mobile map providers. The hybrid technology ensures that, unlike other providers, any downloaded map data is stored on the device for future use.
Ovi Maps is immediately available for download for 10 Nokia handsets, including the popular Nokia N97 mini, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia E72, with more Nokia smartphones expected to be added in the coming weeks. In the meantime, current owners of Nokia smartphones that are compatible with the new Ovi Maps can download it free of charge from nokia.com/maps.
Nokia’s mapping and navigation software has been specifically designed for mobile use and is based on unique hybrid technology. The new version of Ovi Maps will include all essential car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries in 46 languages, and traffic information for over 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for over 180 countries.
“We want to make using your mobile for navigation as familiar as using it to send a text or take a picture. We believe that making the best maps with voice guided navigation available for free will be the catalyst to do this,” explained Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia.
“Why have multiple devices that work in only one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you have something that is truly useful and can help you get round almost any city in the world whether you’re on foot or driving.”
According to D. Shivakumar, Managing Director, Nokia India: “This is a strategic move that will be the game-changer for the industry. We believe that offering the world’s best maps with full navigation features and premium content at no extra cost will be the catalyst that drives mass market and penetration of mobile maps in India.”
This move has the potential to nearly double the size of the current mobile navigation market. For Nokia, removing the costs associated with navigation for drivers and pedestrians allows the company to quickly activate a massive user base to which it can offer new location features, content and services.
This is part of Nokia’s strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services. The move is also in line with Nokia’s vision that the next wave of growth will be centered on the location-aware, social Internet -- as the ‘where’ people are doing things becomes as important as the ‘what’ they are doing.
According to research firm Canalys, the number of people worldwide using GPS navigation on their mobile phones was approximately 27 million at the end of 2009. With this announcement Nokia potentially grows the size of this installed user base to about 50 million by enabling smartphone owners, with compatible devices and devices that will be made compatible shortly to activate free drive and walk navigation through a simple download of the new Ovi Maps. Nokia will further grow this base as it quickly adds more smartphones to the compatible devices list.
Canalys also estimated in 2009 that the installed base of smartphones with integrated GPS was 163 million units worldwide, of which Nokia accounted for more than half (51 percent) having shipped cumulatively 83 million GPS devices.
“This is a game changing move. By leveraging our NAVTEQ acquisition, and our context sensitive service offering, we can now put a complete navigation system in the palm of your hand, wherever in the world you are, whenever you need it - and at no extra cost,” continued Anssi Vanjoki. “By adding cameras at no extra cost to our phones we quickly became the biggest camera manufacturer in the world. The aim of the new Ovi Maps is to enable us to do the same for navigation.”
New version of Ovi Maps
Here are the key features that sets Ovi Maps apart:
No hidden costs
The new version of Ovi Maps comes with all the maps and high-end, car grade navigation features you need for free and is yours to keep for the life of the smartphone. No additional licenses needed for extra countries, regions or services like traffic information or city guides. Data charges from network operators may apply.
Best global coverage
You take your mobile with you wherever you go in the world so, as standard, voice guided navigation for both pedestrians and drivers is available for 74 countries in 46 different languages and there are maps for over 180 countries. This gives you the best maps with the largest global coverage for free.
No network connection required when navigating
Avoid expensive, battery-draining network connections with Nokia’s unique hybrid technology. Maps can be pre-loaded on to your Nokia smartphone so you can set Ovi Maps to offline mode, saving battery power, and the navigation system will still work. This is particularly useful for those worried about data connection costs when travelling abroad or when you are travelling through areas with little or no network coverage.
Unique hybrid technology
Ovi Maps is built on an advanced technology called hybrid vector maps. Vector maps are high quality but less data intensive and allow you to continue to navigate even if you lose your network connection. This means that maps downloaded or updated across a network connection are about half the size of bulky bitmaps used by other mobile map providers. The hybrid technology ensures that, unlike other providers, any downloaded map data is stored on the device for future use.
Ovi Maps is immediately available for download for 10 Nokia handsets, including the popular Nokia N97 mini, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia E72, with more Nokia smartphones expected to be added in the coming weeks. In the meantime, current owners of Nokia smartphones that are compatible with the new Ovi Maps can download it free of charge from nokia.com/maps.
India's youth brand -- Virgin Mobile -- now in GSM!
BANGALORE, INDIA: Virgin Mobile has today announced the launch of its GSM services in the country, starting with all five southern circles. As India’s only national youth focused brand, Virgin Mobile has entered the GSM market with the definite objective of helping youth leverage and use the power of their network of friends. To this end, they have launched with a plethora of unique products and services designed to strengthen their brand promise to the youth of the country.
For now, consumers across South India circles will be offered a differentiated tariff of 20p/min for STD and Local calls to any Virgin Mobile number without any pack. Virgin Mobile customers calling any other network will be charged at 40p/min for local and 50p/min for STD calls again without any packs.
As another initiative to inch closer to the youth and take the brand to the next level, Ranbir Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza have been appointed as the new brand ambassadors for Virgin Mobile in India.
In yet another Hatke photo-opportunity, Virgin Mobile India launched its GSM services with the royal entry of Genelia D’Souza, the Virgin Mobile friendship princess along with Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Teleservices and M.A. Madhusudan, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Mobile India in a vintage car at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore.
At the time of launch, Virgin Mobile GSM services will be available in more than 300 towns, 60,000 RCV and 45,000 SUK outlets which will cater to 76% of the urban youth population.
In a message at the launch press conference, Sir Richard Branson, Chairman and Founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The Virgin Mobile brand in India has created distinct benchmarks in the youth segment since the time of its launch. The success of the brand will now be leveraged further with the launch of its GSM offerings, bringing the youth an international mobile telephony experience. This moment of triumph truly emphasises the group’s focus on deepening its presence in one of the most exciting markets in the world.”
“It is a matter of immense pleasure to be a part of this exciting new journey of Virgin Mobile in India. The TTSL Virgin Mobile association has further strengthened with the launch of the brand in the GSM space. Virgin Mobile as a brand has created for itself a unique position in the minds of consumers in a very short span of time. It has challenged the industry conventions and created some real disruptive products and services in the past.
“I am confident of the fact that the brand will garner 10 percent market share in the urban youth segment and its foray into the GSM segment will further spice up the mobility market and offer greater value and differentiated service to the consumers,” said Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Teleservices.
Announcing the launch of Virgin Mobile’s GSM services, M.A. Madhusudan, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Mobile India said: “The launch of Virgin Mobile India’s GSM services is a momentous occasion for all of us. It is yet another leap for the brand to target a wider reach in the burgeoning mobility market and offer greater flexibility to the youth of India. We are launching our services and we intend to stir the GSM space with another ten firsts.
“As the only mobile service brand designed for youth, we aim to provide them the most innovative and differentiated offerings with the experience of a world class network. All our offerings encapsulate the benefits of ‘network for friends’ leveraging the fun quotient of Virgin Mobile brand on the mobile communication platform. This launch will help us further consolidate our position as one of the leading, youth mobile service brands.”
Virgin Mobile with its foray into the GSM segment has announced ten industry ‘firsts’ for the youth of India, clearly looking forward to garner a significant market share. The ten industry ‘firsts’ include the innovative VAS offerings like ‘vMingle’, vBelong’, ‘vGenie’, ‘WOW’ ‘vJingle’ and many more to follow with music, infotainment and social networking as the key areas of focus.
Virgin Mobile will also be the first mobile service brand to offer its users a full bill guarantee on prepaid. In case the billing complaints of users are not addressed within 48 hours, bill shall be paid for by Virgin Mobile. Virgin Mobile consumers will also get to choose numbers that fit their attitude even in prepaid.
Apart from this, Virgin Mobile’s another industry first - of offering all its prepaid customers an itemised bill without any extra cost which they can access on the Virgin Mobile website. A unique brand ambassador initiative in colleges called ‘vTurks’ has been rolled out with the aim to create Virgin Mobile champions to tap into specific communities.
Introductory SMS packs: At the time of the launch, company will offer three SMS packs priced at Rs. 33, Rs.34 and Rs.69. The special pack priced at Rs.33 is available nationally and comes with 2000 local and national SMSs free for 30 days.
Under Rs. 34 pack, customers will get 10,000 local SMS free. This pack is only available in Tamil Nadu and Chennai circles. The friendliest pack priced at Rs.69 will offer 500 local and national SMS free daily. The pack will be available 7 days from the day of launch.
All three packs come with a validity of 30 days.
For now, consumers across South India circles will be offered a differentiated tariff of 20p/min for STD and Local calls to any Virgin Mobile number without any pack. Virgin Mobile customers calling any other network will be charged at 40p/min for local and 50p/min for STD calls again without any packs.
As another initiative to inch closer to the youth and take the brand to the next level, Ranbir Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza have been appointed as the new brand ambassadors for Virgin Mobile in India.
In yet another Hatke photo-opportunity, Virgin Mobile India launched its GSM services with the royal entry of Genelia D’Souza, the Virgin Mobile friendship princess along with Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Teleservices and M.A. Madhusudan, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Mobile India in a vintage car at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore.
At the time of launch, Virgin Mobile GSM services will be available in more than 300 towns, 60,000 RCV and 45,000 SUK outlets which will cater to 76% of the urban youth population.
In a message at the launch press conference, Sir Richard Branson, Chairman and Founder of the Virgin Group, said: “The Virgin Mobile brand in India has created distinct benchmarks in the youth segment since the time of its launch. The success of the brand will now be leveraged further with the launch of its GSM offerings, bringing the youth an international mobile telephony experience. This moment of triumph truly emphasises the group’s focus on deepening its presence in one of the most exciting markets in the world.”
“It is a matter of immense pleasure to be a part of this exciting new journey of Virgin Mobile in India. The TTSL Virgin Mobile association has further strengthened with the launch of the brand in the GSM space. Virgin Mobile as a brand has created for itself a unique position in the minds of consumers in a very short span of time. It has challenged the industry conventions and created some real disruptive products and services in the past.
“I am confident of the fact that the brand will garner 10 percent market share in the urban youth segment and its foray into the GSM segment will further spice up the mobility market and offer greater value and differentiated service to the consumers,” said Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Teleservices.
Announcing the launch of Virgin Mobile’s GSM services, M.A. Madhusudan, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Mobile India said: “The launch of Virgin Mobile India’s GSM services is a momentous occasion for all of us. It is yet another leap for the brand to target a wider reach in the burgeoning mobility market and offer greater flexibility to the youth of India. We are launching our services and we intend to stir the GSM space with another ten firsts.
