NEW DELHI, INDIA: Ingenico, a leading worldwide provider of payment solutions, joined hands with Financial Inclusion Network & Operations (FINO) in India to help them deliver Micro finance & NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) payment solutions to the under-served and the unbanked sector.
FINO uses Bandhus/agents to reach out to the rural and far flung areas to carry out secure financial transactions for multiple banks, state and central government social upliftment schemes and Microfinance agencies with the help of Ingenico handheld Biometric POS terminals.
Over 25,000 Ingenico’s Bio930G terminals of Ingenico have been deployed by FINO till date out of which, over 7.000 successfully deployed in the last quarter of 2010 for NREGS. The deployment of terminals continues in 2011.
FINO provides turnkey technological solutions to institutions such as Banks, Insurance companies, Government Social Schemes, Microfinance Institutions, and Corporate Enterprises, enabling them to take their financial products and services to the doorstep of millions of unbanked and under-banked households across India. In order to make complete financial inclusion a reality, FINO relies on Ingenico’s technology for authentication and authorization of the business correspondent and the customers which represents one of the largest challenges of any financial inclusion effort.
Manish Khera, CEO, FINO, said: "Our ongoing collaboration with Ingenico has enabled us to provide world-class proven biometric technologies for delivering payment solution for financial institutions and NREGS like Government schemes, taking doorstep banking and Government social schemes benefits to the underprivileged in the remotest parts of India. This contributes towards making Financial Inclusion a reality.
"The successful deployment of over 7000 Bio930G using strategic customized biometric application for NREGS government wage disbursement in rural areas has put FINO solutions with Ingenico’s Bio930G miles ahead of the several technologies experimented in India for government social disbursements and financial inclusion programs."
Currently, over 11000 Bandhus/Agents associated with FINO are carrying Ingenico’s Bio930G, servicing approximately 25 Million enrolled customers through highly secure, reliable, robust and integrated handheld POS terminal to remote locations and are seamlessly processing millions of financial transactions for the millions of customers.
Vivek Sagar, CEO, Ingenico International India Pvt Ltd, said: "We are very proud to be associated with FINO, which is a phenomenal success in India’s efforts to propagate financial inclusion of the under-served and under-banked. FINO’s effort in providing reliable payment solution for government NREGS scheme for disbursement of wages across rural areas has been true demonstration of usage of technological excellence and benefits the underprivileged society. This is a testimony of Ingenico’s leadership in the payment solutions space, even as we look at leveraging Ingenico’s world class technologies and ideas to bring about tangible changes to society in general."
The BIO930G wireless POS terminal provides FINO’s Bandhus/Agents the freedom to acquire, process and verify biometric data on the move – and conveniently undertake secure biometric transactions wherever they are while providing the transaction report at the time of the transaction.
Designed to simplify user identification and authentication, and make it easy to integrated biometric control into a wide range of payment, government wage payments and micro credit applications, the Bio 930 family of terminals seamlessly optimize the entire biometric control process, thereby enabling FINO to deliver a large range of financial and banking services to the rural population.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Infineon completes sale of mobile phone business to Intel
NEUBIBERG, GERMANY: Infineon Technologies AG has completed the sale of the mobile phone business (Wireless Solutions1) to Intel Corp.
Following the sale, approximately 3,500 employees in total will move globally from Infineon to the new company Intel Mobile Communications GmbH (IMC). IMC will be headquartered in Neubiberg near Munich, Germany.
As planned, Prof. Dr. Hermann Eul will become the President of IMC, leaving his position as Member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG. His former responsibilities for Sales and Marketing will be taken over by CEO Peter Bauer. Dr. Reinhard Ploss will take over responsibilities for Technology and R&D in addition to being Head of Operations and Labor Director.
“I’m very glad to be able to hand over the mobile phone business to Intel in such great shape, and am delighted to know it will be led by Prof. Dr. Eul. Together with Intel there are bright prospects for further growth and further strengthening its market position”, said Peter Bauer, CEO of Infineon Technologies.
“This transaction marks the completion of Infineon´s reorientation over the last year's toward a higher stability. Infineon currently holds market leading positions in each of its three remaining business segments – automotive, industrial and security electronics – and enjoys excellent prospects in these markets in terms of growth and profitability.”
Infineon and Intel announced the sale of the mobile phone business on August 30, 2010. The final purchase price amounts to $1.4 billion in cash.
Following the sale, approximately 3,500 employees in total will move globally from Infineon to the new company Intel Mobile Communications GmbH (IMC). IMC will be headquartered in Neubiberg near Munich, Germany.
As planned, Prof. Dr. Hermann Eul will become the President of IMC, leaving his position as Member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG. His former responsibilities for Sales and Marketing will be taken over by CEO Peter Bauer. Dr. Reinhard Ploss will take over responsibilities for Technology and R&D in addition to being Head of Operations and Labor Director.
“I’m very glad to be able to hand over the mobile phone business to Intel in such great shape, and am delighted to know it will be led by Prof. Dr. Eul. Together with Intel there are bright prospects for further growth and further strengthening its market position”, said Peter Bauer, CEO of Infineon Technologies.
“This transaction marks the completion of Infineon´s reorientation over the last year's toward a higher stability. Infineon currently holds market leading positions in each of its three remaining business segments – automotive, industrial and security electronics – and enjoys excellent prospects in these markets in terms of growth and profitability.”
Infineon and Intel announced the sale of the mobile phone business on August 30, 2010. The final purchase price amounts to $1.4 billion in cash.
Comviva’s AVAN wins Golden Peacock Innovation Award 2011
BANGALORE, INDIA: Comviva, the global leader in providing mobile solutions beyond VAS, has won the prestigious Golden Peacock Innovation Award for its pioneering work in extending voice based applications across the mobile user base with its Aggregated Voice Applications Network (AVAN).
Comviva’s AVAN enables operators to deliver a highly diverse portfolio of voice-activated content and applications in a simple, standard way. AVAN achieves this by enabling the wider application developer community to rapidly develop and deploy applications on the platform – and providing a uniform access interface for the end user.
At the same time, AVAN optimizes the operator’s existing network to realize major efficiencies in terms of network utilization and deployment of operational resource. AVAN enables operators to create a sustainable competitive advantage in rapidly expanding markets where a large proportion of subscribers require voice-enabled access to content.
Manoranjan Mohapatra, CEO, Comviva stated: "At Comviva, our goal is to enrich people’s lives with mobile solutions beyond VAS. We work closely with operators and the wider ecosystem to achieve this – and at the same time we engineer our solutions to ensure operators are able to accelerate revenue growth, optimize cost structures and deliver an enhanced customer service experience.
"AVAN reflects these goals. AVAN is a prime example of how we help operators transform their VAS business by making services faster to launch, more cost efficient and engaging for customers. The Golden Peacock Award for Innovation is an acknowledgement of our focus on improving lives with innovative solutions and we are deeply honoured to receive this award."
Many mobile subscribers in emerging economies have little access to information and entertainment services via their mobile phones. AVAN aims to address this by providing access to such services with a voice-based interface. AVAN has recently been enhanced to enable delivery of video content via the same interface.
The Golden Peacock Innovation Award is a bi-annual award, which was introduced by India’s Institute of Directors in 1991. The awards are considered to be the greatest form of recognition for corporate excellence in areas of innovation, quality, training, governance, environment management and corporate social responsibility.
This year Comviva will be exhibiting at GSMA Mobile World Congress Barcelona at Hall1, Stand1E01 and plan to showcase its transformative VAS solutions that helps operators’ VAS business to optimize costs, drive revenues and build a stronger, more loyal customer base.
Comviva’s AVAN enables operators to deliver a highly diverse portfolio of voice-activated content and applications in a simple, standard way. AVAN achieves this by enabling the wider application developer community to rapidly develop and deploy applications on the platform – and providing a uniform access interface for the end user.
At the same time, AVAN optimizes the operator’s existing network to realize major efficiencies in terms of network utilization and deployment of operational resource. AVAN enables operators to create a sustainable competitive advantage in rapidly expanding markets where a large proportion of subscribers require voice-enabled access to content.
Manoranjan Mohapatra, CEO, Comviva stated: "At Comviva, our goal is to enrich people’s lives with mobile solutions beyond VAS. We work closely with operators and the wider ecosystem to achieve this – and at the same time we engineer our solutions to ensure operators are able to accelerate revenue growth, optimize cost structures and deliver an enhanced customer service experience.
"AVAN reflects these goals. AVAN is a prime example of how we help operators transform their VAS business by making services faster to launch, more cost efficient and engaging for customers. The Golden Peacock Award for Innovation is an acknowledgement of our focus on improving lives with innovative solutions and we are deeply honoured to receive this award."
Many mobile subscribers in emerging economies have little access to information and entertainment services via their mobile phones. AVAN aims to address this by providing access to such services with a voice-based interface. AVAN has recently been enhanced to enable delivery of video content via the same interface.
The Golden Peacock Innovation Award is a bi-annual award, which was introduced by India’s Institute of Directors in 1991. The awards are considered to be the greatest form of recognition for corporate excellence in areas of innovation, quality, training, governance, environment management and corporate social responsibility.
This year Comviva will be exhibiting at GSMA Mobile World Congress Barcelona at Hall1, Stand1E01 and plan to showcase its transformative VAS solutions that helps operators’ VAS business to optimize costs, drive revenues and build a stronger, more loyal customer base.
Integration of CommScope’s iPatch solution with Cisco’s EnergyWise delivers real-time location-enabled energy management
LONDON, UK: CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, will demonstrate how its SYSTIMAX iPatch Intelligent Infrastructure Solution can enhance the energy saving potential of EnergyWise®, Cisco’s energy management architecture, at London’s Cisco Live! event on January 31 – February 3.
The SYSTIMAX iPatch solution provides IT managers improved network visibility, allowing them to track the physical locations of all networked devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, wireless access points, IP Phones and IP cameras, in real-time. As the IT industry strives to reduce its carbon footprint, the integration of iPatch location information and EnergyWise power management capabilities can further reduce energy consumption, whilst also improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
“Enhancing Cisco’s industry-leading EnergyWise solution with iPatch provides unprecedented ability to apply energy management policies based on the real-time location of devices,” said MatÃas Peluffo, vice president, Growth Solutions at CommScope. “In addition to providing vision, knowledge and control over the physical layer infrastructure, by optimizing EnergyWise capabilities the iPatch solution can become an invaluable tool for energy management.”
John Parello, engineering technical leader at Cisco added: “With a considerable proportion of the world’s electricity consumed inside office buildings, reducing that share is an important objective for the IT industry. EnergyWise enables companies to measure, monitor and manage the power consumption of network infrastructure and any network-attached devices.
