Beceem, M-Skylink launch 'retail-ready' 4G-WiMAX platform

WiMAX Forum Congress Asia 2010, TAIPEI, TAIWAN: M-Skylink, a leading provider of Wireless Connection Manager solutions, and Beceem, a leading provider of 4G chips, have launched a “retail-ready” USB reference design platform that can be used for fast development of 4G-WiMAX USB modems that are targeting the retail or wholesale market.

The “retail-ready” platform provides a complete turnkey reference design solution comprised of Beceem’s BCSM350 4G-WiMAX chip and a complete Connection Manager, Device Authentication and Management Software package from M-Skylink.

One of the compelling advantages of the “retail-ready” platform is that the resulting devices are ensured to support the WiMAX Forum profile 1.0 specifications, and the Connection Manager is based on “Common API” specifications to ensure an open development and interoperability environment.

M-Skylink’s wireless connection manager has been deployed in numerous networks, and having it pre-integrated with Beceem’s IOT and field-proven 4G-WiMAX chip will further accelerate the device development timelines while simultaneously reducing the risk and cost of bringing new devices to market. The “retail-ready” platform is also expected to comply with the WiMAX Forum retail profile.

“The first wave of 4G-WiMAX devices was purchased by service providers who sold them to their subscribers, but the open channel devices enabled by the Beceem and M-Skylink’s ‘retail-ready’ platform should drive further expansion of the 4G-WiMAX device ecosystem by providing an easy-to-productize platform that allows device innovation at low cost,” said Lars Johnsson, vice president of marketing and business development for Beceem Communications.

“Service providers are looking for ways to bring more innovative devices into their networks more quickly, and our Connection Manager integrated with Beceem’s 4G-WiMAX solution enables them go-to-market in the shortest possible time,” said Alex Dee, vice president for M-Skylink.

“Our Connection Manager is highly customizable and can be integrated into any operating system, further broadening the appeal of the ‘retail-ready’ platform business model.”