“As the only mobile service brand designed for youth, we aim to provide them the most innovative and differentiated offerings with the experience of a world class network. All our offerings encapsulate the benefits of ‘network for friends’ leveraging the fun quotient of Virgin Mobile brand on the mobile communication platform. This launch will help us further consolidate our position as one of the leading, youth mobile service brands.”
Virgin Mobile with its foray into the GSM segment has announced ten industry ‘firsts’ for the youth of India, clearly looking forward to garner a significant market share. The ten industry ‘firsts’ include the innovative VAS offerings like ‘vMingle’, vBelong’, ‘vGenie’, ‘WOW’ ‘vJingle’ and many more to follow with music, infotainment and social networking as the key areas of focus.
Virgin Mobile will also be the first mobile service brand to offer its users a full bill guarantee on prepaid. In case the billing complaints of users are not addressed within 48 hours, bill shall be paid for by Virgin Mobile. Virgin Mobile consumers will also get to choose numbers that fit their attitude even in prepaid.
Apart from this, Virgin Mobile’s another industry first - of offering all its prepaid customers an itemised bill without any extra cost which they can access on the Virgin Mobile website. A unique brand ambassador initiative in colleges called ‘vTurks’ has been rolled out with the aim to create Virgin Mobile champions to tap into specific communities.
Introductory SMS packs: At the time of the launch, company will offer three SMS packs priced at Rs. 33, Rs.34 and Rs.69. The special pack priced at Rs.33 is available nationally and comes with 2000 local and national SMSs free for 30 days.
Under Rs. 34 pack, customers will get 10,000 local SMS free. This pack is only available in Tamil Nadu and Chennai circles. The friendliest pack priced at Rs.69 will offer 500 local and national SMS free daily. The pack will be available 7 days from the day of launch.
All three packs come with a validity of 30 days.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Huawei sets record for GSM/EDGE network data rate speeds
BANGALORE, INDIA: Huawei today announced that it has set a new data rate record, averaging up to 564 Kb/s, in a recent downlink dual carrier (DLDC) test for Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE).
This record speed, which is two times faster than that of existing EDGE networks, enables operators to cost-effectively increase network data capacity and bring 3G experiences to 2G users over GSM networks, such as high-speed mobile data services including live video broadcast and video on demand (VOD).
Advancing EDGE technology significantly improves user experience through faster data rates, better quality of service (QoS) and lower network latency. Huawei’s innovative EDGE+ solution enables GSM operators to quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively migrate their existing EDGE network to EDGE+ through simple software upgrades and supports smooth future evolution to 3G and beyond.
He Gang, president of GSM/UMTS product line for Huawei commented: "This milestone demonstrates Huawei’s continued commitment towards driving GSM evolution, the world’s most widely deployed technical standard with the largest mobile subscriber base. Huawei’s advanced EDGE+ technology enhances flexibility for operators building their 3G networks and provides a seamless high-speed data service experience."
Using the existing GSM frequency bands, Huawei’s EDGE+ can provide seamless high-speed mobile data service coverage and is one of the first-stage 3G networks that makes it possible for mobile phones to receive real-time streaming media from the Internet with lower latency.
EDGE+ can bridge high-speed mobile broadband services on HSPA+/LTE networks and GSM data services to ensure the continuity and availability of mobile data services. EDGE+ best protects the 2G OPEX of operators and increases the average revenue per user (ARPU) of 2G networks.
This record speed, which is two times faster than that of existing EDGE networks, enables operators to cost-effectively increase network data capacity and bring 3G experiences to 2G users over GSM networks, such as high-speed mobile data services including live video broadcast and video on demand (VOD).
Advancing EDGE technology significantly improves user experience through faster data rates, better quality of service (QoS) and lower network latency. Huawei’s innovative EDGE+ solution enables GSM operators to quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively migrate their existing EDGE network to EDGE+ through simple software upgrades and supports smooth future evolution to 3G and beyond.
He Gang, president of GSM/UMTS product line for Huawei commented: "This milestone demonstrates Huawei’s continued commitment towards driving GSM evolution, the world’s most widely deployed technical standard with the largest mobile subscriber base. Huawei’s advanced EDGE+ technology enhances flexibility for operators building their 3G networks and provides a seamless high-speed data service experience."
Using the existing GSM frequency bands, Huawei’s EDGE+ can provide seamless high-speed mobile data service coverage and is one of the first-stage 3G networks that makes it possible for mobile phones to receive real-time streaming media from the Internet with lower latency.
EDGE+ can bridge high-speed mobile broadband services on HSPA+/LTE networks and GSM data services to ensure the continuity and availability of mobile data services. EDGE+ best protects the 2G OPEX of operators and increases the average revenue per user (ARPU) of 2G networks.
Ifbyphone acquires Cloudvox, changes face of cloud telephony
CHICAGO, USA: Ifbyphone Inc., a leader in cloud telephony, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Cloudvox.
In addition to its suite of self-service Web configured and highly customizable phone applications, the acquisition positions Ifbyphone as an industry-leading application developer platform.
“By acquiring Cloudvox, we’re sending a message to businesses of every size: If you’re interested in using telephone applications to automate sales, marketing, business processes, and Web applications, we're the place to start,” said Irv Shapiro, CEO of Ifbyphone. “Businesses can rent an existing application from us and tightly integrate their business with that app. Or they can now use Cloudvox to build their own portable, open application from scratch and still take advantage of our cloud infrastructure and phone expertise.”
The addition of Cloudvox positions Ifbyphone as the only cloud telephony provider that enables customers to rent a phone-based application, integrate with an existing Ifbyphone app, or build a custom app. Cloudvox lets developers automate phone calls using their own software - code they write and control.
Cloudvox leverages the industry-leading Asterisk open-source phone server, and is similar to “Asterisk in the cloud.”
While Asterisk is quite powerful, creating a reliable, scalable, feature-rich phone platform is difficult and capital-intensive. Cloudvox is compatible with existing Asterisk applications and software libraries; further, it is scalable, deployed in a carrier-grade environment, and simple for developers to use.
Cloudvox is well known among developers for its unique, standards-based solution. A hosted service, Cloudvox bridges Web apps with phone services, enabling developers to place, receive, and control phone calls from their own software (including Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, C#, and simple HTTP/JSON).
“Cloudvox handles all of the telecom features, giving developers complete control of the phone call and their app,” said Troy Davis, Cloudvox Co-Founder. “Cloudvox is the most practical way to launch comprehensive phone services, and with Ifbyphone's infrastructure and experience, we've created the best cloud model in the industry.”
In addition to its suite of self-service Web configured and highly customizable phone applications, the acquisition positions Ifbyphone as an industry-leading application developer platform.
“By acquiring Cloudvox, we’re sending a message to businesses of every size: If you’re interested in using telephone applications to automate sales, marketing, business processes, and Web applications, we're the place to start,” said Irv Shapiro, CEO of Ifbyphone. “Businesses can rent an existing application from us and tightly integrate their business with that app. Or they can now use Cloudvox to build their own portable, open application from scratch and still take advantage of our cloud infrastructure and phone expertise.”
The addition of Cloudvox positions Ifbyphone as the only cloud telephony provider that enables customers to rent a phone-based application, integrate with an existing Ifbyphone app, or build a custom app. Cloudvox lets developers automate phone calls using their own software - code they write and control.
Cloudvox leverages the industry-leading Asterisk open-source phone server, and is similar to “Asterisk in the cloud.”
While Asterisk is quite powerful, creating a reliable, scalable, feature-rich phone platform is difficult and capital-intensive. Cloudvox is compatible with existing Asterisk applications and software libraries; further, it is scalable, deployed in a carrier-grade environment, and simple for developers to use.
Cloudvox is well known among developers for its unique, standards-based solution. A hosted service, Cloudvox bridges Web apps with phone services, enabling developers to place, receive, and control phone calls from their own software (including Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, C#, and simple HTTP/JSON).
“Cloudvox handles all of the telecom features, giving developers complete control of the phone call and their app,” said Troy Davis, Cloudvox Co-Founder. “Cloudvox is the most practical way to launch comprehensive phone services, and with Ifbyphone's infrastructure and experience, we've created the best cloud model in the industry.”
SMS GupShup secures $12 million additional funding
SANTA CLARA, USA & MUMBAI, INDIA: SMS GupShup, India’'s largest social network, have closed funding for a $12 million round led by Globespan Capital Partners and additional financing from existing investors Charles River Ventures and Helion Venture Partners.
This funding will allow SMS GupShup to expand into new territories, and to roll out new features such as Mobile CRM solutions for small businesses and corporate brands.
As one of the fastest growing ad-supported mobile communities in the world, SMS GupShup already enjoys a larger market share of users in India than any other online or mobile social networking site. The company also offers reply-all group messaging service in partnership with mobile carriers. The company is now poised to expand globally, starting with emerging markets that have high mobile adoption.
Launched in April 2007, SMS GupShup now serves 26 million users in over 2 million communities – double the number of communities supported just six months ago. These communities range from religious groups to sports teams to celebrities. Whether it’s daily poems, traffic reports or tribal news, GupShup is the centerpiece of connectivity in India. Over 100 advertisers currently run on the network including local insurance provider ICICI Lombard and international brands like Puma, Microsoft and Cadbury.
The company is growing at a rapid pace and now accounts for 5% of all text messages sent in India. Earlier this year, the company inked a deal with Facebook to enable Indian Facebook users to go mobile.
The mobile subscriber base in 2013 is set to exceed 771 million in India, according to Gartner Inc, and 5.8 billion globally, according to Portio Research.
Co-founder and chief executive Beerud Sheth says: “Our user base and revenues have grown substantially over the last year and we are also seeing strong interest from carriers worldwide. We expect to use the proceeds from this funding round to accelerate our growth and expand our operations globally, to make our products useful to each of the 4 billion mobile subscribers worldwide.”
To date, SMS GupShup has raised $37 million in funding and is now aggressively hiring. In only the past two months the service has increased its team headcount from 100 to 130 and is looking to fill another 20 positions in marketing, engineering and advertising sales.
Venky Ganesan, Managing Director, Globespan Capital, said: “SMS GupShup is bringing social messaging to the mobile masses. It is on track to be the next big global, social, mobile play. We are excited to be joining forces with this team to get billions of users to start ‘gupshupping’.”
“Since we last invested, SMS GupShup has shown huge growth in number of users and revenues. We’re excited to re-invest again to help the business realize its global potential as the social messaging solution for the masses,” said Devdutt Yellurkar of Charles River Ventures.
As part of this funding round, Venky Ganesan, Managing Director of Globespan Capital Partners, will join the SMS GupShup Board of Directors, which currently comprises of Devdutt Yellurkar (Charles River Ventures), Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners), Jeff Hussey (Founder of F5 Networks, Inc.), Rakesh Mathur (Co-founder and Chairman of the Board) and Beerud Sheth (Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer).