“By using the network as a platform for energy management companies can manage power consumption with specific policies, reducing power consumption to realize increased cost savings, potentially affecting any powered device. When combining iPatch with our own Cisco EnergyWise Technology, IT and building facilities operations personnel can understand, optimize, and help control power across an entire corporate infrastructure, potentially affecting any powered device.”
CommScope offers a complete portfolio of network infrastructure solutions that enable enterprise customers, regardless of size, industry or IT budget, to take advantage of business and technology opportunities. CommScope’s SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands offer voice, data, video and converged solutions ranging from mission-critical, high-bandwidth and emerging applications to those that demand unrelenting reliability and quality for everyday needs.
CommScope’s Wired for Wireless solution provides new buildings and campuses with the wireless infrastructure necessary to eliminate weak or blocked signal areas from the outset and prepare them for better wireless coverage. CommScope’s iPatch Intelligent Infrastructure Solution is an upgradable solution designed to add vision, knowledge and control to the physical layer infrastructure.
The SYSTIMAX iPatch solution provides IT managers improved network visibility, allowing them to track the physical locations of all networked devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, wireless access points, IP Phones and IP cameras, in real-time. As the IT industry strives to reduce its carbon footprint, the integration of iPatch location information and EnergyWise power management capabilities can further reduce energy consumption, whilst also improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
“Enhancing Cisco’s industry-leading EnergyWise solution with iPatch provides unprecedented ability to apply energy management policies based on the real-time location of devices,” said MatÃas Peluffo, vice president, Growth Solutions at CommScope. “In addition to providing vision, knowledge and control over the physical layer infrastructure, by optimizing EnergyWise capabilities the iPatch solution can become an invaluable tool for energy management.”
John Parello, engineering technical leader at Cisco added: “With a considerable proportion of the world’s electricity consumed inside office buildings, reducing that share is an important objective for the IT industry. EnergyWise enables companies to measure, monitor and manage the power consumption of network infrastructure and any network-attached devices.
“By using the network as a platform for energy management companies can manage power consumption with specific policies, reducing power consumption to realize increased cost savings, potentially affecting any powered device. When combining iPatch with our own Cisco EnergyWise Technology, IT and building facilities operations personnel can understand, optimize, and help control power across an entire corporate infrastructure, potentially affecting any powered device.”
CommScope offers a complete portfolio of network infrastructure solutions that enable enterprise customers, regardless of size, industry or IT budget, to take advantage of business and technology opportunities. CommScope’s SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands offer voice, data, video and converged solutions ranging from mission-critical, high-bandwidth and emerging applications to those that demand unrelenting reliability and quality for everyday needs.
CommScope’s Wired for Wireless solution provides new buildings and campuses with the wireless infrastructure necessary to eliminate weak or blocked signal areas from the outset and prepare them for better wireless coverage. CommScope’s iPatch Intelligent Infrastructure Solution is an upgradable solution designed to add vision, knowledge and control to the physical layer infrastructure.
Mobile entertainment services come long way!
USA: Mobile entertainment services have come a long way since their introduction in the guise of mono-ring tones in the late nineties, with operators today delivering diverse and exciting services such as streaming audio and video, engrossing multi player games and mobile gambling across high speed networks on to advanced handsets.
In 2008, mobile entertainment services (including mobile music, mobile games and mobile video services) generated worldwide revenues of nearly $24 billion, and this figure is set to rise to a market value of $47.2 billion by end-2013.
Mobile music continues to be the dominant component of the mobile entertainment services pie, however, within mobile music, ring tones - the pioneering first entertainment service - have gradually given way to advanced services, such as ring back tones, streaming audio and full-track downloads. Worldwide mobile music revenue stood at $11.7 billion at end-2008 and is forecast to hit $19.2 billion at end-2013.
Mobile games have also shown strong growth recently and will, in all probability, become as big as mobile music in the years to come. With a slew of different options, such as Java, BREW, SMS-based or Browser-based games, mobile gaming has evolved beyond recognition since Nokia launched "Snake" back in 1997. The value of the worldwide mobile gaming reached $5.5 billion by the end of 2008 and we predict it will grow to $9.8 billion by year-end 2013.
Mobile video services are expected to grow rapidly in the years to come. Detractors of mobile video have previously cited poor handset quality as one of the biggest reasons why these services are yet to take off. However, with the launch of more viewer-friendly handsets, such as the iPhone, mobile video services are expected to quickly gain popularity. We forecast that worldwide revenues from mobile video will nearly triple to reach $18.2 billion by end-2013, up from $6.7 billion at end-2008.
Other mobile entertainment services are also given coverage in this report. For the most part, paid-for mobile graphics are gradually disappearing from the scene, largely owing to the growth of handsets with camera and video capabilities, and the preference for user-generated content. Conversely, the mobile gambling market is projected to grow significantly in the near future, and will be a big business driver for MNOs; Europe alone is expected to generate $3.2 billion in annual revenue by end-2010.
In 2008, mobile entertainment services (including mobile music, mobile games and mobile video services) generated worldwide revenues of nearly $24 billion, and this figure is set to rise to a market value of $47.2 billion by end-2013.
Mobile music continues to be the dominant component of the mobile entertainment services pie, however, within mobile music, ring tones - the pioneering first entertainment service - have gradually given way to advanced services, such as ring back tones, streaming audio and full-track downloads. Worldwide mobile music revenue stood at $11.7 billion at end-2008 and is forecast to hit $19.2 billion at end-2013.
Mobile games have also shown strong growth recently and will, in all probability, become as big as mobile music in the years to come. With a slew of different options, such as Java, BREW, SMS-based or Browser-based games, mobile gaming has evolved beyond recognition since Nokia launched "Snake" back in 1997. The value of the worldwide mobile gaming reached $5.5 billion by the end of 2008 and we predict it will grow to $9.8 billion by year-end 2013.
Mobile video services are expected to grow rapidly in the years to come. Detractors of mobile video have previously cited poor handset quality as one of the biggest reasons why these services are yet to take off. However, with the launch of more viewer-friendly handsets, such as the iPhone, mobile video services are expected to quickly gain popularity. We forecast that worldwide revenues from mobile video will nearly triple to reach $18.2 billion by end-2013, up from $6.7 billion at end-2008.
Other mobile entertainment services are also given coverage in this report. For the most part, paid-for mobile graphics are gradually disappearing from the scene, largely owing to the growth of handsets with camera and video capabilities, and the preference for user-generated content. Conversely, the mobile gambling market is projected to grow significantly in the near future, and will be a big business driver for MNOs; Europe alone is expected to generate $3.2 billion in annual revenue by end-2010.
CSR’s aptX hi-fi quality Bluetooth stereo selected for Samsung mobile devices
BANGALORE, INDIA: CSR, an industry leader in connectivity, location, and audio platforms, announced that Samsung Electronics will incorporate CSR’s aptX audio technology into its mobile devices and accessories.
This will be the first time that aptX enabled Bluetooth stereo will be featured in a range of mobile devices and accessories by a global leader in consumer electronics. The innovative aptX audio technology delivers low-latency audio and high-fidelity quality stereo over wireless connections such as Bluetooth.
CSR’s aptX solution has already been adopted by a number of innovative consumer electronics brands as a result of its market-leading Bluetooth audio quality, and now features in a growing array of wireless speaker dock and stereo headphone products.
“Samsung has established a reputation among consumers for the consistent delivery of high performance products that offer genuine innovation and exceptional value,” said Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Audio and Consumer Business Unit. “Samsung’s decision to partner with CSR is a defining moment for our aptX solution; highlighting aptX as a true ‘must-have’ feature and one that consumers will start to expect as standard. Consumers everywhere stand to benefit from its superior wireless stereo audio quality.”
CSR aptX delivers outstanding stereo audio quality over Bluetooth connectivity and its full audio-frequency bandwidth matches hi-fi performance. Its low audio coding delay minimises latency effects and ‘lip-sync’ issues making it ideal for use in multimedia devices and it offers backward-compatibility with SBC enabled Bluetooth.
This will be the first time that aptX enabled Bluetooth stereo will be featured in a range of mobile devices and accessories by a global leader in consumer electronics. The innovative aptX audio technology delivers low-latency audio and high-fidelity quality stereo over wireless connections such as Bluetooth.
CSR’s aptX solution has already been adopted by a number of innovative consumer electronics brands as a result of its market-leading Bluetooth audio quality, and now features in a growing array of wireless speaker dock and stereo headphone products.
“Samsung has established a reputation among consumers for the consistent delivery of high performance products that offer genuine innovation and exceptional value,” said Anthony Murray, Senior Vice President of CSR’s Audio and Consumer Business Unit. “Samsung’s decision to partner with CSR is a defining moment for our aptX solution; highlighting aptX as a true ‘must-have’ feature and one that consumers will start to expect as standard. Consumers everywhere stand to benefit from its superior wireless stereo audio quality.”
CSR aptX delivers outstanding stereo audio quality over Bluetooth connectivity and its full audio-frequency bandwidth matches hi-fi performance. Its low audio coding delay minimises latency effects and ‘lip-sync’ issues making it ideal for use in multimedia devices and it offers backward-compatibility with SBC enabled Bluetooth.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Motorola launches MILESTONE XT800-India's first Android-powered dual mode/dual-SIM touch screen smartphone
INDORE, INDIA: Motorola Mobility India Pvt Ltd has launched MILESTONE XT800, India's first Android-powered CDMA EVDO/GSM dual standby mode/dual SIM touch screen smartphone that allows the user to choose the network.
MILESTONE XT800 offers a mobile Internet experience with WiFi/WAPI1 and world phone1 capability for smart professionals who need to connect with business, family and friends anywhere, at any time. It also features high-definition multimedia features that enable you to capture every momentous occasion.
"We have specially designed the MILESTONE XT800 to provide infotainment-on-the-go for consumers who want a device that matches the demands of an hectic lifestyle like that of a senior professional," said Faisal Siddiqui, country head for India, Motorola Mobility. "We believe in bringing the power of Android closer to the Indian consumer--stylish and unique form factors, innovative and compelling features and, experiences that offer greater flexibility and ease of use. MILESTONE XT800 delivers on all this and much, much more!"
Enjoy multimedia on the new stylish MILESTONE XT800 with its amazingly clear, eye-catching 9.3cm (3.7inch) 854x480 pixel FWVGA landscape touch display. Capture memories and moments with the 5MP digital-zoom autofocus camera capable of great low-light shots with dual LED flash. The mobile video experience is a visual delight with capture/playback/streaming either to the built-in screen or via HDMI (720p) output directly to a high-definition television.
MILESTONE XT800 has a built-in GPS satellite navigation1&2 with Google Maps that helps the user find the current location quickly, accurately, and easily. MILESTONE XT800 helps you stay productive with viewing and editing documents in popular formats including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and Zip.