This funding will allow SMS GupShup to expand into new territories, and to roll out new features such as Mobile CRM solutions for small businesses and corporate brands.
As one of the fastest growing ad-supported mobile communities in the world, SMS GupShup already enjoys a larger market share of users in India than any other online or mobile social networking site. The company also offers reply-all group messaging service in partnership with mobile carriers. The company is now poised to expand globally, starting with emerging markets that have high mobile adoption.
Launched in April 2007, SMS GupShup now serves 26 million users in over 2 million communities – double the number of communities supported just six months ago. These communities range from religious groups to sports teams to celebrities. Whether it’s daily poems, traffic reports or tribal news, GupShup is the centerpiece of connectivity in India. Over 100 advertisers currently run on the network including local insurance provider ICICI Lombard and international brands like Puma, Microsoft and Cadbury.
The company is growing at a rapid pace and now accounts for 5% of all text messages sent in India. Earlier this year, the company inked a deal with Facebook to enable Indian Facebook users to go mobile.
The mobile subscriber base in 2013 is set to exceed 771 million in India, according to Gartner Inc, and 5.8 billion globally, according to Portio Research.
Co-founder and chief executive Beerud Sheth says: “Our user base and revenues have grown substantially over the last year and we are also seeing strong interest from carriers worldwide. We expect to use the proceeds from this funding round to accelerate our growth and expand our operations globally, to make our products useful to each of the 4 billion mobile subscribers worldwide.”
To date, SMS GupShup has raised $37 million in funding and is now aggressively hiring. In only the past two months the service has increased its team headcount from 100 to 130 and is looking to fill another 20 positions in marketing, engineering and advertising sales.
Venky Ganesan, Managing Director, Globespan Capital, said: “SMS GupShup is bringing social messaging to the mobile masses. It is on track to be the next big global, social, mobile play. We are excited to be joining forces with this team to get billions of users to start ‘gupshupping’.”
“Since we last invested, SMS GupShup has shown huge growth in number of users and revenues. We’re excited to re-invest again to help the business realize its global potential as the social messaging solution for the masses,” said Devdutt Yellurkar of Charles River Ventures.
As part of this funding round, Venky Ganesan, Managing Director of Globespan Capital Partners, will join the SMS GupShup Board of Directors, which currently comprises of Devdutt Yellurkar (Charles River Ventures), Ashish Gupta (Helion Venture Partners), Jeff Hussey (Founder of F5 Networks, Inc.), Rakesh Mathur (Co-founder and Chairman of the Board) and Beerud Sheth (Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer).
Continuous Computing extends Trillium LTE portfolio with TDD eNodeB support and suite of advanced LTE MAC schedulers
SAN DIEGO, USA: Continuous Computing, the global provider of hardware and software solutions that address the mobile broadband capacity challenge, announced the general availability of its upgraded Trillium Long Term Evolution (LTE) eNodeB protocol software, which now includes support for the Time Division Duplex (TDD) variant of LTE, known as TD-LTE.
Concurrently, the company is now offering its Trillium Advanced LTE Media Access Control (MAC) Schedulers suite, a set of six optimized schedulers, as well as an upgrade to the MAC scheduler interface, which helps network equipment providers (NEPs) to meet growing scalability requirements by creating their own scheduler implementations and running MAC and the MAC scheduler as independent execution modules.
By complementing its Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) LTE stacks with TDD support, Continuous Computing has expanded market opportunities for NEPs while facilitating WiMAX-to-LTE product evolution.
Amidst growing support for both the TDD and FDD variants of LTE, TD-LTE enables WiMAX companies which are adding LTE to their portfolios to speed up their development. Unlike in the 3G market where TDD variants of the WCDMA standard are being deployed only in certain regions, TD-LTE is expected to have broad applicability due to the availability of unpaired spectrum around the globe. While FDD requires paired spectrum (one carrier for downlink and one for uplink), TDD employs unpaired or shared spectrum using time slots to manage interference.
“Continuous Computing'’s off-the-shelf Trillium TD-LTE solution gave FiberHome the flexibility to focus on other aspects of our implementation,” Mr. Zhu Yuxia, General Manager of Beijing Northern FiberHome. “The quality and portability that Trillium software offers allowed us to greatly improve our time-to-market.”
One of the key break-throughs in achieving LTE’s promised data rate performance is the MAC scheduler, which permits efficient and optimal allocation of resources on the air interface. Resources are scheduled once per millisecond and on a per-user basis, making this function both processor-intensive and time-restrictive.
By providing six proven implementations of different scheduling algorithms and allowing NEPs to define their own unique algorithms, Continuous Computing is accelerating time-to-market and enabling product differentiation. De-coupling the LTE MAC and MAC scheduler functions also enables NEPs to scale the scheduler independently as the number of users increase.
“With 13 LTE design wins and counting, Continuous Computing is focused on maintaining its leadership position in LTE through consistent investment in product evolution, including performance optimization, compliance upgrades and feature enhancements,” said Manish Singh, VP Product Line Management at Continuous Computing. “This release of upgrades to our LTE eNodeB stacks is a critical next step in our strategy to solve the tough challenges of femto, pico, micro and macro eNodeBs.”
The enhanced Trillium LTE eNodeB Software and Advanced MAC Scheduler suite is available now.
Concurrently, the company is now offering its Trillium Advanced LTE Media Access Control (MAC) Schedulers suite, a set of six optimized schedulers, as well as an upgrade to the MAC scheduler interface, which helps network equipment providers (NEPs) to meet growing scalability requirements by creating their own scheduler implementations and running MAC and the MAC scheduler as independent execution modules.
By complementing its Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) LTE stacks with TDD support, Continuous Computing has expanded market opportunities for NEPs while facilitating WiMAX-to-LTE product evolution.
Amidst growing support for both the TDD and FDD variants of LTE, TD-LTE enables WiMAX companies which are adding LTE to their portfolios to speed up their development. Unlike in the 3G market where TDD variants of the WCDMA standard are being deployed only in certain regions, TD-LTE is expected to have broad applicability due to the availability of unpaired spectrum around the globe. While FDD requires paired spectrum (one carrier for downlink and one for uplink), TDD employs unpaired or shared spectrum using time slots to manage interference.
“Continuous Computing'’s off-the-shelf Trillium TD-LTE solution gave FiberHome the flexibility to focus on other aspects of our implementation,” Mr. Zhu Yuxia, General Manager of Beijing Northern FiberHome. “The quality and portability that Trillium software offers allowed us to greatly improve our time-to-market.”
One of the key break-throughs in achieving LTE’s promised data rate performance is the MAC scheduler, which permits efficient and optimal allocation of resources on the air interface. Resources are scheduled once per millisecond and on a per-user basis, making this function both processor-intensive and time-restrictive.
By providing six proven implementations of different scheduling algorithms and allowing NEPs to define their own unique algorithms, Continuous Computing is accelerating time-to-market and enabling product differentiation. De-coupling the LTE MAC and MAC scheduler functions also enables NEPs to scale the scheduler independently as the number of users increase.
“With 13 LTE design wins and counting, Continuous Computing is focused on maintaining its leadership position in LTE through consistent investment in product evolution, including performance optimization, compliance upgrades and feature enhancements,” said Manish Singh, VP Product Line Management at Continuous Computing. “This release of upgrades to our LTE eNodeB stacks is a critical next step in our strategy to solve the tough challenges of femto, pico, micro and macro eNodeBs.”
The enhanced Trillium LTE eNodeB Software and Advanced MAC Scheduler suite is available now.
8x8 intros 'Virtual Office Mobile' VoIP iPhone application
MIAMI, USA: ITEXPO EAST 2010 -- 8x8 Inc., a provider of innovative business communications solutions, has released the '8x8 Virtual Office Mobile,' a WiFi-driven extension of the 8x8 Virtual Office VoIP business phone service customized for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.
Available as a free download in the App Store, 8x8 Virtual Office Mobile enables subscribers to utilize their Virtual Office phone number and service remotely from within any WiFi zone.
'Virtual Office Mobile' essentially converts an iPhone or iPod Touch to a Virtual Office extension, equipped with the features, functionality and built-in cost savings of the powerful 8x8 Virtual Office hosted PBX phone service, including unlimited inbound and outbound domestic calling as well as overseas calling at competitive 8x8 international rates.
Inbound calls to the Virtual Office extension can be retrieved from either an 8x8 IP desktop phone, the 8x8 Virtual Office Pro unified communications portal or the iPhone/iPod Touch mobile handset. Outbound calls can be made directly through the mobile handset just as with any extension on the Virtual Office service. Users can also perform functions such as extension dialing, call transfers, 3-way calling, and voicemail notification and retrieval.
"8x8 Virtual Office Mobile enhances the value and flexibility of the core Virtual Office business phone service even further by enabling road warrior and mobile workers to remain connected 24/7 using the same methods and enjoying the same cost savings as if they were sitting at their desk,” said 8x8 Chief Marketing Office Debbie Jo Severin.
“With Virtual Office Mobile and our new Virtual Office Pro unified communications offering, subscribers have even more tools at their disposal to facilitate communication with co-workers and colleagues from just about anywhere, whether it’s an airport, hotel room or poolside cabana.”
Available as a free download in the App Store, 8x8 Virtual Office Mobile enables subscribers to utilize their Virtual Office phone number and service remotely from within any WiFi zone.
'Virtual Office Mobile' essentially converts an iPhone or iPod Touch to a Virtual Office extension, equipped with the features, functionality and built-in cost savings of the powerful 8x8 Virtual Office hosted PBX phone service, including unlimited inbound and outbound domestic calling as well as overseas calling at competitive 8x8 international rates.
Inbound calls to the Virtual Office extension can be retrieved from either an 8x8 IP desktop phone, the 8x8 Virtual Office Pro unified communications portal or the iPhone/iPod Touch mobile handset. Outbound calls can be made directly through the mobile handset just as with any extension on the Virtual Office service. Users can also perform functions such as extension dialing, call transfers, 3-way calling, and voicemail notification and retrieval.
"8x8 Virtual Office Mobile enhances the value and flexibility of the core Virtual Office business phone service even further by enabling road warrior and mobile workers to remain connected 24/7 using the same methods and enjoying the same cost savings as if they were sitting at their desk,” said 8x8 Chief Marketing Office Debbie Jo Severin.
“With Virtual Office Mobile and our new Virtual Office Pro unified communications offering, subscribers have even more tools at their disposal to facilitate communication with co-workers and colleagues from just about anywhere, whether it’s an airport, hotel room or poolside cabana.”