"We are proud to be Motorola's exclusive distributor for MILESTONE XT800 in India. This dual mode/dual SIM mobile phone brings together smarter mobility and smarter networkability for a powerful mobile Internet experience," said Mike Narula, chairman and chief executive officer, AirTyme Communications. "We believe MILESTONE XT800 will open newer choices for Indian consumers to explore and adopt with greater flexibility."
Key specifications of the MILESTONE XT800 include:
* 5MP camera with digital-zoom, autofocus, dual LED flash.
* Android 2.1 platform with pinch to zoom capacitive touch display.
* SMS, MMS, email (corporate email exchange , POP3/IMAP embedded, push email).
* USB 2.0 high-speed data transfer2, with support for synchronization with PCs.
* Bluetooth 1&3 2.0+EDR high-speed transmission and wireless Bluetooth stereo.
* Assisted GPS satellite navigation1&2 supporting Google Maps.
* Support for viewing and editing documents in Word/Excel/PowerPoint/PDF and Zip formats.
* Memory is expandable up to 32GB; 2GB SD card in-box.
* e-Compass.
* Video capture/playback/streaming, HDMI (720p) output to high-definition devices.
* Supports several music formats: H.263, H.264, MPEG4.
* Supports multiple audio formats: AAC, ACC+, MP3, CMX, AMR NB, AMR WB, MIDI, WAV and WMA 9.
The Android 2.1-powered Motorola MILESTONE XT800 is exclusively distributed by AirTyme Communications in India at a MRP of Rs 31,999. It comes with an HDMI cable for TV output and a 2GB micro SD card in-box.
MILESTONE XT800 offers a mobile Internet experience with WiFi/WAPI1 and world phone1 capability for smart professionals who need to connect with business, family and friends anywhere, at any time. It also features high-definition multimedia features that enable you to capture every momentous occasion.
"We have specially designed the MILESTONE XT800 to provide infotainment-on-the-go for consumers who want a device that matches the demands of an hectic lifestyle like that of a senior professional," said Faisal Siddiqui, country head for India, Motorola Mobility. "We believe in bringing the power of Android closer to the Indian consumer--stylish and unique form factors, innovative and compelling features and, experiences that offer greater flexibility and ease of use. MILESTONE XT800 delivers on all this and much, much more!"
Enjoy multimedia on the new stylish MILESTONE XT800 with its amazingly clear, eye-catching 9.3cm (3.7inch) 854x480 pixel FWVGA landscape touch display. Capture memories and moments with the 5MP digital-zoom autofocus camera capable of great low-light shots with dual LED flash. The mobile video experience is a visual delight with capture/playback/streaming either to the built-in screen or via HDMI (720p) output directly to a high-definition television.
MILESTONE XT800 has a built-in GPS satellite navigation1&2 with Google Maps that helps the user find the current location quickly, accurately, and easily. MILESTONE XT800 helps you stay productive with viewing and editing documents in popular formats including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and Zip.
"We are proud to be Motorola's exclusive distributor for MILESTONE XT800 in India. This dual mode/dual SIM mobile phone brings together smarter mobility and smarter networkability for a powerful mobile Internet experience," said Mike Narula, chairman and chief executive officer, AirTyme Communications. "We believe MILESTONE XT800 will open newer choices for Indian consumers to explore and adopt with greater flexibility."
Key specifications of the MILESTONE XT800 include:
* 5MP camera with digital-zoom, autofocus, dual LED flash.
* Android 2.1 platform with pinch to zoom capacitive touch display.
* SMS, MMS, email (corporate email exchange , POP3/IMAP embedded, push email).
* USB 2.0 high-speed data transfer2, with support for synchronization with PCs.
* Bluetooth 1&3 2.0+EDR high-speed transmission and wireless Bluetooth stereo.
* Assisted GPS satellite navigation1&2 supporting Google Maps.
* Support for viewing and editing documents in Word/Excel/PowerPoint/PDF and Zip formats.
* Memory is expandable up to 32GB; 2GB SD card in-box.
* e-Compass.
* Video capture/playback/streaming, HDMI (720p) output to high-definition devices.
* Supports several music formats: H.263, H.264, MPEG4.
* Supports multiple audio formats: AAC, ACC+, MP3, CMX, AMR NB, AMR WB, MIDI, WAV and WMA 9.
The Android 2.1-powered Motorola MILESTONE XT800 is exclusively distributed by AirTyme Communications in India at a MRP of Rs 31,999. It comes with an HDMI cable for TV output and a 2GB micro SD card in-box.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Mobile phone market grows 17.9 percent in Q4
FRAMINGHAM, USA: The worldwide mobile phone market grew 17.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10), a new quarterly high driven by smartphones.
According to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 401.4 million units in 4Q10 compared to 340.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2009. Vendors shipped a total of 1.39 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in 2010, up 18.5 percent from the 1.17 billion units shipped in 2009.
The strong quarterly and annual growth comes after a weak 2009, which saw the market decline by 1.6 percent. A stronger economy and a wider array of increasingly affordable smartphones helped lift the market to its highest annual growth rate since 2006 when it grew 22.6 percent.
"The mobile phone market has the wind behind its sails," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker. "Mobile phone users are eager to swap out older devices for ones that handle data as well as voice, which is driving growth and replacement cycles."
It's not just smartphone-focused suppliers that capitalized on the mobile phone market's renewed growth last year. ZTE, a company that sells primarily lower-cost feature phones in emerging markets, moved into the number 4 position worldwide in 4Q10. It is the first quarter the Chinese handset maker finished among IDC's Top 5 vendors.
"Change-up among the number four and five vendors could be a regular occurrence this year," added Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team. "Motorola, Research In Motion, and Sony Ericsson, all vendors with a tight focus on the fast-growing smartphone market who had ranked among the top five worldwide vendors during 2010 are well within striking distance to move back into the top five list."
Market outlook
IDC believes the worldwide mobile phone market will be driven largely by smartphone growth through the end of 2014. "Feature phone users looking to do more with their devices will flock to smartphones in the years to come," noted Restivo. "This trend will help drive smartphone sub-market to grow 43.7 percent year over year in 2011."
Regional analysis
The Asia/Pacific mobile phone landscape was driven by low-cost and high-end devices in 4Q10. Domestic brands in India like G-Five, Micromax, and Karbonn grew with aggressive advertising and branding activities for entry-level phones, while ZTE and Huawei worked closely with carriers to push low-cost Android smartphones in China.
High-end smartphones, however, were equally well-received, resulting in higher shipments from Apple, Samsung, and HTC in 4Q10. Korea had the biggest smartphone appetite accounting for two-thirds of phones shipped in 4Q10, up from one-eighth a year ago.
In Western Europe, carrier smartphone promotions motivated more users to scrap their feature phones, resulting in strong smartphone sales. The iPhone 4, HTC Desire, Nokia N8, Samsung Galaxy S, and Blackberry 8520, which were among the region's top sellers, contributed to the overall market's growth. Consequently, the feature phones experienced their sharpest decline ever.
In CEMA, quarterly volumes breached the 70 million unit threshold for the first time, marked by an influx of Chinese and unbranded handsets. Meanwhile, smartphones experienced brisk growth due to falling prices and more Android-powered devices.
The United States mobile phone market closed out the year with more vendors becoming more active in this space. Market leaders RIM and Apple maintained a healthy lead, while newcomers Dell, Huawei, Kyocera, and Sanyo launched their first smartphones to the U.S. market. In addition, 4G took another step forward with the commercial launch of Verizon Wireless' LTE network.
Similarly, in Canada, the focus was on smartphones. Android-powered devices from multiple players, along with incumbent vendors RIM and Apple, pushed shipment volumes to a new record level.
In Latin America, sustained user interest in smartphones drove the market, resulting in strong results for Nokia, RIM, and Samsung as well as relative newcomer Huawei. Smartphones, as well as QWERTY-enabled feature phones, helped boost social networking and messaging, two fast-growing trends in the market. Finally, Alcatel and ZTE once again thrived in the inexpensive entry-level device market.
Top five mobile phone vendors
Nokia overall unit volume slipped 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter, which the vendor attributed to the "intense competitive" environment and component shortages. The result was lower feature phone shipments. The company did, however, grow smartphone volume by 38 percent compared to the same prior-year quarter. Nokia launched the C7 and the C6-01 touchscreen smartphones as well as the C3 combination touchscreen and QWERTY device in the fourth quarter. Still, smartphone ASPs dropped 16 percent on a year-over-year basis.
Samsung reached a new milestone in 4Q10, pushing through the 80 million unit threshold for the first time in the company's history and improving its profit margins for the second straight quarter. Driving shipment volumes was the continued success of its Galaxy S smartphones, of which the company sold nearly ten million units worldwide for the year. Similarly, Samsung's mass-market and touch-screen phones earned a strong following in emerging markets.
LG crossed the 30 million unit mark for the quarter, due in part to the success of Optimus One smartphone sales across multiple regions. LG's smartphone strategy is paying off; the company sold more than a million units in the first month of availability, and newer versions (Optimus 2X, Optimus Black) are expected later this year. Meanwhile, LG's feature phones comprised the majority of shipments, but an aging portfolio and lower prices within emerging markets left the company vulnerable to the competition.
ZTE finished the quarter in the number four position with shipments steadily spreading from its home country of China to developing regions such as Africa and Latin America. ZTE has also recently made inroads in developed markets such as Western Europe and the US as well as Japan.
While most of its shipments have historically concentrated on entry-level and mid-range devices, some of its recent success is directly attributable to its rapidly expanding smartphone line, such as the Android-based Blade and Racer devices. Meanwhile, its S- and C-series entry-level feature phones provided additional competition within emerging markets.
Apple, the iPhone maker, slipped to the number 5 position despite a record quarter for unit shipments and the departure soon thereafter of CEO Steve Jobs on medical leave. It was the company's second straight quarter on IDC's Top 5 list. The iPhone sold particularly well in developed regions of the world, such as North America and Western Europe. Apple, which said it could have sold more iPhones last quarter had it been able to make more, is set to introduce the touchscreen device on Verizon next month.
According to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped 401.4 million units in 4Q10 compared to 340.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2009. Vendors shipped a total of 1.39 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in 2010, up 18.5 percent from the 1.17 billion units shipped in 2009.
The strong quarterly and annual growth comes after a weak 2009, which saw the market decline by 1.6 percent. A stronger economy and a wider array of increasingly affordable smartphones helped lift the market to its highest annual growth rate since 2006 when it grew 22.6 percent.
"The mobile phone market has the wind behind its sails," said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker. "Mobile phone users are eager to swap out older devices for ones that handle data as well as voice, which is driving growth and replacement cycles."
It's not just smartphone-focused suppliers that capitalized on the mobile phone market's renewed growth last year. ZTE, a company that sells primarily lower-cost feature phones in emerging markets, moved into the number 4 position worldwide in 4Q10. It is the first quarter the Chinese handset maker finished among IDC's Top 5 vendors.
"Change-up among the number four and five vendors could be a regular occurrence this year," added Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team. "Motorola, Research In Motion, and Sony Ericsson, all vendors with a tight focus on the fast-growing smartphone market who had ranked among the top five worldwide vendors during 2010 are well within striking distance to move back into the top five list."
Market outlook
IDC believes the worldwide mobile phone market will be driven largely by smartphone growth through the end of 2014. "Feature phone users looking to do more with their devices will flock to smartphones in the years to come," noted Restivo. "This trend will help drive smartphone sub-market to grow 43.7 percent year over year in 2011."
Regional analysis
The Asia/Pacific mobile phone landscape was driven by low-cost and high-end devices in 4Q10. Domestic brands in India like G-Five, Micromax, and Karbonn grew with aggressive advertising and branding activities for entry-level phones, while ZTE and Huawei worked closely with carriers to push low-cost Android smartphones in China.
High-end smartphones, however, were equally well-received, resulting in higher shipments from Apple, Samsung, and HTC in 4Q10. Korea had the biggest smartphone appetite accounting for two-thirds of phones shipped in 4Q10, up from one-eighth a year ago.
In Western Europe, carrier smartphone promotions motivated more users to scrap their feature phones, resulting in strong smartphone sales. The iPhone 4, HTC Desire, Nokia N8, Samsung Galaxy S, and Blackberry 8520, which were among the region's top sellers, contributed to the overall market's growth. Consequently, the feature phones experienced their sharpest decline ever.
In CEMA, quarterly volumes breached the 70 million unit threshold for the first time, marked by an influx of Chinese and unbranded handsets. Meanwhile, smartphones experienced brisk growth due to falling prices and more Android-powered devices.
The United States mobile phone market closed out the year with more vendors becoming more active in this space. Market leaders RIM and Apple maintained a healthy lead, while newcomers Dell, Huawei, Kyocera, and Sanyo launched their first smartphones to the U.S. market. In addition, 4G took another step forward with the commercial launch of Verizon Wireless' LTE network.
Similarly, in Canada, the focus was on smartphones. Android-powered devices from multiple players, along with incumbent vendors RIM and Apple, pushed shipment volumes to a new record level.
In Latin America, sustained user interest in smartphones drove the market, resulting in strong results for Nokia, RIM, and Samsung as well as relative newcomer Huawei. Smartphones, as well as QWERTY-enabled feature phones, helped boost social networking and messaging, two fast-growing trends in the market. Finally, Alcatel and ZTE once again thrived in the inexpensive entry-level device market.
Top five mobile phone vendors
Nokia overall unit volume slipped 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter, which the vendor attributed to the "intense competitive" environment and component shortages. The result was lower feature phone shipments. The company did, however, grow smartphone volume by 38 percent compared to the same prior-year quarter. Nokia launched the C7 and the C6-01 touchscreen smartphones as well as the C3 combination touchscreen and QWERTY device in the fourth quarter. Still, smartphone ASPs dropped 16 percent on a year-over-year basis.
Samsung reached a new milestone in 4Q10, pushing through the 80 million unit threshold for the first time in the company's history and improving its profit margins for the second straight quarter. Driving shipment volumes was the continued success of its Galaxy S smartphones, of which the company sold nearly ten million units worldwide for the year. Similarly, Samsung's mass-market and touch-screen phones earned a strong following in emerging markets.
LG crossed the 30 million unit mark for the quarter, due in part to the success of Optimus One smartphone sales across multiple regions. LG's smartphone strategy is paying off; the company sold more than a million units in the first month of availability, and newer versions (Optimus 2X, Optimus Black) are expected later this year. Meanwhile, LG's feature phones comprised the majority of shipments, but an aging portfolio and lower prices within emerging markets left the company vulnerable to the competition.
ZTE finished the quarter in the number four position with shipments steadily spreading from its home country of China to developing regions such as Africa and Latin America. ZTE has also recently made inroads in developed markets such as Western Europe and the US as well as Japan.
While most of its shipments have historically concentrated on entry-level and mid-range devices, some of its recent success is directly attributable to its rapidly expanding smartphone line, such as the Android-based Blade and Racer devices. Meanwhile, its S- and C-series entry-level feature phones provided additional competition within emerging markets.
Apple, the iPhone maker, slipped to the number 5 position despite a record quarter for unit shipments and the departure soon thereafter of CEO Steve Jobs on medical leave. It was the company's second straight quarter on IDC's Top 5 list. The iPhone sold particularly well in developed regions of the world, such as North America and Western Europe. Apple, which said it could have sold more iPhones last quarter had it been able to make more, is set to introduce the touchscreen device on Verizon next month.
Wireless Innovation Forum adds 11 mew members in last half of 2010
WASHINGTON, USA: The Wireless Innovation Forum, a non-profit international industry association dedicated to driving the future of radio communications and systems worldwide, has announced the addition of 11 new member organizations.
These new members bring a broad base of experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio(CR) and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies in diverse markets at levels of the wireless value chain spanning from research labs to telecom equipment manufacturers:
Four organizations focused on the emerging TV White Space Communications Market joined:
Spectrum Bridge Inc. (SBI) delivers software and services to wireless service providers and equipment manufacturers. SBI enables wireless networks to access and use all types of spectrum at any place or time via a database driven cognitive network architecture.
The company’s products are embedded in subscriber devices and network equipment to more efficiently allocate bandwidth throughout the entire wireless network. SBI’s technology provides customers greater capacity, coverage and utilization of scarce spectrum resources. SBI was named a top innovator in the area of technology for its TV White Spaces network by the Andrew Seybold 2010 Choice Awards. The company is privately held and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida.
TV Band Service LLC develops, integrates and provides wireless communication technologies for enterprise and government. The company employs next-generation wireless technology including Mobile DTV and TV White Spaces to reduce cost and improve performance for a range of applications including public safety, environmental monitoring, traffic management, energy conservation and wireless broadband internet.
TV Band Service supports a cooperative test bed at its 50 acre headquarters, and site of the world’s first DTV market, in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. Call 910-343-3737 or visit www.tvbandservice.com.
WSdb LLC was founded to develop the fastest, most cost effective solution to provide a database service that will keep track of spectrum use by priority-devices and conversely spectrum availability to non-priority devices based on a device's current location. The company was founded in April 2009.
xG Technology Inc. has developed xMax, the world’s first carrier-class cognitive radio network. Powered by adaptive-learning detect and avoid radio technology, the xMax platform lets mobile operators utilize free, unlicensed frequencies instead of purchasing scarce licensed spectrum costing millions of dollars.
By leveraging these benefits, our customers can deploy advanced voice and data services that deliver excellent quality, reliability and scalability with significantly lower CAPEX compared to other carrier-class wireless technologies.
One chip device producer joined
Optimum Semiconductor Technologies Inc. (OST) is a fabless semiconductor company, aiming to deliver ubiquitous wireless connectivity at the highest-integration level and lowest cost.
OST's mission is to develop a radically innovative baseband processor that is a flexible alternative to dedicated hardware for next generation, multi-mode mobile handsets. Optimum Semiconductor’s unique solution will start a prolific new era of innovation benefiting the entire mobile ecosystem by delivering unprecedented compute performance that will accelerate the creation and distribution of pioneering mobile features and applications with low power consumption.
Two research/academic institutions joined
Institute for Telecommunications Research (ITR) is an internationally recognised research organisation, specialising in research and technology development for wireless communications, including both fixed and mobile, satellite and terrestrial based applications.
ITR conducts its research in three main areas: satellite communications, high speed data communications and flexible networks.
RWTH Aachen University is one of the leading German Universities with a strong focus on engineering. The University also hosts a research center for ultra high-speed mobile information and communication (UMIC) where more than 20 institutes from electrical engineering and computer science participate.
The center’s research covers all aspects from mobile applications, networks and terminals down to design and implementation of radio frequency subsystems and multi-processor systems on chip. Cognitive radio and flexible transceivers are major focus areas of UMIC.
One defense consortium joined
Alliance for ESSOR (a4ESSOR) is a French Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) set up by six EU leading TLC Companies (Elektrobit, Indra, Saab, Selex-Comms, Radmor and Thales), the Shareholders, in order to manage the ESSOR (European Secure SOftware defined Radio) Contract awarded by OCCAR-EA and to promote the ESSOR products in the SDR community.
The main aims of the ESSOR Contract are the definition, implementation and common validation of an SDR Architecture in order to facilitate WF portability among the six Participating States National SDR platforms and the definition/simulation, development, porting/validation on the six PS National SDR platforms and common validation of a High Data Rate WF. a4ESSOR is executing the ESSOR Contract through sub-contracts awarded to the six shareholders companies.
“Five out of six a4ESSOR Main Subcontractors were already members of the Forum. a4ESSOR’s main role/interest is therefore to coordinate their contributions to the Forum in relation to ESSOR products,” said Ugo Manetti, president of a4ESSOR. “We firmly in fact believe that the Forum can offer an extraordinary opportunity, worldwide, for technical exchange in the SDR field and related matters.”
One subsystem provider joined
Ettus Research LLC specializes in low cost, high quality software defined radio (SDR) systems.
Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) systems are in use all over the world, enabling users to address a broad range of research, academic, industrial, and defense applications. The USRP platform is designed to address applications from DC to 6GHz with wide bandwidths and MIMO capabilities.
One radio manufacturer joined
Sunair Electronics has been quietly serving the world of wireless communications since 1956. Today, Sunair designs, manufactures and sells state of the art High Frequency (HF) communications systems and peripherals utilized for long range voice and data communications.
Every hour of every day Sunair products proudly serve those around the world who protect us on the sea, under the sea, in the air and on the land. In both the commercial world and the government / military world Sunair has provided strategic communications application solutions in over a 100 countries across the planet, including those of the NATO community. Cost-conscious and quality-conscious, Sunair remains dedicated to the development, design and production of equipment that is as advanced as it is reliable.
Two consulting groups rejoined
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500 scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, and critical infrastructure.
Booz Allen Hamilton The Booz Allen Cyber and Communications Market Group is responsible for providing a broad array of engineering support services to Army CERDEC, JPEO JTRS, PEO C3T and PEO EIS organizations. In these roles Booz Allen provides systems engineering, R&D program support and life cycle acquisition services.
Booz Allen capabilities include developing innovative solutions to improve the performance of the warfighter's tactical wireless communications.
“We are very excited to have these recognized leaders in driving technology innovation in commercial, civil and defense communications join the Forum as member organizations, and are especially pleased to see the growing number of companies who are viewing the Wireless Innovation Forum as the preferred industry association for addressing their needs in the emerging TV White Space Market,” said Lee Pucker, CEO of The Wireless Innovation Forum.