Silex releases industry’s first USB-to-Gigabit networking solution
SALT LAKE CITY, USA: Silex Technology America Inc., a leader in product networking solutions, announced the availability of SX-3000GB, the industry’s first Gigabit USB Device server. A single SX-3000GB allows users to share up to 15 USB devices over TCP/IP via a Gigabit Ethernet interface.
For home users, the new SX-3000GB provides networking capabilities to MP3 players, web cameras, speakers, monitors and many other devices with a USB interface. Business applications include devices from card readers to USB dongles, and multifunction printers, scanners and storage devices running on Macintosh or Windows.
SX-3000GB can also be integrated in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to provide USB device connections in a server based computing environment. The versatile features make the SX-3000GB the solution of choice for USB device networking.
Backed by its own SX-Virtual USB technology and implementation know-how, Silex has been the pioneer in leading USB IP technology adoption in the market since 2003, delivering its own product and OEM projects in United States, Japan, Europe and Asia for the hardware and software intellectual property. The SX-3000GB is the latest addition to enhance Silex’s popular USB device server hardware platform with a new Gigabit support and 2X throughput.
Silex USB device servers allow users to connect virtually any USB device to a wired or wireless network. Silex’s proprietary Virtual USB provides a direct USB port connection on Windows or Macintosh systems and transfers the packets out over the LAN using TCP/IP to the USB device connected to the Silex USB Device Server.
The computers think they are communicating with the device via a direct USB connection, but they are actually communicating over the network with the USB ports of the SX-3000GB. This method ensures the most robust compatibility with the USB device driver and software applications. Connected USB devices can be used as if they were locally connected.
SX-3000GB is available at $99 MSRP.
For home users, the new SX-3000GB provides networking capabilities to MP3 players, web cameras, speakers, monitors and many other devices with a USB interface. Business applications include devices from card readers to USB dongles, and multifunction printers, scanners and storage devices running on Macintosh or Windows.
SX-3000GB can also be integrated in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure to provide USB device connections in a server based computing environment. The versatile features make the SX-3000GB the solution of choice for USB device networking.
Backed by its own SX-Virtual USB technology and implementation know-how, Silex has been the pioneer in leading USB IP technology adoption in the market since 2003, delivering its own product and OEM projects in United States, Japan, Europe and Asia for the hardware and software intellectual property. The SX-3000GB is the latest addition to enhance Silex’s popular USB device server hardware platform with a new Gigabit support and 2X throughput.
Silex USB device servers allow users to connect virtually any USB device to a wired or wireless network. Silex’s proprietary Virtual USB provides a direct USB port connection on Windows or Macintosh systems and transfers the packets out over the LAN using TCP/IP to the USB device connected to the Silex USB Device Server.
The computers think they are communicating with the device via a direct USB connection, but they are actually communicating over the network with the USB ports of the SX-3000GB. This method ensures the most robust compatibility with the USB device driver and software applications. Connected USB devices can be used as if they were locally connected.
SX-3000GB is available at $99 MSRP.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cisco steps into wireless video
Claudio Castelli, Senior Analyst, Ovum
UK: The VideoStream technology will make Cisco’s WLAN solutions media-ready and enable high-definition video to be scaled through Wi-Fi networks. This includes a set of features to provide improved resource control, support for scalable multicasting and prioritisation of different types of video stream, which will allow customers to define what videos should have reserved resources across the networks.
In this way a CEO’s corporate message, for example, can be given priority over training videos. This is nice to have, but is still just that. However, the potential is broad and we expect video collaboration and related traffic contention to play its role in mobility at some stage.
This announcement is part of a comprehensive collaboration strategy to help Cisco to enable new possibilities for enterprises and create increasing demand for bandwidth-hungry collaboration services. It’s not a surprise that Cisco is pushing to have everything video-enabled to accelerate the refresh of enterprises’ network infrastructure, which is still its core business.
Therefore, the complete proposition is backed by Cisco Advanced Services, and includes network planning, design, deployment and support. In our view these services and the network upgrades are where the major revenue streams will come from.
Some cordless applications, but mobility is still niche
Cisco’s media-ready WLAN strategy is based on three pillars: bandwidth, scale and quality. The new VideoStream technology will ensure Wi-Fi networks are scalable and will provide quality of service to support end-to-end high-definition video. Meanwhile, its 802.11n solution is well timed as it provides the higher bandwidth required.
However, we expect most of the initial applications to provide premise-based mobility rather than supporting users on the move. The 802.11n standard requires more power than the 802.11g. This, combined with the high processing capacity required for HD video, will increase the strain on the batteries of dual-mode smartphones, which are already struggling to cope with existing Wi-Fi requirements. As a result, most early applications will be based on laptops, cordless desk phones and video signage, rather than on handsets.
In general, mobile video hasn't taken off. Video consumption on mobiles over 3G networks is considerably lower than initially envisaged, and we don’t yet see enough compelling benefits of video for dual-mode phone users at enterprises to change the story for Wi-Fi networks. In addition, to take video beyond the enterprise Cisco will need to integrate this with its FMC solutions and rely more on its telco partners.
Mobile video is likely to be restricted to more niche applications, such as applications for education and training. Current examples include the provision of visual translation of lectures for deaf students, but we are convinced that a few more will follow.
UK: The VideoStream technology will make Cisco’s WLAN solutions media-ready and enable high-definition video to be scaled through Wi-Fi networks. This includes a set of features to provide improved resource control, support for scalable multicasting and prioritisation of different types of video stream, which will allow customers to define what videos should have reserved resources across the networks.
In this way a CEO’s corporate message, for example, can be given priority over training videos. This is nice to have, but is still just that. However, the potential is broad and we expect video collaboration and related traffic contention to play its role in mobility at some stage.
This announcement is part of a comprehensive collaboration strategy to help Cisco to enable new possibilities for enterprises and create increasing demand for bandwidth-hungry collaboration services. It’s not a surprise that Cisco is pushing to have everything video-enabled to accelerate the refresh of enterprises’ network infrastructure, which is still its core business.
Therefore, the complete proposition is backed by Cisco Advanced Services, and includes network planning, design, deployment and support. In our view these services and the network upgrades are where the major revenue streams will come from.
Some cordless applications, but mobility is still niche
Cisco’s media-ready WLAN strategy is based on three pillars: bandwidth, scale and quality. The new VideoStream technology will ensure Wi-Fi networks are scalable and will provide quality of service to support end-to-end high-definition video. Meanwhile, its 802.11n solution is well timed as it provides the higher bandwidth required.
However, we expect most of the initial applications to provide premise-based mobility rather than supporting users on the move. The 802.11n standard requires more power than the 802.11g. This, combined with the high processing capacity required for HD video, will increase the strain on the batteries of dual-mode smartphones, which are already struggling to cope with existing Wi-Fi requirements. As a result, most early applications will be based on laptops, cordless desk phones and video signage, rather than on handsets.
In general, mobile video hasn't taken off. Video consumption on mobiles over 3G networks is considerably lower than initially envisaged, and we don’t yet see enough compelling benefits of video for dual-mode phone users at enterprises to change the story for Wi-Fi networks. In addition, to take video beyond the enterprise Cisco will need to integrate this with its FMC solutions and rely more on its telco partners.
Mobile video is likely to be restricted to more niche applications, such as applications for education and training. Current examples include the provision of visual translation of lectures for deaf students, but we are convinced that a few more will follow.
ASUS bundles Boingo with latest devices
LOS ANGELES, USA: Boingo Wireless, the global leader in Wi-Fi, announced that ASUS Eee PC netbooks will be pre-loaded with Boingo software, allowing ASUS users to easily locate and access more than 125,000 Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. Additionally, ASUS customers will be offered 50 percent discounts on Boingo’s most popular Wi-Fi access services.
The agreement between Boingo and ASUS, the market pioneer in ultra mobile Internet devices, highlights the benefits of connectivity on-the-go with compact PC form factors. Initially, the Boingo software will be pre-installed on the ASUS Eee PC 1005PE, 1008P, and 1201IN. Support for additional ASUS ultra mobile PCs will be announced as they become available.
“ASUS’ award-winning Eee PC platform is the ideal device to benefit from a Boingo account,” said Allen Pan, director, Asia Pacific for Boingo Wireless. “Small, lightweight and ultra-portable – an Eee PC with worldwide access to Wi-Fi hotspots is a great addition to any digital nomad’s arsenal.”
“With its simple-to-use software and global Wi-Fi service, Boingo is the perfect fit for ASUS Eee PC users, who are accustomed to a user-friendly, highly intuitive computing experience,” said James Tung, Senior Section Manager Software Planning & Management Dept. Product Marketing Division for ASUS. “In addition, Boingo’s widespread network of more than 125,000 hotspots caters to highly mobile netbook users who can connect just about anywhere.”
Netbooks have become wildly popular due to their light weight, low price points and compact size. According to DisplaySearch, an independent analyst firm, 2009 netbook shipments increased 103% compared to the previous year. Asus, who pioneered the netbook category in 2007 when it launched the Eee PC 701 and Eee PC 1001, ranks among the world’s top vendors in sales and market share, according to research firms Canalys, DisplaySearch and IDC.
The ASUS Eee PC 1005PE, 1008P, and 1201IN with Boingo pre-installed are available immediately worldwide. Customers receive 50 percent off the first three months of Boingo Unlimited or 50% off the first month of Boingo Global accounts; after the promotion period, the accounts will revert to standard charges.
A Boingo Unlimited subscription is $9.95 per month for access in the Americas, while a Boingo Global plan costs $59 per month for worldwide Wi-Fi access. To activate the promotional Boingo account on an ASUS EeePC, users simply sign up through the software or visit the promotional page provided by ASUS.
The agreement between Boingo and ASUS, the market pioneer in ultra mobile Internet devices, highlights the benefits of connectivity on-the-go with compact PC form factors. Initially, the Boingo software will be pre-installed on the ASUS Eee PC 1005PE, 1008P, and 1201IN. Support for additional ASUS ultra mobile PCs will be announced as they become available.
“ASUS’ award-winning Eee PC platform is the ideal device to benefit from a Boingo account,” said Allen Pan, director, Asia Pacific for Boingo Wireless. “Small, lightweight and ultra-portable – an Eee PC with worldwide access to Wi-Fi hotspots is a great addition to any digital nomad’s arsenal.”
“With its simple-to-use software and global Wi-Fi service, Boingo is the perfect fit for ASUS Eee PC users, who are accustomed to a user-friendly, highly intuitive computing experience,” said James Tung, Senior Section Manager Software Planning & Management Dept. Product Marketing Division for ASUS. “In addition, Boingo’s widespread network of more than 125,000 hotspots caters to highly mobile netbook users who can connect just about anywhere.”
Netbooks have become wildly popular due to their light weight, low price points and compact size. According to DisplaySearch, an independent analyst firm, 2009 netbook shipments increased 103% compared to the previous year. Asus, who pioneered the netbook category in 2007 when it launched the Eee PC 701 and Eee PC 1001, ranks among the world’s top vendors in sales and market share, according to research firms Canalys, DisplaySearch and IDC.
The ASUS Eee PC 1005PE, 1008P, and 1201IN with Boingo pre-installed are available immediately worldwide. Customers receive 50 percent off the first three months of Boingo Unlimited or 50% off the first month of Boingo Global accounts; after the promotion period, the accounts will revert to standard charges.
A Boingo Unlimited subscription is $9.95 per month for access in the Americas, while a Boingo Global plan costs $59 per month for worldwide Wi-Fi access. To activate the promotional Boingo account on an ASUS EeePC, users simply sign up through the software or visit the promotional page provided by ASUS.
ADVA partners with Hatteras to deliver complete Ethernet access solution
NORCROSS, USA & MARTINSRIED/MUNICH, GERMANY & RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, USA: ADVA Optical Networking is enhancing its distinguished FSP 150 family of Ethernet access devices with the addition of Hatteras Networks’ award-winning Ethernet-over-copper solutions.
The combined capabilities of these unique product lines create the industry’s only fully integrated, end-to-end carrier Ethernet access solution. Hatteras Networks’ solutions are fully integrated with ADVA Optical Networking’s FSP Network Manager, and the integrated solution has been proven in global deployments.
The FSP 150 family provides devices for Ethernet demarcation, extension and aggregation to support the delivery of intelligent Ethernet services both in-region and out-of-region. The family enables providers to deliver profitable and differentiated Ethernet services over a wide range of transport options.
Hatteras Networks’ components deliver increased broadband over existing copper facilities, providing an ideal last-mile transport solution. By fully leveraging their existing copper infrastructure, Carriers are empowered to provide enhanced services while reducing operating expenses. They are perfectly positioned to deliver transparent metro Ethernet services and address the growing demand for high bandwidth mobile wireless backhaul transport.
“We are excited about our existing partnership with ADVA Optical Networking,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Hatteras Networks. “They have strong relationships with many tier one carriers, a long and successful history and a world-renowned reputation for delivering value to these carriers. Together, we offer a true, end-to-end carrier Ethernet access solution.”
“Our companies are working closely to deliver carrier-class solutions that better serve the needs of our customers,” added Christoph Glingener, chief technology officer for ADVA Optical Networking. “Hatteras Networks shares our commitment to rich operations, administration and maintenance features and extensive traffic management for service differentiation. Their Ethernet-over-copper solution is an excellent companion to our FSP 150 product line.”
The combined capabilities of these unique product lines create the industry’s only fully integrated, end-to-end carrier Ethernet access solution. Hatteras Networks’ solutions are fully integrated with ADVA Optical Networking’s FSP Network Manager, and the integrated solution has been proven in global deployments.
The FSP 150 family provides devices for Ethernet demarcation, extension and aggregation to support the delivery of intelligent Ethernet services both in-region and out-of-region. The family enables providers to deliver profitable and differentiated Ethernet services over a wide range of transport options.
Hatteras Networks’ components deliver increased broadband over existing copper facilities, providing an ideal last-mile transport solution. By fully leveraging their existing copper infrastructure, Carriers are empowered to provide enhanced services while reducing operating expenses. They are perfectly positioned to deliver transparent metro Ethernet services and address the growing demand for high bandwidth mobile wireless backhaul transport.
“We are excited about our existing partnership with ADVA Optical Networking,” said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Hatteras Networks. “They have strong relationships with many tier one carriers, a long and successful history and a world-renowned reputation for delivering value to these carriers. Together, we offer a true, end-to-end carrier Ethernet access solution.”
“Our companies are working closely to deliver carrier-class solutions that better serve the needs of our customers,” added Christoph Glingener, chief technology officer for ADVA Optical Networking. “Hatteras Networks shares our commitment to rich operations, administration and maintenance features and extensive traffic management for service differentiation. Their Ethernet-over-copper solution is an excellent companion to our FSP 150 product line.”
Tata Communications launches IP Exchange (IPX) for MNOs
HONOLULU, USA: Tata Communications has launched its IP Exchange (IPX) solution, which will enable the mobile service providers to seamlessly and efficiently route all communication traffic, including voice, IP and signaling solutions, via one IP pipe while supporting end-to-end QoS, security, multilateral connectivity, and cascading payments.
With commoditization of voice and messaging driving down ARPUs, service providers are under increasing pressure to control costs. Moving to an IPX platform provides one IP gateway for many services and this helps mobile operators to protect their margins on roaming and international traffic termination.
As a universal service gateway, IPX also reduces overhead costs on network maintenance and service development as well as helps manage complexity from voice routing, service testing and partnerships. In addition, the network optimization provided by IPX empowers mobile network providers to make the tough migration to the new world of IP connectivity allowing increased bandwidth flexibility, global reach and ensured quality for converged services.
Currently, the interconnection of IP is optimized for public Internet, and service providers are unable to distinguish between voice and data services or guarantee quality connectivity to their end users. Tata Communications IPX creates a flexible ecosystem that allows mobile operators to tap into the company’s global MPLS network as an IP backbone for the secure transport of any form of application and rich media via any access network with varying service quality levels.
“Tata Communications IPX service provides an efficient, cost-effective and future-proof converged IP transport solution for MNOs to help them address their key challenges of protecting margins and growing revenues,” said Christian Michaud, Senior Vice President, Product and Business Development, Global Voice Solutions, Tata Communications. “As the industry moves towards universal service interoperability, IPX will help service providers to optimize profitability and long-term growth by providing one connection for many services.”
Tata Communications is a key member of the IP Interworking Alliance (IPIA), which engages operators and carriers in technical specifications and commercial templates for the IPX with the ultimate goal of facilitating global interworking of IP services.
“End-to-end delivery of innovative multimedia services calls for the efficient inter-working of fixed and mobile networks and the adoption of new business models. The IPX architecture provides a comprehensive commercial and technical solution to the interconnection, management and billing of IP traffic. IPX solutions like those from Tata Communications can help service providers balance their needs to ensure high service quality and to reduce costs,” said David James, Principal Analyst Wholesale Telecoms at Ovum.
With commoditization of voice and messaging driving down ARPUs, service providers are under increasing pressure to control costs. Moving to an IPX platform provides one IP gateway for many services and this helps mobile operators to protect their margins on roaming and international traffic termination.
As a universal service gateway, IPX also reduces overhead costs on network maintenance and service development as well as helps manage complexity from voice routing, service testing and partnerships. In addition, the network optimization provided by IPX empowers mobile network providers to make the tough migration to the new world of IP connectivity allowing increased bandwidth flexibility, global reach and ensured quality for converged services.
Currently, the interconnection of IP is optimized for public Internet, and service providers are unable to distinguish between voice and data services or guarantee quality connectivity to their end users. Tata Communications IPX creates a flexible ecosystem that allows mobile operators to tap into the company’s global MPLS network as an IP backbone for the secure transport of any form of application and rich media via any access network with varying service quality levels.
“Tata Communications IPX service provides an efficient, cost-effective and future-proof converged IP transport solution for MNOs to help them address their key challenges of protecting margins and growing revenues,” said Christian Michaud, Senior Vice President, Product and Business Development, Global Voice Solutions, Tata Communications. “As the industry moves towards universal service interoperability, IPX will help service providers to optimize profitability and long-term growth by providing one connection for many services.”
Tata Communications is a key member of the IP Interworking Alliance (IPIA), which engages operators and carriers in technical specifications and commercial templates for the IPX with the ultimate goal of facilitating global interworking of IP services.
“End-to-end delivery of innovative multimedia services calls for the efficient inter-working of fixed and mobile networks and the adoption of new business models. The IPX architecture provides a comprehensive commercial and technical solution to the interconnection, management and billing of IP traffic. IPX solutions like those from Tata Communications can help service providers balance their needs to ensure high service quality and to reduce costs,” said David James, Principal Analyst Wholesale Telecoms at Ovum.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Deutsche Telekom tops ABI Research European green operators matrix ranking
LONDON, UK: Deutsche Telekom has been ranked at the top of the latest Operator Matrix released by ABI Research.
Orange Group and Vodafone Europe claimed the second and third spots in the company’s new evaluation of “green” operators in Europe.
The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.
ABI Research practice director Aditya Kaul comments: “Deutsche Telecom’s leadership role and commitment to the global e-sustainability initiative, coupled with its unparalleled green R&D efforts, led it to grab the top spot. Orange has shown initiative in terms of measuring its own impact through innovative KPIs and internal tools, while Vodafone should be commended for its green efforts despite its size and footprint. Its also one of the few operators to state that 80% of its energy consumed is in the network itself.”
For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research examined the operators’ degree of innovation in the use of applications or other technologies for green networks; their direct or indirect impact on green innovations for the supplier value chain; their green R&D efforts; their smart grid networks and other green technology innovation, and finally, their use of innovative metrics for the measurement of carbon/energy reduction.
Orange Group and Vodafone Europe claimed the second and third spots in the company’s new evaluation of “green” operators in Europe.
The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.
ABI Research practice director Aditya Kaul comments: “Deutsche Telecom’s leadership role and commitment to the global e-sustainability initiative, coupled with its unparalleled green R&D efforts, led it to grab the top spot. Orange has shown initiative in terms of measuring its own impact through innovative KPIs and internal tools, while Vodafone should be commended for its green efforts despite its size and footprint. Its also one of the few operators to state that 80% of its energy consumed is in the network itself.”
For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research examined the operators’ degree of innovation in the use of applications or other technologies for green networks; their direct or indirect impact on green innovations for the supplier value chain; their green R&D efforts; their smart grid networks and other green technology innovation, and finally, their use of innovative metrics for the measurement of carbon/energy reduction.
Embedded mobile and M2M connected devices to rise to 412 million by 2014
HAMPSHIRE, UK: According to Juniper Research, the number of Mobile Connected M2M and Embedded Devices will rise to almost 412 million globally by 2014 with several distinct markets accounting for the increase in their number.
The markets include: Utility metering, Mobile Connected Buildings, Consumer and Commercial Telematics and Retail & Banking Connections. These areas will all show substantial growth in both device numbers and in the service revenues they represent, while Healthcare monitoring applications will begin to reach the commercial roll out stage from 2012:
“The most widespread category will be connections related to smart metering, driven partly by government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions,” says Anthony Cox, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research. Other areas, such as the healthcare sector, will ultimately see more potential in achieving service revenues he says.