“Through their membership, these organizations illustrate the continuing value The Forum delivers in facilitating collaboration between technical, government, and business leaders at all levels of the wireless value chain to improve performance, reduce the total life cost of ownership and facilitate the rapid deployment of standardized families of products, technologies, and services.”
These new members bring a broad base of experience in Software Defined Radio (SDR), Cognitive Radio(CR) and Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies in diverse markets at levels of the wireless value chain spanning from research labs to telecom equipment manufacturers:
Four organizations focused on the emerging TV White Space Communications Market joined:
Spectrum Bridge Inc. (SBI) delivers software and services to wireless service providers and equipment manufacturers. SBI enables wireless networks to access and use all types of spectrum at any place or time via a database driven cognitive network architecture.
The company’s products are embedded in subscriber devices and network equipment to more efficiently allocate bandwidth throughout the entire wireless network. SBI’s technology provides customers greater capacity, coverage and utilization of scarce spectrum resources. SBI was named a top innovator in the area of technology for its TV White Spaces network by the Andrew Seybold 2010 Choice Awards. The company is privately held and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida.
TV Band Service LLC develops, integrates and provides wireless communication technologies for enterprise and government. The company employs next-generation wireless technology including Mobile DTV and TV White Spaces to reduce cost and improve performance for a range of applications including public safety, environmental monitoring, traffic management, energy conservation and wireless broadband internet.
TV Band Service supports a cooperative test bed at its 50 acre headquarters, and site of the world’s first DTV market, in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina. Call 910-343-3737 or visit www.tvbandservice.com.
WSdb LLC was founded to develop the fastest, most cost effective solution to provide a database service that will keep track of spectrum use by priority-devices and conversely spectrum availability to non-priority devices based on a device's current location. The company was founded in April 2009.
xG Technology Inc. has developed xMax, the world’s first carrier-class cognitive radio network. Powered by adaptive-learning detect and avoid radio technology, the xMax platform lets mobile operators utilize free, unlicensed frequencies instead of purchasing scarce licensed spectrum costing millions of dollars.
By leveraging these benefits, our customers can deploy advanced voice and data services that deliver excellent quality, reliability and scalability with significantly lower CAPEX compared to other carrier-class wireless technologies.
One chip device producer joined
Optimum Semiconductor Technologies Inc. (OST) is a fabless semiconductor company, aiming to deliver ubiquitous wireless connectivity at the highest-integration level and lowest cost.
OST's mission is to develop a radically innovative baseband processor that is a flexible alternative to dedicated hardware for next generation, multi-mode mobile handsets. Optimum Semiconductor’s unique solution will start a prolific new era of innovation benefiting the entire mobile ecosystem by delivering unprecedented compute performance that will accelerate the creation and distribution of pioneering mobile features and applications with low power consumption.
Two research/academic institutions joined
Institute for Telecommunications Research (ITR) is an internationally recognised research organisation, specialising in research and technology development for wireless communications, including both fixed and mobile, satellite and terrestrial based applications.
ITR conducts its research in three main areas: satellite communications, high speed data communications and flexible networks.
RWTH Aachen University is one of the leading German Universities with a strong focus on engineering. The University also hosts a research center for ultra high-speed mobile information and communication (UMIC) where more than 20 institutes from electrical engineering and computer science participate.
The center’s research covers all aspects from mobile applications, networks and terminals down to design and implementation of radio frequency subsystems and multi-processor systems on chip. Cognitive radio and flexible transceivers are major focus areas of UMIC.
One defense consortium joined
Alliance for ESSOR (a4ESSOR) is a French Société par Actions Simplifiée (SAS) set up by six EU leading TLC Companies (Elektrobit, Indra, Saab, Selex-Comms, Radmor and Thales), the Shareholders, in order to manage the ESSOR (European Secure SOftware defined Radio) Contract awarded by OCCAR-EA and to promote the ESSOR products in the SDR community.
The main aims of the ESSOR Contract are the definition, implementation and common validation of an SDR Architecture in order to facilitate WF portability among the six Participating States National SDR platforms and the definition/simulation, development, porting/validation on the six PS National SDR platforms and common validation of a High Data Rate WF. a4ESSOR is executing the ESSOR Contract through sub-contracts awarded to the six shareholders companies.
“Five out of six a4ESSOR Main Subcontractors were already members of the Forum. a4ESSOR’s main role/interest is therefore to coordinate their contributions to the Forum in relation to ESSOR products,” said Ugo Manetti, president of a4ESSOR. “We firmly in fact believe that the Forum can offer an extraordinary opportunity, worldwide, for technical exchange in the SDR field and related matters.”
One subsystem provider joined
Ettus Research LLC specializes in low cost, high quality software defined radio (SDR) systems.
Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) systems are in use all over the world, enabling users to address a broad range of research, academic, industrial, and defense applications. The USRP platform is designed to address applications from DC to 6GHz with wide bandwidths and MIMO capabilities.
One radio manufacturer joined
Sunair Electronics has been quietly serving the world of wireless communications since 1956. Today, Sunair designs, manufactures and sells state of the art High Frequency (HF) communications systems and peripherals utilized for long range voice and data communications.
Every hour of every day Sunair products proudly serve those around the world who protect us on the sea, under the sea, in the air and on the land. In both the commercial world and the government / military world Sunair has provided strategic communications application solutions in over a 100 countries across the planet, including those of the NATO community. Cost-conscious and quality-conscious, Sunair remains dedicated to the development, design and production of equipment that is as advanced as it is reliable.
Two consulting groups rejoined
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500 scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, and critical infrastructure.
Booz Allen Hamilton The Booz Allen Cyber and Communications Market Group is responsible for providing a broad array of engineering support services to Army CERDEC, JPEO JTRS, PEO C3T and PEO EIS organizations. In these roles Booz Allen provides systems engineering, R&D program support and life cycle acquisition services.
Booz Allen capabilities include developing innovative solutions to improve the performance of the warfighter's tactical wireless communications.
“We are very excited to have these recognized leaders in driving technology innovation in commercial, civil and defense communications join the Forum as member organizations, and are especially pleased to see the growing number of companies who are viewing the Wireless Innovation Forum as the preferred industry association for addressing their needs in the emerging TV White Space Market,” said Lee Pucker, CEO of The Wireless Innovation Forum.
“Through their membership, these organizations illustrate the continuing value The Forum delivers in facilitating collaboration between technical, government, and business leaders at all levels of the wireless value chain to improve performance, reduce the total life cost of ownership and facilitate the rapid deployment of standardized families of products, technologies, and services.”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
HSPA+ is now mainstream; 103 operators launched in 57 countries: GSA
UK: Newly updated reports on worldwide mobile broadband market developments published by the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirm the continuing strong performance of mobile broadband services enabled by HSPA-based systems across the world.
So far, 416 operators have committed to HSPA network deployments in 161 countries. HSPA is the first evolution of WCDMA and has been deployed by more than 99 percent of WCDMA operators. Commercial HSPA services are launched on 380 networks, 20 percent higher than a year ago. The number of markets where HSPA systems are launched has reached 155 countries, compared to 133 countries one year ago.
Network data speeds are rapidly evolving:
* 247 HSPA networks (65 percent) support 7.2 Mbps or higher peak downlink capability.
* Over 35 percent of HSPA operators have launched HSUPA for fast data uploading performance.
* The introduction of evolved HSPA systems – HSPA Evolution, commonly referred to as HSPA+ was the major trend in 2010. HSPA+ networks supporting up to 42 Mbps peak downlink data speed are market reality, and some operators are already preparing to introduce the next evolutionary step of 84 Mbps.
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “HSPA+ is now mainstream. This has been achieved in only 23 months since the first HSPA+ system was commercially launched. The recent trend was for operators introducing mobile broadband services to launch with HSPA. Most operators entering the market today are going straight to HSPA+.” [continues after graphic."
So far, 416 operators have committed to HSPA network deployments in 161 countries. HSPA is the first evolution of WCDMA and has been deployed by more than 99 percent of WCDMA operators. Commercial HSPA services are launched on 380 networks, 20 percent higher than a year ago. The number of markets where HSPA systems are launched has reached 155 countries, compared to 133 countries one year ago.
Network data speeds are rapidly evolving:
* 247 HSPA networks (65 percent) support 7.2 Mbps or higher peak downlink capability.
* Over 35 percent of HSPA operators have launched HSUPA for fast data uploading performance.
* The introduction of evolved HSPA systems – HSPA Evolution, commonly referred to as HSPA+ was the major trend in 2010. HSPA+ networks supporting up to 42 Mbps peak downlink data speed are market reality, and some operators are already preparing to introduce the next evolutionary step of 84 Mbps.
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “HSPA+ is now mainstream. This has been achieved in only 23 months since the first HSPA+ system was commercially launched. The recent trend was for operators introducing mobile broadband services to launch with HSPA. Most operators entering the market today are going straight to HSPA+.” [continues after graphic."
Icera announces world's smallest HSPA+ voice and data platform for Android smartphones
BRISTOL, UK: Icera Inc., the soft modem company, announced that it is sampling the latest in its Espresso platform series, targeted at HSPA+ smartphones.
The Espresso450 comprises Icera’s latest baseband and RF technology and delivers quad band HSPA+ up to 28Mbps together with full quad band 2G/3G voice support functions in the industry’s smallest footprint, a tiny 700mm2.
Icera is already recognized as the performance leader in high speed cellular data technology, but the Espresso450 platform is the first to combine this with a complete radio interface layer for the Android operating system and full validated voice technology. As a result, phone manufacturers can now build products combining the world’s most powerful communications modem with their choice of the highest performance application processors to offer truly unique user experiences in the thinnest, lightest form factors, scaleable from 2G to 3G to 4G.
Stan Boland, president and CEO, Icera, said: "Icera has evolved quickly from its start-up phase to being established now as one of only two major vendors in the data-intensive mobile broadband chipset market, with Icera being famous for continuously offering the world’s highest performing chipsets. We are now taking the important step of applying this knowhow to the much larger smartphone market.
"We’re sure to produce the same results – transformation in user experience, much smaller form factors, new competitive cost points - and now with great voice quality too.”
Espresso450 uses Icera’s latest radio technology, the Livanto ICE9225 multi-mode transceiver and Livanto ICE8065 soft baseband processor. Implemented in low power 65nm CMOS technology, the ICE9225 radio delivers an unprecedented level of integration in a small 6x6 package.
ICE8065 comes in a small 7x7 package and is the latest in a new generation of 40nm soft baseband chips which runs all of the modem physical layer, protocol stack, voice codecs, echo cancellation, noise reduction and equalization in software. The result is that the Espresso450 platform delivers a high performance modem platform scaleable from 2G to 3G to 4G.
Icera’s entry into the smartphone market is set to drive a new wave of innovation and differentiation among smartphone manufacturers by allowing a new choice of selecting the best modem to partner with the best application processor without compromise. This permits super-fast product development cycles for new high performance phones which is a major factor for success in the fast-growing Android-based market.