Further findings from the Embedded Mobile and M2M research include:
* Saturation in operators’ core businesses is leading mobile operators to re-evaluate and invest in the potential of M2M.
* Operators and M2M specialists recognise that scale is key, since ARPU for M2M and embedded devices is lower than for standard mobile services.
* Regulatory initiatives in different geographical areas will provide an important fillip for the M2M market such as European Directives on smart metering.
* With the exception of certain consumer applications such as mobile gaming and eReaders, 3G’s use for M2M applications will be limited for the immediate future as M2M usually does not require the high bandwidth 3G affords.
The markets include: Utility metering, Mobile Connected Buildings, Consumer and Commercial Telematics and Retail & Banking Connections. These areas will all show substantial growth in both device numbers and in the service revenues they represent, while Healthcare monitoring applications will begin to reach the commercial roll out stage from 2012:
“The most widespread category will be connections related to smart metering, driven partly by government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions,” says Anthony Cox, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research. Other areas, such as the healthcare sector, will ultimately see more potential in achieving service revenues he says.
Further findings from the Embedded Mobile and M2M research include:
* Saturation in operators’ core businesses is leading mobile operators to re-evaluate and invest in the potential of M2M.
* Operators and M2M specialists recognise that scale is key, since ARPU for M2M and embedded devices is lower than for standard mobile services.
* Regulatory initiatives in different geographical areas will provide an important fillip for the M2M market such as European Directives on smart metering.
* With the exception of certain consumer applications such as mobile gaming and eReaders, 3G’s use for M2M applications will be limited for the immediate future as M2M usually does not require the high bandwidth 3G affords.
2010 will be the year for 4G spectrum auctions in Brazil
MONTREAL, CANADA: 2010 could be the year for the Brazilian 4G market, with auctions expected for the 3.5GHz, 2.5GHz, 450MHz bands and remaining 3G spectrum, according to Maravedis’ latest report, “Brazil Wireless Broadband and WiMAX Market Analysis, 2010.”
“As the largest market in Latin America, Brazil offers attractive opportunities for 4G operators. Demand for wireless broadband access is intensifying, but lack of sufficient spectrum has delayed many commercial network deployments. With two public consultations held in 2009 for 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum allocation, Anatel could release spectrum for the development of 4G this year,” explained report author Cintia Garza, Senior Analyst for Latin America.
“At present, WiMAX activity in Brazil has taken place in 3.5GHz only, with Neovia and Embratel leading the market. The driven applications are high-speed Internet and VoIP provided, mainly to address the needs of the small-medium enterprises and multi-dwelling units markets,” she added.“
On the other hand, mobile services have been a tremendous success, with 168 million mobile users out of a population of 192 million inhabitants. The predominant technology is GSM with 151 million subscribers, followed by CDMA and WCDMA with 8.4 million and 3.5 million respectively.
Select key findings
* 75 percent of 3.5GHz spectrum has yet to be released.
* There are over 130,000 WiMAX subscribers today in Brazil, using a combination of 16d and 16e equipment.
* Major WiMAX players in Brazil are Neovia and Embratel (Telmex) (3.5GHz only).
* WiMAX ARPU is $30 (residential) and $115 (business) compared to $15 for 3G services.
* The 2.5 GHz band is primarily allocated to MMDS and BWA, with restrictions for mobility.
* Anatel might auction 2.5GHz under a technology-neutral scheme allowing mobility.
* Major 3G mobile operators in Brazil include: Vivo, TIM, Claro, Oi and Telecom Brazil.
“As the largest market in Latin America, Brazil offers attractive opportunities for 4G operators. Demand for wireless broadband access is intensifying, but lack of sufficient spectrum has delayed many commercial network deployments. With two public consultations held in 2009 for 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum allocation, Anatel could release spectrum for the development of 4G this year,” explained report author Cintia Garza, Senior Analyst for Latin America.
“At present, WiMAX activity in Brazil has taken place in 3.5GHz only, with Neovia and Embratel leading the market. The driven applications are high-speed Internet and VoIP provided, mainly to address the needs of the small-medium enterprises and multi-dwelling units markets,” she added.“
On the other hand, mobile services have been a tremendous success, with 168 million mobile users out of a population of 192 million inhabitants. The predominant technology is GSM with 151 million subscribers, followed by CDMA and WCDMA with 8.4 million and 3.5 million respectively.
Select key findings
* 75 percent of 3.5GHz spectrum has yet to be released.
* There are over 130,000 WiMAX subscribers today in Brazil, using a combination of 16d and 16e equipment.
* Major WiMAX players in Brazil are Neovia and Embratel (Telmex) (3.5GHz only).
* WiMAX ARPU is $30 (residential) and $115 (business) compared to $15 for 3G services.
* The 2.5 GHz band is primarily allocated to MMDS and BWA, with restrictions for mobility.
* Anatel might auction 2.5GHz under a technology-neutral scheme allowing mobility.
* Major 3G mobile operators in Brazil include: Vivo, TIM, Claro, Oi and Telecom Brazil.
Monday, January 18, 2010
NEC announces enterprise-class unified communications for SMBs
ORLANDO, USA: At the annual IBM Lotusphere conference in Orlando, Florida, NEC Corp. of America (NEC), a leading provider and integrator of advanced communications, networking and IT solutions, announced UNIVERGE Sphericall for IBM Lotus Foundations, a unified communications solution that is fully integrated with IBM Lotus Foundations, an appliance that extends IBM Lotus Sametime unified communications and collaboration (UC2) tools with the ability to connect to telephony.
Sphericall for Foundations is designed as a pure software solution for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that combines all the basic communications needs with the power of new unified communications tools.
The solution is tightly integrated with the Lotus Foundations appliance, making it one of the easiest and most complete business solutions available. Leveraging the autonomic technology in Lotus Foundations, a business can install and configure their entire UC environment in a single, easy to manage and cost-effective solution.
“Now more than ever, SMBs want to take advantage of the benefits that unified communications can bring to their business, but they often do not have the resources and ability to customize and manage multiple applications,” said Jay Krauser, general manager, sales support and engineering, NEC.
“The integration of Sphericall into Foundations with Sametime software opens up opportunities for businesses to give everyone in their organization access to enterprise-class communication features and functionality.”
Sphericall for Foundations is designed as a pure software solution for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that combines all the basic communications needs with the power of new unified communications tools.
The solution is tightly integrated with the Lotus Foundations appliance, making it one of the easiest and most complete business solutions available. Leveraging the autonomic technology in Lotus Foundations, a business can install and configure their entire UC environment in a single, easy to manage and cost-effective solution.
“Now more than ever, SMBs want to take advantage of the benefits that unified communications can bring to their business, but they often do not have the resources and ability to customize and manage multiple applications,” said Jay Krauser, general manager, sales support and engineering, NEC.
“The integration of Sphericall into Foundations with Sametime software opens up opportunities for businesses to give everyone in their organization access to enterprise-class communication features and functionality.”
Industry veteran Perry LaForge joins AirHop as senior advisor
SAN DIEGO, USA: AirHop Communications, the developer of eSON wireless infrastructure software solutions critical to the next wave of the Mobile Internet, announced that Perry LaForge has joined the company’s advisory board.
A wireless industry veteran, Perry is founder and executive director of the CDMA Development Group, a trade association comprised of more than 100 of the world's leading wireless operators and manufacturers. With nearly 30 years in high-tech, he is known for growing a number of successful companies and building global business partnerships throughout the wireless ecosystem.
“AirHop is solving a critical problem in the growth of 3G and next generation LTE/WiMAX networks,” said Perry LaForge. “Operators will require AirHop’s solutions when deploying LTE networks with smaller overlapping cells. But this is not just for 4G; operators can also use this architecture for handling the critical requirements they are seeing within their 3G data networks. AirHop’s eSON software is highly innovative and is rapidly gaining support among operators and infrastructure vendors worldwide.”
AirHop’s patent-pending eSON technology was designed specifically to address the problems of multi-layer small cell deployments in both 3G and 4G networks. It includes comprehensive, distributed, real-time inter-cell coordination capabilities that allow neighboring base stations to communicate with each other to dynamically manage inter-cell interference, optimize frequency reuse, data throughput and QoS during the operation phase.
AirHop’s eSON software is platform-independent and runs on top of standard 3G/4G protocol stacks. It can easily be integrated with HSPA, LTE eNodeB or WiMAX base stations for macrocells, microcells, picocells and femtocells from multiple vendors.
“Perry has been involved in the worldwide commercialization of CDMA since the first proof of concept trials in 1988 and he is now working with operators in the transition to LTE,” said Yan Hui, Founder and CEO of AirHop Communications. “He has an unparalleled track record for identifying critical industry needs on a global basis and spotting winning technology. We are excited to have him join us as we continue to introduce eSON to the global marketplace.”
Perry was the founder of inOvate Communications Group, a venture firm that creates and capitalizes promising telecommunications companies. He was also the founder of inCode Telecom Group (sold to Verisign), and co-founder of Kodiak Networks, an innovative voice platform for GSM and CDMA operators.
He was a seed investor in Danger (sold to Microsoft), FiberTower (sold to First Avenue Networks), WiChorus (sold to Tellabs), Signalsoft (sold to Openwave) and other industry-leading companies. He is retired from the management consulting firm of Pittiglio Rabin Todd & McGrath, where he was founder and Managing Partner of the company’s Telecom Practice.
Perry graduated from the University of Santa Clara in Engineering and received an MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
A wireless industry veteran, Perry is founder and executive director of the CDMA Development Group, a trade association comprised of more than 100 of the world's leading wireless operators and manufacturers. With nearly 30 years in high-tech, he is known for growing a number of successful companies and building global business partnerships throughout the wireless ecosystem.
“AirHop is solving a critical problem in the growth of 3G and next generation LTE/WiMAX networks,” said Perry LaForge. “Operators will require AirHop’s solutions when deploying LTE networks with smaller overlapping cells. But this is not just for 4G; operators can also use this architecture for handling the critical requirements they are seeing within their 3G data networks. AirHop’s eSON software is highly innovative and is rapidly gaining support among operators and infrastructure vendors worldwide.”
AirHop’s patent-pending eSON technology was designed specifically to address the problems of multi-layer small cell deployments in both 3G and 4G networks. It includes comprehensive, distributed, real-time inter-cell coordination capabilities that allow neighboring base stations to communicate with each other to dynamically manage inter-cell interference, optimize frequency reuse, data throughput and QoS during the operation phase.
AirHop’s eSON software is platform-independent and runs on top of standard 3G/4G protocol stacks. It can easily be integrated with HSPA, LTE eNodeB or WiMAX base stations for macrocells, microcells, picocells and femtocells from multiple vendors.
“Perry has been involved in the worldwide commercialization of CDMA since the first proof of concept trials in 1988 and he is now working with operators in the transition to LTE,” said Yan Hui, Founder and CEO of AirHop Communications. “He has an unparalleled track record for identifying critical industry needs on a global basis and spotting winning technology. We are excited to have him join us as we continue to introduce eSON to the global marketplace.”
Perry was the founder of inOvate Communications Group, a venture firm that creates and capitalizes promising telecommunications companies. He was also the founder of inCode Telecom Group (sold to Verisign), and co-founder of Kodiak Networks, an innovative voice platform for GSM and CDMA operators.
He was a seed investor in Danger (sold to Microsoft), FiberTower (sold to First Avenue Networks), WiChorus (sold to Tellabs), Signalsoft (sold to Openwave) and other industry-leading companies. He is retired from the management consulting firm of Pittiglio Rabin Todd & McGrath, where he was founder and Managing Partner of the company’s Telecom Practice.
Perry graduated from the University of Santa Clara in Engineering and received an MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Huawei to deploy next generation DWDM platform for GlobeNet
PLANO, USA: Huawei has been selected by GlobeNet to deploy a next-generation dense wavelength division multiplexing (NG-DWDM) optical platform.
Huawei’s turnkey, plug-and-play upgradable NG-DWDM platform will connect GlobeNet’s cable landing station, in southern New Jersey, to its Point of Presence (POP) sites in New York City via two diverse paths. These links allow GlobeNet to seamlessly offer high availability services from NYC to its cable landing sites in Brazil, Venezuela, Bermuda, Florida and beyond.
Under the agreement, Huawei will provide its OSN 6800 NG-DWDM OTN optical platform hardware and also upgrade the software of GlobeNet’s existing iManager T2000 Network Management System (NMS). The network solution will support 10Gb/s, 40Gb/s, and future 100Gb/s wavelengths to competitively deliver advanced, high bandwidth services today and well into the future.
As part of Huawei’s All-IP convergence strategy, the iManager T2000 will integrate the existing Huawei ADM (Add and Drop Module) equipment and services, presently in place, with the new DWDM equipment and services for a unified managed solution.
“Huawei’s understanding of our network requirements, dedicated support resources, and ability to meet our aggressive project delivery dates were key factors in selecting them as our partner for this project,” said Luiz Alonso, Director, Engineering and Operations, GlobeNet.
“This project enables GlobeNet to expand their network in the eastern region of the United States, and reflects our commitment to supporting GlobeNet’s All-IP network transformation through the delivery of this state-of-the-art transport network,” said Carl Liu, Executive Vice President of Huawei North America.
Huawei’s turnkey, plug-and-play upgradable NG-DWDM platform will connect GlobeNet’s cable landing station, in southern New Jersey, to its Point of Presence (POP) sites in New York City via two diverse paths. These links allow GlobeNet to seamlessly offer high availability services from NYC to its cable landing sites in Brazil, Venezuela, Bermuda, Florida and beyond.
Under the agreement, Huawei will provide its OSN 6800 NG-DWDM OTN optical platform hardware and also upgrade the software of GlobeNet’s existing iManager T2000 Network Management System (NMS). The network solution will support 10Gb/s, 40Gb/s, and future 100Gb/s wavelengths to competitively deliver advanced, high bandwidth services today and well into the future.
As part of Huawei’s All-IP convergence strategy, the iManager T2000 will integrate the existing Huawei ADM (Add and Drop Module) equipment and services, presently in place, with the new DWDM equipment and services for a unified managed solution.
“Huawei’s understanding of our network requirements, dedicated support resources, and ability to meet our aggressive project delivery dates were key factors in selecting them as our partner for this project,” said Luiz Alonso, Director, Engineering and Operations, GlobeNet.
“This project enables GlobeNet to expand their network in the eastern region of the United States, and reflects our commitment to supporting GlobeNet’s All-IP network transformation through the delivery of this state-of-the-art transport network,” said Carl Liu, Executive Vice President of Huawei North America.
Level 3 to deliver high-speed Internet services for PLDT
BROOMFIELD, USA: Level 3 Communications Inc. announced an agreement with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). Under the terms of the agreement, PLDT will use Level 3’s landing station connectivity at the Asia America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable system – a key communications link between the two continents.
Level 3’s services provide a diverse and scalable extension of the PLDT pan-Asian network to carry voice, data and video traffic in the United States.
“As broadband and wireless communications continue to grow, PLDT faces increasing demands for network connectivity and performance,” said Genaro C. Sanchez, vice president of International Network Operations for PLDT. “Level 3 offers the global network connectivity and scalability to ensure that we continue to meet our goal of greater efficiency, cost savings and innovation – today and in the years to come.”
Cable landing station connectivity provides a critical component of the global network architecture for international carriers. The Level 3 network offers multiple options for cable landing station connectivity that enable cost-effective and reliable transmission of subsea cable traffic.
“In an increasingly connected world, Level 3 provides reliable network infrastructure and services for global carriers to extend their networks around the world,” said Andrew Crouch, president of Wholesale Markets for Level 3. “Level 3 is proud to support PLDT as they continue to transform their next generation network and set new standards for global communications.”
Level 3’s services provide a diverse and scalable extension of the PLDT pan-Asian network to carry voice, data and video traffic in the United States.
“As broadband and wireless communications continue to grow, PLDT faces increasing demands for network connectivity and performance,” said Genaro C. Sanchez, vice president of International Network Operations for PLDT. “Level 3 offers the global network connectivity and scalability to ensure that we continue to meet our goal of greater efficiency, cost savings and innovation – today and in the years to come.”
Cable landing station connectivity provides a critical component of the global network architecture for international carriers. The Level 3 network offers multiple options for cable landing station connectivity that enable cost-effective and reliable transmission of subsea cable traffic.
“In an increasingly connected world, Level 3 provides reliable network infrastructure and services for global carriers to extend their networks around the world,” said Andrew Crouch, president of Wholesale Markets for Level 3. “Level 3 is proud to support PLDT as they continue to transform their next generation network and set new standards for global communications.”
Seven Illinois telcos Select Conklin-Intracom’s fs|cdn IPTV solution
ATLANTA, USA: CenComm Inc., Diverse Communications Inc., LaHarpe Video & Data Co. Inc, New Windsor Cable Television Inc., Oneida Cablevision Inc., Reynolds Cable Inc. and Viola Communications Inc. have all selected Conklin-Intracom’s fs|cdn IPTV solution for the delivery of broadcast as well as on demand, standard definition and high definition MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video services.
The companies are all members of the Western Illinois Video (WIV) group. The seven telcos all have existing video services and are employing the fs|cdn solution as part of their long term plans to provide enhanced viewing experiences to customers.
Responsiveness to feature requests was a key evaluation criteria, “committing to new functionality is important, but actually delivering as promised is what really set Conklin-Intracom apart”, commented David Olson of Oneida Cablevision. “In addition to the other recent features added to the fs|cdn portfolio, we came to the conclusion that fs|cdn was the most dependable IPTV solution for the foreseeable future.”
“The industry has matured to a point where customers know what they need to be competitive in their respective markets and we are pleased to add these members of the WIV group to our growing list of customers,” stated Ian Meletios, CEO, Conklin-Intracom. “As the fs|cdn solution continues to lead the way in new feature implementation, we expect our deployment numbers to increase significantly in 2010.”
The companies are all members of the Western Illinois Video (WIV) group. The seven telcos all have existing video services and are employing the fs|cdn solution as part of their long term plans to provide enhanced viewing experiences to customers.
Responsiveness to feature requests was a key evaluation criteria, “committing to new functionality is important, but actually delivering as promised is what really set Conklin-Intracom apart”, commented David Olson of Oneida Cablevision. “In addition to the other recent features added to the fs|cdn portfolio, we came to the conclusion that fs|cdn was the most dependable IPTV solution for the foreseeable future.”
“The industry has matured to a point where customers know what they need to be competitive in their respective markets and we are pleased to add these members of the WIV group to our growing list of customers,” stated Ian Meletios, CEO, Conklin-Intracom. “As the fs|cdn solution continues to lead the way in new feature implementation, we expect our deployment numbers to increase significantly in 2010.”
2.6 GHz band vital for growth of LTE
LONDON, UK: The licensing of the 2.6 GHz band will be critical to unlocking the benefits of global scale economies in the Mobile Broadband market, according to a new report by US-based research firm Global View Partners in partnership with the GSMA.
The research found that the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which has been identified globally by the ITU as the ‘3G extension band’, will be vital in satisfying the demand for greater capacity for Mobile Broadband and launching next-generation networks such as LTE, which will start to be deployed commercially around the world this year.
“There is clear evidence that the volume of data flowing over mobile networks is growing rapidly and is being accelerated by the popularity of smart phones and the growth in music and video downloads,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer at the GSMA.
“The report highlights that the 2.6 GHz band will allow operators to address rapidly increasing traffic volumes in an efficient and harmonised way. Recent licensing of this band in Hong Kong, Norway, Finland and Sweden, for example, has highlighted that there is more demand for paired (FDD) than unpaired spectrum (TDD) and that the ITU’s recommended Option 1** plan is the best structure to stimulate market growth in a technology-neutral and competitive environment.”
In Europe, measurable progress has been achieved towards the allocation of the 2.6 GHz frequency, as specified in the ITU Option 1 plan. There is widespread agreement at the member state and European Union level that this objective will best be fulfilled in a manner that is harmonised and coordinated across all countries in the region.
The research suggests that leaving the band unstructured for auctions or with a diverse mix of non-harmonised FDD and TDD allocations should be avoided. Potential challenges include interference management, resulting reductions in usable bandwidth and loss of coverage in border regions, as well as higher costs and delayed equipment availability.
The research also points out that in many cases, the 2.6 GHz frequency will be the first opportunity for mobile operators to acquire 2x20 MHz of contiguous spectrum, enabling them to operate high-speed LTE services at optimum performance.
LTE is the next-generation Mobile Broadband technology for both GSM and CDMA operators, and will leverage new and wider bandwidths to significantly increase data capacity in high demand zones such as dense urban areas. The 2.6 GHz spectrum is the ideal complement to the 700 MHz spectrum, also known as ‘digital dividend’, and will enable the most cost-effective nationwide coverage of Mobile Broadband across both rural and urban environments.
Governments in most Western European countries as well as in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and South Africa are planning to award 2.6 GHz frequencies within the next two years.