Icera is engaged with leading application processor partners on pre-integration of the Espresso450 platform with the latest application processor platforms to accelerate the fast design of complete smartphones. Samples of first phones using Espresso450 will be showing at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month and first products are expected to ship in late 2011.
The Espresso450 comprises Icera’s latest baseband and RF technology and delivers quad band HSPA+ up to 28Mbps together with full quad band 2G/3G voice support functions in the industry’s smallest footprint, a tiny 700mm2.
Icera is already recognized as the performance leader in high speed cellular data technology, but the Espresso450 platform is the first to combine this with a complete radio interface layer for the Android operating system and full validated voice technology. As a result, phone manufacturers can now build products combining the world’s most powerful communications modem with their choice of the highest performance application processors to offer truly unique user experiences in the thinnest, lightest form factors, scaleable from 2G to 3G to 4G.
Stan Boland, president and CEO, Icera, said: "Icera has evolved quickly from its start-up phase to being established now as one of only two major vendors in the data-intensive mobile broadband chipset market, with Icera being famous for continuously offering the world’s highest performing chipsets. We are now taking the important step of applying this knowhow to the much larger smartphone market.
"We’re sure to produce the same results – transformation in user experience, much smaller form factors, new competitive cost points - and now with great voice quality too.”
Espresso450 uses Icera’s latest radio technology, the Livanto ICE9225 multi-mode transceiver and Livanto ICE8065 soft baseband processor. Implemented in low power 65nm CMOS technology, the ICE9225 radio delivers an unprecedented level of integration in a small 6x6 package.
ICE8065 comes in a small 7x7 package and is the latest in a new generation of 40nm soft baseband chips which runs all of the modem physical layer, protocol stack, voice codecs, echo cancellation, noise reduction and equalization in software. The result is that the Espresso450 platform delivers a high performance modem platform scaleable from 2G to 3G to 4G.
Icera’s entry into the smartphone market is set to drive a new wave of innovation and differentiation among smartphone manufacturers by allowing a new choice of selecting the best modem to partner with the best application processor without compromise. This permits super-fast product development cycles for new high performance phones which is a major factor for success in the fast-growing Android-based market.
Icera is engaged with leading application processor partners on pre-integration of the Espresso450 platform with the latest application processor platforms to accelerate the fast design of complete smartphones. Samples of first phones using Espresso450 will be showing at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month and first products are expected to ship in late 2011.
Mobile-only Internet users to reach 1 billion users by 2015
AUSTRALIA: The global market for mobile broadband will continue to grow rapidly, and by 2015, 1 billion people will use it as their only form of internet access, according to new research from Ovum.
This 1 billion cohort of mobile-only customers will account for 28 per cent of all mobile broadband users globally or 13 per cent of the world’s population by then.
Ovum forecasts that the Asia-Pacific will dominate the mobile-only broadband market, with users forecast to grow from 119.1 million in 2011 to 518.4 million by 2015.
“Asia-Pacific’s role is extremely important in the fixed-mobile services (FMS) space,” said Nicole McCormick, senior analyst at Ovum. “The region has the third highest penetration rate of 34 percent, and also has the fastest growing mobile-only penetration of any region.”
The main reason for the strength of the mobile broadband market in Asia-Pacific is a lack of fixed-line infrastructure in populous markets such as China and India.
But that doesn’t mean that fixed broadband won’t grow. Although mobile-only broadband services are growing quickly, broadband Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) services are forecast to increase by 120 percent globally in the five years to 2015. These users will purchase both fixed and mobile broadband services, providing significant revenue opportunities for service providers, according to a second new report from Ovum.
Ovum also predicts that FMC users in Asia-Pacific will increase from 259 million in 2011 to 465 million by 2015.
“In absolute terms, Asia-Pacific dominates the rest of the world, primarily due to the presence of China, Korea, and Japan, all of which have significant FTTx deployments and are large broadband markets – especially China,” said McCormick. “Bundling opportunities in Asia-Pacific are expected to gathering pace in Asia over the forecast period, as some operators continue to seek ways to protect their fixed line revenue bases.”
This 1 billion cohort of mobile-only customers will account for 28 per cent of all mobile broadband users globally or 13 per cent of the world’s population by then.
Ovum forecasts that the Asia-Pacific will dominate the mobile-only broadband market, with users forecast to grow from 119.1 million in 2011 to 518.4 million by 2015.
“Asia-Pacific’s role is extremely important in the fixed-mobile services (FMS) space,” said Nicole McCormick, senior analyst at Ovum. “The region has the third highest penetration rate of 34 percent, and also has the fastest growing mobile-only penetration of any region.”
The main reason for the strength of the mobile broadband market in Asia-Pacific is a lack of fixed-line infrastructure in populous markets such as China and India.
But that doesn’t mean that fixed broadband won’t grow. Although mobile-only broadband services are growing quickly, broadband Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) services are forecast to increase by 120 percent globally in the five years to 2015. These users will purchase both fixed and mobile broadband services, providing significant revenue opportunities for service providers, according to a second new report from Ovum.
Ovum also predicts that FMC users in Asia-Pacific will increase from 259 million in 2011 to 465 million by 2015.
“In absolute terms, Asia-Pacific dominates the rest of the world, primarily due to the presence of China, Korea, and Japan, all of which have significant FTTx deployments and are large broadband markets – especially China,” said McCormick. “Bundling opportunities in Asia-Pacific are expected to gathering pace in Asia over the forecast period, as some operators continue to seek ways to protect their fixed line revenue bases.”
Hong Kong Broadband Network spearheads next-gen Internet network with Cisco CRS-3 carrier routing system
HONG KONG: Cisco and Hong Kong Broadband Network Ltd (HKBN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of City Telecom (HK) Ltd, has announced a pioneering move in Asia.
HKBN, a leading service provider, has committed to the Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System as the foundation for its core Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) to cope with the surging trend of bandwidth demand and to extend its network coverage.
According to the Cisco Visual Networking Index, annual global IP traffic will exceed three-quarters of a zettabyte by 2014. Internet utilization by various forms of video such as TV, video on demand, Internet video, etc. is increasing and is expected to exceed 91 percent of global consumer traffic by 2014.
To cope with this rapidly growing demand, HKBN, a forward-thinking service provider, realizes the need for a core router with strong investment protection to support its world-class voice, video and Internet services.
HKBN believes that, with the Cisco CRS-3's industry-leading scale, operating efficiency and superior service features, it can be assured of maintaining its "Speed Guarantee" to customers, whereby 80 percent steady speed is ensured amid the escalating Internet demands of businesses and consumers.
HKBN, a leading service provider, has committed to the Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System as the foundation for its core Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) to cope with the surging trend of bandwidth demand and to extend its network coverage.
According to the Cisco Visual Networking Index, annual global IP traffic will exceed three-quarters of a zettabyte by 2014. Internet utilization by various forms of video such as TV, video on demand, Internet video, etc. is increasing and is expected to exceed 91 percent of global consumer traffic by 2014.
To cope with this rapidly growing demand, HKBN, a forward-thinking service provider, realizes the need for a core router with strong investment protection to support its world-class voice, video and Internet services.
HKBN believes that, with the Cisco CRS-3's industry-leading scale, operating efficiency and superior service features, it can be assured of maintaining its "Speed Guarantee" to customers, whereby 80 percent steady speed is ensured amid the escalating Internet demands of businesses and consumers.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Proteus from ISCO enables maximum spectrum utilization
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, USA: ISCO International, LLC, a leading provider of flexible spectrum conditioning solutions for wireless service providers, today announced Proteus, a new product that “clears the air” of radio interference that infringes upon users trying to connect to a base station for voice or data service.
PurePass, the new all digital technology in Proteus, passes an RF signal free of unwanted co-channel and adjacent RF power that comes from a variety of sources such as adjacent wireless operators, wi-fi transmitters and random, unpredictable sources such as: CATV equipment, bi-directional amplifiers, cross-border transmissions and even baby monitors. This ensures the cleanest signal with the smallest guard bands is passed to the base station even in the most difficult environments, such as dense urban, special events, coastal and border areas.
"The use of Digital Signal Processing to actively monitor, groom and condition the uplink signal will substantially reduce the amount of spectrum wasted to guard bands, ingress from adjacent RF power and co-channel interference," said Gordon Reichard Jr., CEO of ISCO International. "Spectrum can instead be used to permit more carriers, more calls, and greater data throughput. In addition, Proteus can help our customers balance capital spending between their new 4G networks and the need to support, maintain and operate their existing 3G networks through maximum utilization of their existing spectrum.”
As they convert to 4G, wireless operators have the challenge of squeezing more traffic into their limited 3G spectrum. They will need to operate and grow 3G capacity for at least the next three years to support continuing voice traffic, overflow data traffic from 4G, coverage gaps and legacy customers. ISCO’s new Proteus product enables more capacity to be squeezed from existing 3G spectrum and infrastructure, allowing more capital to be allocated for next generation network deployments.
The Proteus platform supports CDMA, UMTS, HSUPA and HSPA+. ISCO’s new PurePass RF Digital Signal Processing operates so fast that interference due to co-channel frequency-hopped GSM can be removed from CDMA or UMTS carriers.
The company plans to formally introduce a 4G version later in 2011.
Proteus offers three unique capabilities designed to eliminate service-degrading physical layer impairments:
User-Defined Band Rejection, Carrier Select Conditioning and Adaptive Interference Mitigation (AIM), which are based on ISCO’s proprietary PurePass technology.
User Defined Band Rejection allows the operator to reject specific unwanted RF power that exists either in-band or in an adjacent band.
Carrier Select Conditioning enables the operator to define the specific carriers in use and only pass that RF power to the base station, delivering enhanced adjacent channel selectivity.
PurePass AIM proactively identifies co-channel interference and removes its RF power before being received by the radio channel cards, resulting in optimal reverse link performance.
The analysis software tool SpectrumView can be purchased separately to gain visibility into the condition of the spectrum that Proteus is conditioning. SpectrumView provides spectral data including information pertaining to specific interference and a general status of the environment.
Proteus has been successfully tested by major wireless operators located in the U.S. and Europe.
PurePass, the new all digital technology in Proteus, passes an RF signal free of unwanted co-channel and adjacent RF power that comes from a variety of sources such as adjacent wireless operators, wi-fi transmitters and random, unpredictable sources such as: CATV equipment, bi-directional amplifiers, cross-border transmissions and even baby monitors. This ensures the cleanest signal with the smallest guard bands is passed to the base station even in the most difficult environments, such as dense urban, special events, coastal and border areas.
"The use of Digital Signal Processing to actively monitor, groom and condition the uplink signal will substantially reduce the amount of spectrum wasted to guard bands, ingress from adjacent RF power and co-channel interference," said Gordon Reichard Jr., CEO of ISCO International. "Spectrum can instead be used to permit more carriers, more calls, and greater data throughput. In addition, Proteus can help our customers balance capital spending between their new 4G networks and the need to support, maintain and operate their existing 3G networks through maximum utilization of their existing spectrum.”