The research found that the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which has been identified globally by the ITU as the ‘3G extension band’, will be vital in satisfying the demand for greater capacity for Mobile Broadband and launching next-generation networks such as LTE, which will start to be deployed commercially around the world this year.
“There is clear evidence that the volume of data flowing over mobile networks is growing rapidly and is being accelerated by the popularity of smart phones and the growth in music and video downloads,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer at the GSMA.
“The report highlights that the 2.6 GHz band will allow operators to address rapidly increasing traffic volumes in an efficient and harmonised way. Recent licensing of this band in Hong Kong, Norway, Finland and Sweden, for example, has highlighted that there is more demand for paired (FDD) than unpaired spectrum (TDD) and that the ITU’s recommended Option 1** plan is the best structure to stimulate market growth in a technology-neutral and competitive environment.”
In Europe, measurable progress has been achieved towards the allocation of the 2.6 GHz frequency, as specified in the ITU Option 1 plan. There is widespread agreement at the member state and European Union level that this objective will best be fulfilled in a manner that is harmonised and coordinated across all countries in the region.
The research suggests that leaving the band unstructured for auctions or with a diverse mix of non-harmonised FDD and TDD allocations should be avoided. Potential challenges include interference management, resulting reductions in usable bandwidth and loss of coverage in border regions, as well as higher costs and delayed equipment availability.
The research also points out that in many cases, the 2.6 GHz frequency will be the first opportunity for mobile operators to acquire 2x20 MHz of contiguous spectrum, enabling them to operate high-speed LTE services at optimum performance.
LTE is the next-generation Mobile Broadband technology for both GSM and CDMA operators, and will leverage new and wider bandwidths to significantly increase data capacity in high demand zones such as dense urban areas. The 2.6 GHz spectrum is the ideal complement to the 700 MHz spectrum, also known as ‘digital dividend’, and will enable the most cost-effective nationwide coverage of Mobile Broadband across both rural and urban environments.
Governments in most Western European countries as well as in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and South Africa are planning to award 2.6 GHz frequencies within the next two years.
Motorola and VTech resolve patent litigation
SCHAUMBURG, USA: Motorola Inc., VTech Communications Inc. and VTech Telecommunications, Ltd have entered into a Settlement and License Agreement that will end their pending patent litigation in the Eastern District of Texas.
"We are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution with VTech," said Kirk Dailey, vice president of intellectual property, Motorola.
"Although the terms of the settlement are confidential, VTech's license and consideration is consistent with our intellectual property licensing program, which is licensed extensively throughout the telecommunications industry. Our strong research and development and industry-leading intellectual property portfolio are critical to our business, and we will aggressively protect that value on behalf of our customers, employees, partners and shareholders."
The lawsuit related to six Motorola patents asserted against VTech.
"We are pleased to have reached an amicable resolution with VTech," said Kirk Dailey, vice president of intellectual property, Motorola.
"Although the terms of the settlement are confidential, VTech's license and consideration is consistent with our intellectual property licensing program, which is licensed extensively throughout the telecommunications industry. Our strong research and development and industry-leading intellectual property portfolio are critical to our business, and we will aggressively protect that value on behalf of our customers, employees, partners and shareholders."
The lawsuit related to six Motorola patents asserted against VTech.
Consumer 802.11n Wi-Fi access point shipments to exceed 32mn in 2010
SINGAPORE: In 2009, 802.11n WLAN access point shipments increased by nearly 44 percent over the previous year. There was particularly strong demand for enterprise WLAN 802.11n-based access points.
According to ABI Research'’s market data, over 400,000 thousand enterprise access points were shipped in the first three quarters of 2009. The firm estimates that enterprise 802.11n access point shipments reached half a million by the end of last year.
In the SOHO and consumer market, a total of 7.7 million 802.11n Wi-Fi access points were shipped in the first three quarters of 2009. That represents a large increase: shipments during all of 2008 were just 7.8 million. In those first three quarters, 802.11n represented more than 19 percent of all WLAN access point shipments. ABI Research industry analyst Serene Fong notes, “802.11n WLAN access point shipments into SOHO and consumer markets are expected to reach 32.2 million in 2010.”
Cisco is the leading vendor in 802.11n enterprise access points with a market share of 63 percent; Aruba owns the second-largest share with 25 percent. Enterprise 802.11n access point shipments are expected to total 6.3 million in 2012.
3Q-2009 was good for the enterprise WLAN market. Growth was especially driven by the sales of 802.11n products. In the first three quarters of 2009, 78,000 enterprise controllers were shipped. Cisco claims 66 percent of the enterprise controller market. ABI Research expects enterprise controller shipments to reach 140,000 in 2010.
Research associate Khin Sandi Lynn, said: “Vendors are trying to gain market share by providing products which offer more reliable coverage and consistent performance as well as lower prices. For example, Aruba has launched an 802.11n access point priced of the same as their 802.11g model. Price competition will attract more organizations that have not yet moved to 802.11n.”
According to ABI Research'’s market data, over 400,000 thousand enterprise access points were shipped in the first three quarters of 2009. The firm estimates that enterprise 802.11n access point shipments reached half a million by the end of last year.
In the SOHO and consumer market, a total of 7.7 million 802.11n Wi-Fi access points were shipped in the first three quarters of 2009. That represents a large increase: shipments during all of 2008 were just 7.8 million. In those first three quarters, 802.11n represented more than 19 percent of all WLAN access point shipments. ABI Research industry analyst Serene Fong notes, “802.11n WLAN access point shipments into SOHO and consumer markets are expected to reach 32.2 million in 2010.”
Cisco is the leading vendor in 802.11n enterprise access points with a market share of 63 percent; Aruba owns the second-largest share with 25 percent. Enterprise 802.11n access point shipments are expected to total 6.3 million in 2012.
3Q-2009 was good for the enterprise WLAN market. Growth was especially driven by the sales of 802.11n products. In the first three quarters of 2009, 78,000 enterprise controllers were shipped. Cisco claims 66 percent of the enterprise controller market. ABI Research expects enterprise controller shipments to reach 140,000 in 2010.
Research associate Khin Sandi Lynn, said: “Vendors are trying to gain market share by providing products which offer more reliable coverage and consistent performance as well as lower prices. For example, Aruba has launched an 802.11n access point priced of the same as their 802.11g model. Price competition will attract more organizations that have not yet moved to 802.11n.”
xG Technology to exhibit and speak at ITEXPO 2010 and 4G Wireless Evolution (4GWE) conference
SARASOTA, USA: xG Technology Inc. will be participating in TMC’s ITEXPO East 2010, to be held January 20-22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida.
At the event, xG staff will be on hand to discuss xMax – the world'’s first comprehensive mobile VoIP network. xMax is the first 4G-capable network optimized for the delivery of scalable, high-QoS (Quality of Service) voice and data services. xMax networks operate over free, unlicensed spectrum independently from legacy cellular networks. This makes it possible to deploy a mobile voice and mobile broadband network without the prohibitive cost of buying spectrum.
Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to schedule a visit to xG’s facilities in Fort Lauderdale, where xG has deployed an xMax network in an urban/suburban setting and visitors can experience the xMax system for themselves. xG’s facilities are located a short distance from the Miami Beach Convention Center, and xG will provide transportation arrangements for those interested in visiting.
In addition, xG’s Director of Business Development, Chris Whiteley, has been invited to speak and present at two panel sessions during the event: the ITEXPO session “Mobile VoIP, Imagine the Possibilities” on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 12:00-12:45pm, and the 4GWE session “Utilizing White Spaces for Broadband Access – Where Do We Go From Here?” on Friday, Jan. 22 from 1:00pm-2:15pm.
ITEXPO, going into its 11th year, is the world’s largest and best-attended IP Communications trade show, drawing an average attendance of 7,000 buyers and sellers of IP Communications products and services. The show in January will be the 21st ITEXPO, and TMC is optimistic about continued strong domestic and international attendance.
“xG Technology'’s participation at ITEXPO exemplifies why this show is widely recognized as the #1 venue where service providers, enterprises, government agencies, resellers, and developers gather to learn about the benefits inherent in IP Communications products and services,” said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO. “The evolution in this industry has been monumental and it still continues to grow, outpacing other economic sectors. We are pleased to have xG and its xMax Mobile VoIP solution as an innovative participant.”
“Participating in the ITEXPO event and 4GWE conference is an excellent opportunity for us to discuss and promote the unique features of xMax mobile VoIP to a wide audience,” said xG'’s Chris Whiteley. “We look forward to demonstrating our innovative solution to the problem of spectrum scarcity, and the benefits of our fully mobile VoIP implementation.”
At the event, xG staff will be on hand to discuss xMax – the world'’s first comprehensive mobile VoIP network. xMax is the first 4G-capable network optimized for the delivery of scalable, high-QoS (Quality of Service) voice and data services. xMax networks operate over free, unlicensed spectrum independently from legacy cellular networks. This makes it possible to deploy a mobile voice and mobile broadband network without the prohibitive cost of buying spectrum.
Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to schedule a visit to xG’s facilities in Fort Lauderdale, where xG has deployed an xMax network in an urban/suburban setting and visitors can experience the xMax system for themselves. xG’s facilities are located a short distance from the Miami Beach Convention Center, and xG will provide transportation arrangements for those interested in visiting.
In addition, xG’s Director of Business Development, Chris Whiteley, has been invited to speak and present at two panel sessions during the event: the ITEXPO session “Mobile VoIP, Imagine the Possibilities” on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 12:00-12:45pm, and the 4GWE session “Utilizing White Spaces for Broadband Access – Where Do We Go From Here?” on Friday, Jan. 22 from 1:00pm-2:15pm.
ITEXPO, going into its 11th year, is the world’s largest and best-attended IP Communications trade show, drawing an average attendance of 7,000 buyers and sellers of IP Communications products and services. The show in January will be the 21st ITEXPO, and TMC is optimistic about continued strong domestic and international attendance.
“xG Technology'’s participation at ITEXPO exemplifies why this show is widely recognized as the #1 venue where service providers, enterprises, government agencies, resellers, and developers gather to learn about the benefits inherent in IP Communications products and services,” said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO. “The evolution in this industry has been monumental and it still continues to grow, outpacing other economic sectors. We are pleased to have xG and its xMax Mobile VoIP solution as an innovative participant.”
“Participating in the ITEXPO event and 4GWE conference is an excellent opportunity for us to discuss and promote the unique features of xMax mobile VoIP to a wide audience,” said xG'’s Chris Whiteley. “We look forward to demonstrating our innovative solution to the problem of spectrum scarcity, and the benefits of our fully mobile VoIP implementation.”
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