As they convert to 4G, wireless operators have the challenge of squeezing more traffic into their limited 3G spectrum. They will need to operate and grow 3G capacity for at least the next three years to support continuing voice traffic, overflow data traffic from 4G, coverage gaps and legacy customers. ISCO’s new Proteus product enables more capacity to be squeezed from existing 3G spectrum and infrastructure, allowing more capital to be allocated for next generation network deployments.
The Proteus platform supports CDMA, UMTS, HSUPA and HSPA+. ISCO’s new PurePass RF Digital Signal Processing operates so fast that interference due to co-channel frequency-hopped GSM can be removed from CDMA or UMTS carriers.
The company plans to formally introduce a 4G version later in 2011.
Proteus offers three unique capabilities designed to eliminate service-degrading physical layer impairments:
User-Defined Band Rejection, Carrier Select Conditioning and Adaptive Interference Mitigation (AIM), which are based on ISCO’s proprietary PurePass technology.
User Defined Band Rejection allows the operator to reject specific unwanted RF power that exists either in-band or in an adjacent band.
Carrier Select Conditioning enables the operator to define the specific carriers in use and only pass that RF power to the base station, delivering enhanced adjacent channel selectivity.
PurePass AIM proactively identifies co-channel interference and removes its RF power before being received by the radio channel cards, resulting in optimal reverse link performance.
The analysis software tool SpectrumView can be purchased separately to gain visibility into the condition of the spectrum that Proteus is conditioning. SpectrumView provides spectral data including information pertaining to specific interference and a general status of the environment.
Proteus has been successfully tested by major wireless operators located in the U.S. and Europe.
Iridium signs new value-added partners for satellite mobile data products
MCLEAN, USA: Iridium Communications Inc. has signed agreements with five new value-added partners to market Iridium-based data solutions for the mobile machine-to-machine (M2M) sector. These new partnerships, including the company's first-ever consumer Iridium short-burst data (SBD) relationships, open up numerous customer opportunities.
"Alliances with well-established, world-class partners will spearhead our growth, and solidify our market leadership, in transportation, industrial, security, consumer and other higher-volume sectors," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. "The companies will leverage Iridium's global, low-latency, two-way satellite data links and our next-generation Iridium 9602 SBD transceiver to create innovative, low-cost M2M solutions for broad-based government, commercial and consumer markets."
The new partners are:
ACR Electronics, a subsidiary of Cobham plc, manufactures safety and survival products for marine, aviation and military markets. As an Iridium Value Added Reseller (VAR), ACR is extending its range of renowned emergency distress alerting beacons to include true global two-way text messaging and tracking capabilities. The company will be offering its innovative TXT-100 device together with a range of airtime contracts through its extensive global distribution network.
DeLorme is the longtime leader in breakthrough mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets, and creator of the Earthmate GPS receiver. The company's business and government solutions include a variety of World and North America mapping datasets -- owned and produced by DeLorme -- as well as flexible XMap GIS software tools.
Digi International is a leading developer of wireless M2M solutions. From satellite to ZigBee, its wireless products connect devices in telematics, fleet management, industrial, government, Smart Energy and numerous other applications. Digi also offers the iDigi cloud Web-hosted service, which makes it easy to integrate devices into a company's back-end systems.
KORE Telematics, the world's largest global communications services provider with 100 percent focus in M2M communications, is partnering with Iridium to integrate satellite connectivity into its market-leading PRiSMPro platform, delivering this expanded services capability to its partners across the globe. Satellite connectivity is a natural complement to the extensive KORE cellular deliveries which, in partnership with leading worldwide carriers, include both CDMA and GSM technologies. With Iridium, KORE now provides truly global coverage for applications in supply chain management, logistics, industrial monitoring and multiple other industries.
Xact Technology LLC is a leading solutions provider for the GPS tracking, Location-Based Services (LBS) and M2M industries. Xact's open architecture platform (hardware, software, data networks and user-interface portals) offers end-to-end solutions in less time and with lower cost.
"With these partnerships, Iridium is aligning itself with best-of-breed companies that are the clear market leaders in remote tracking, monitoring and control applications," said Patrick Shay, vice president of data services, Iridium. "These are industry-leading M2M companies with the expertise, customer relationships and market clout that will further accelerate market growth for Iridium's satellite data business."
Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, commented: "Iridium's new low-cost SBD transceiver and partnerships with established world-class players in the mobile data industry will further accelerate Iridium's already rapid growth in the M2M sector. We believe the company is well positioned to capture a significant share of the market for low-data-rate mobile satellite devices, which is projected to grow by more than 20 percent annually to more than 3.4 million units in service by the end of 2014."
Iridium is announcing these new agreements this week at its 2011 Partners Conference in New Orleans, where more than 400 representatives from 150 partner companies around the globe are in attendance.
"Alliances with well-established, world-class partners will spearhead our growth, and solidify our market leadership, in transportation, industrial, security, consumer and other higher-volume sectors," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. "The companies will leverage Iridium's global, low-latency, two-way satellite data links and our next-generation Iridium 9602 SBD transceiver to create innovative, low-cost M2M solutions for broad-based government, commercial and consumer markets."
The new partners are:
ACR Electronics, a subsidiary of Cobham plc, manufactures safety and survival products for marine, aviation and military markets. As an Iridium Value Added Reseller (VAR), ACR is extending its range of renowned emergency distress alerting beacons to include true global two-way text messaging and tracking capabilities. The company will be offering its innovative TXT-100 device together with a range of airtime contracts through its extensive global distribution network.
DeLorme is the longtime leader in breakthrough mapping and GPS solutions for both consumer and professional markets, and creator of the Earthmate GPS receiver. The company's business and government solutions include a variety of World and North America mapping datasets -- owned and produced by DeLorme -- as well as flexible XMap GIS software tools.
Digi International is a leading developer of wireless M2M solutions. From satellite to ZigBee, its wireless products connect devices in telematics, fleet management, industrial, government, Smart Energy and numerous other applications. Digi also offers the iDigi cloud Web-hosted service, which makes it easy to integrate devices into a company's back-end systems.
KORE Telematics, the world's largest global communications services provider with 100 percent focus in M2M communications, is partnering with Iridium to integrate satellite connectivity into its market-leading PRiSMPro platform, delivering this expanded services capability to its partners across the globe. Satellite connectivity is a natural complement to the extensive KORE cellular deliveries which, in partnership with leading worldwide carriers, include both CDMA and GSM technologies. With Iridium, KORE now provides truly global coverage for applications in supply chain management, logistics, industrial monitoring and multiple other industries.
Xact Technology LLC is a leading solutions provider for the GPS tracking, Location-Based Services (LBS) and M2M industries. Xact's open architecture platform (hardware, software, data networks and user-interface portals) offers end-to-end solutions in less time and with lower cost.
"With these partnerships, Iridium is aligning itself with best-of-breed companies that are the clear market leaders in remote tracking, monitoring and control applications," said Patrick Shay, vice president of data services, Iridium. "These are industry-leading M2M companies with the expertise, customer relationships and market clout that will further accelerate market growth for Iridium's satellite data business."
Tim Farrar, president of TMF Associates, commented: "Iridium's new low-cost SBD transceiver and partnerships with established world-class players in the mobile data industry will further accelerate Iridium's already rapid growth in the M2M sector. We believe the company is well positioned to capture a significant share of the market for low-data-rate mobile satellite devices, which is projected to grow by more than 20 percent annually to more than 3.4 million units in service by the end of 2014."
Iridium is announcing these new agreements this week at its 2011 Partners Conference in New Orleans, where more than 400 representatives from 150 partner companies around the globe are in attendance.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Context-dependent services - a significant revenue source for MNOs
PADERBORN, GERMANY: Tomorrow's end users will be looking for complex offerings involving personalized services. Mobile network operators will be able to generate revenue from a wide range of additional services like context, mobile advertising and application.
The growth of context-dependent services underscores the changing nature of "context" as a concept. Subscribers are more mobile than ever and this means location is now dynamic. Orga Systems, #1 choice for real-time charging and billing, offers real-time based solutions, meeting future customer needs.
Context for customer interaction and enhanced user experience
These mobile consumers provide considerable revenue opportunities for mobile network operators. Their increasing interest in context-dependent services, underlined by their usage behavior, is only one indicator for this fact.
What is more is the fact that these context-dependent services provide an excellent opportunity for providers to set up positive costumer communication and interact in the very moment of action. This means that customer experience in general can be enhanced significantly by making use of context-dependent service assets.
Offering context-aware services while using existing billing systems
Context-dependent services are experiencing massive growth rates. This growth has been even more rapid than any analyst had predicted only a few years ago. Thinking of these many users, operators can imagine how great the opportunities for revenue increase for these services are. Orga Systems offers charging and billing services for context-dependent online charging in real time.
Orga Systems minimizes expenditures for communication service providers by providing interfaces that allow local providers to offer their customers context-aware services while using pre-existing billing systems.
The growth of context-dependent services underscores the changing nature of "context" as a concept. Subscribers are more mobile than ever and this means location is now dynamic. Orga Systems, #1 choice for real-time charging and billing, offers real-time based solutions, meeting future customer needs.
Context for customer interaction and enhanced user experience
These mobile consumers provide considerable revenue opportunities for mobile network operators. Their increasing interest in context-dependent services, underlined by their usage behavior, is only one indicator for this fact.
What is more is the fact that these context-dependent services provide an excellent opportunity for providers to set up positive costumer communication and interact in the very moment of action. This means that customer experience in general can be enhanced significantly by making use of context-dependent service assets.
Offering context-aware services while using existing billing systems
Context-dependent services are experiencing massive growth rates. This growth has been even more rapid than any analyst had predicted only a few years ago. Thinking of these many users, operators can imagine how great the opportunities for revenue increase for these services are. Orga Systems offers charging and billing services for context-dependent online charging in real time.
Orga Systems minimizes expenditures for communication service providers by providing interfaces that allow local providers to offer their customers context-aware services while using pre-existing billing systems.
Monday, January 24, 2011
airtel makes its 3G debut
BENGALURU, INDIA: Bharti airtel, India’s largest telecom company, announced the launch of its 3G service in India – bringing the airtel internet experience on 3G first to Karnataka – its largest circle by revenue market share.
airtel is targeting to launch in all 13 3G license circles by March 2011. airtel introduces easy-to-understand intuitive 3G tariffs with personalised data usage limits.
airtel 3G customers will be empowered to manage their 3G data usage alert and prevent ‘bill shock’ with proactive, personalized and timely data usage alerts.
Announcing this, Sanjay Kapoor, CEO - Bharti airtel Ltd (India & South Asia) said: “It is indeed the start of a new era when 3G services in India roll out on airtel's network. World over ‘Data traffic’ on the back of high speed internet and use of social networking has already exceeded the ‘Voice traffic’.
"India is ushering in the domain – though later than most of the world - but no doubt we will catch up at a much faster speed. 3G is much more than a technology migration - it is a transformational shift - and airtel's focus would be to bring to its customers an enriched user experience on the back of a world class delivery network. I welcome all 745 million mobile customers of the country to be a part of this journey with airtel!"
airtel’s 3G services, delivered on a state-of-the-art high speed HSPA network, usher in a new era of unique life enriching services in entertainment, utility, commerce and health – all now on the customer’s mobile phone. The airtel internet on 3G gives customers the power of higher speeds to enjoy multimedia services, high speed mobile broadband and internet access with the ability to view videos on your mobile phone, make video calls, watch live TV, access high speed internet and enjoy live streaming at never before speeds.
The launch of its 3G services is a key milestone in Bharti airtel’s vision to play a leading role in delivering the power of the mobile internet to an increasing number of people in India. With the mobile industry across the world expecting to connect 2.4 billion people to the internet over the next five years, most for the first time, it is incumbent upon service providers to bring all the ecosystem players together in a cohesive manner – handset manufacturers, equipment vendors, application developers and even consumers – to scale up the penetration for 3G services in the country.
Keeping the focus on the user experience and relevant services, airtel’s 3G plans are personalised and simple to understand:
. Time-based plans for light users of data – where usage and billing will be by hour.
. Flexi-shield plans for heavy users of data – where usage and billing will be capped.
airtel is targeting to launch in all 13 3G license circles by March 2011. airtel introduces easy-to-understand intuitive 3G tariffs with personalised data usage limits. airtel 3G customers will be empowered to manage their 3G data usage alert and prevent ‘bill shock’ with proactive, personalized and timely data usage alerts.
Announcing this, Sanjay Kapoor, CEO - Bharti airtel Ltd (India & South Asia) said: “It is indeed the start of a new era when 3G services in India roll out on airtel's network. World over ‘Data traffic’ on the back of high speed internet and use of social networking has already exceeded the ‘Voice traffic’.
"India is ushering in the domain – though later than most of the world - but no doubt we will catch up at a much faster speed. 3G is much more than a technology migration - it is a transformational shift - and airtel's focus would be to bring to its customers an enriched user experience on the back of a world class delivery network. I welcome all 745 million mobile customers of the country to be a part of this journey with airtel!"
airtel’s 3G services, delivered on a state-of-the-art high speed HSPA network, usher in a new era of unique life enriching services in entertainment, utility, commerce and health – all now on the customer’s mobile phone. The airtel internet on 3G gives customers the power of higher speeds to enjoy multimedia services, high speed mobile broadband and internet access with the ability to view videos on your mobile phone, make video calls, watch live TV, access high speed internet and enjoy live streaming at never before speeds.
The launch of its 3G services is a key milestone in Bharti airtel’s vision to play a leading role in delivering the power of the mobile internet to an increasing number of people in India. With the mobile industry across the world expecting to connect 2.4 billion people to the internet over the next five years, most for the first time, it is incumbent upon service providers to bring all the ecosystem players together in a cohesive manner – handset manufacturers, equipment vendors, application developers and even consumers – to scale up the penetration for 3G services in the country.
Keeping the focus on the user experience and relevant services, airtel’s 3G plans are personalised and simple to understand:
. Time-based plans for light users of data – where usage and billing will be by hour.
. Flexi-shield plans for heavy users of data – where usage and billing will be capped.
Time for digital content owners to monetize their assets through mobile marketing
NEW YORK, USA: Faster networks, better smartphones, and an avalanche of apps, games and entertainment mean one thing: a steady and increasingly rapid growth in mobile content consumption and the revenue it delivers.
But, mobile content markets vary in their characteristics and maturity, just as the companies considering mobile content marketing vary in their goals and readiness. The conclusion: some kinds of companies should push ahead with monetizing mobile content as soon as possible, while others should wait a little before taking the plunge.
“Digital game publishers, music companies, video producers, news outlets, and app developers should move ahead, if they haven’t already,” says ABI Research practice director Neil Strother. “They have the expertise, they have the content, and mobile consumers are already enthusiastic. On the other hand, non-media companies – especially those without content at hand – should take a breath.”
Such companies should study the strategies and performance of media companies with mobile content this year, and then prepare to enter the market next year or even later. Even media outlets such as book publishers, for example, should wait until the first handsets with E Ink displays appear.
Those that have entered the market by 2013 can expect to partake in revenue that will exceed $6 billion that year, rising to more than $10 billion by the end of 2016. Market growth will be driven in large part by the significant rise in the numbers of smartphone users combined with the improved performance available from 4G networks. As smartphone penetration grows, content providers need to have a plan or they may miss a growing opportunity.
The pickings are rich, but all companies in the mobile content marketplace will have to address persistent issues such as:
* content discovery.
* free content alternatives.
* competing dedicated devices.
* platform fragmentation.
* smartphone and data costs.
But, mobile content markets vary in their characteristics and maturity, just as the companies considering mobile content marketing vary in their goals and readiness. The conclusion: some kinds of companies should push ahead with monetizing mobile content as soon as possible, while others should wait a little before taking the plunge.
“Digital game publishers, music companies, video producers, news outlets, and app developers should move ahead, if they haven’t already,” says ABI Research practice director Neil Strother. “They have the expertise, they have the content, and mobile consumers are already enthusiastic. On the other hand, non-media companies – especially those without content at hand – should take a breath.”
Such companies should study the strategies and performance of media companies with mobile content this year, and then prepare to enter the market next year or even later. Even media outlets such as book publishers, for example, should wait until the first handsets with E Ink displays appear.
Those that have entered the market by 2013 can expect to partake in revenue that will exceed $6 billion that year, rising to more than $10 billion by the end of 2016. Market growth will be driven in large part by the significant rise in the numbers of smartphone users combined with the improved performance available from 4G networks. As smartphone penetration grows, content providers need to have a plan or they may miss a growing opportunity.
The pickings are rich, but all companies in the mobile content marketplace will have to address persistent issues such as:
* content discovery.
* free content alternatives.
* competing dedicated devices.
* platform fragmentation.
* smartphone and data costs.
SPIRIT powers QIP - unified IM service for PC and mobile users
MOSCOW, RUSSIA: SPIRIT DSP, the world's top voice and video over IP engines provider, has announced that its TeamSpirit 3.1 Voice and Video Engine is now powering a new version of QIP – a unified IM (Instant Messenger), serving about 20 million users in Russia and other countries.
The new version of the IM, called “QIP Infium” allows users to send instant messages and make PC-to-PC and PC-to-mobile IP voice and video calls. QIP Infium is also integrated with popular social networks, and allows sending SMS.
“QIP is a unified Russian IP service that now includes VVoIP-client," says a QIP representative. "Thanks to innovative SPIRIT technologies, QIP offers the full range of cutting edge features for Internet communications via a single application. High quality and reliable performance on any network and with any terminal equipment allows our subscribers to make IP calls wherever they are.”
“TeamSpirit is a proven voice and video over IP software platform for cross-terminal unified communication applications, such as QiP Infium and a number of other popular IP services provided by the largest world carriers, including Korea Telecom and China Mobile,” said SPIRIT's chairman Andrew Sviridenko.
“TeamSpirit enables telecom operators and service providers to offer interoperable multipoint videoconferencing IP services for the most popular PC and mobile endpoints, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS platforms. SPIRIT’s record-setting H.264SVC-based video server software supports up to 1000 concurrent video channels on a standard $4,000 PC, drastically cutting down video hardware infrastructure costs and offering HD quality videoconferencing services to millions of users.”
The new version of the IM, called “QIP Infium” allows users to send instant messages and make PC-to-PC and PC-to-mobile IP voice and video calls. QIP Infium is also integrated with popular social networks, and allows sending SMS.
“QIP is a unified Russian IP service that now includes VVoIP-client," says a QIP representative. "Thanks to innovative SPIRIT technologies, QIP offers the full range of cutting edge features for Internet communications via a single application. High quality and reliable performance on any network and with any terminal equipment allows our subscribers to make IP calls wherever they are.”
“TeamSpirit is a proven voice and video over IP software platform for cross-terminal unified communication applications, such as QiP Infium and a number of other popular IP services provided by the largest world carriers, including Korea Telecom and China Mobile,” said SPIRIT's chairman Andrew Sviridenko.
“TeamSpirit enables telecom operators and service providers to offer interoperable multipoint videoconferencing IP services for the most popular PC and mobile endpoints, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS platforms. SPIRIT’s record-setting H.264SVC-based video server software supports up to 1000 concurrent video channels on a standard $4,000 PC, drastically cutting down video hardware infrastructure costs and offering HD quality videoconferencing services to millions of users.”
Carriers, advertising and niches are future of location-based revenues
LONDON, ENGLAND: In 2010, the Location-Based Services (LBS) industry was abuzz with free navigation, application stores, social networking and advertising. Now that LBS wishes are being granted, how will market participants generate revenue?
Everything for free, but is Location-Based Advertising (LBA) big enough?
Without counting the likes of Google and Facebook, LBA for free applications will have grown to almost $1.5 billion in 2016. This will keep many an app developer happy, yet it still represents less than 20% of the overall market. The message here is simple: LBA alone will not support everyone and there will be significant casualties.
Off-deck application stores: an application market bubble?
Off-deck LBS subscriptions/downloads, although very new to this market, already exceed on-deck and carrier subscriptions/downloads. Yet, revenues remain an order of magnitude lower. Off-deck stores present a great way of unleashing the long tail of LBS. However discovery, fragmentation and application imitation are now huge issues. “The initial gold rush is ending and the easy money is being chased out of the market,” says ABI Research senior analyst Patrick Connolly. ”Expect to hear a lot more about web-based apps in 2011 and 2012.”
On-deck carriers: revenues are bigger and getting easier
On-deck is quite the opposite, with only a handful of developers dominating. According to practice director Dominique Bonte, “While revenue share agreements are less favorable for developers, carrier control over pre-installation and service bundling helps to rapidly create a huge installed base of monthly paying users. APIs are opening up and location aggregation is getting serious. As this market expands worldwide, so will opportunities for developers.”
LBS app developers: what’s left for them after Google and Facebook?
Returning to the long tail theme, there are still huge opportunities to turn niche LBS into a mainstream market. The fitness and outdoor pursuits market is a great example, where companies such as Navionics, Runkeeper, SatSports, geocaching.com, Augmentra and FullPower are all either in, or approaching, the millions of users, outstripping sales of hardware devices.
Everything for free, but is Location-Based Advertising (LBA) big enough?
Without counting the likes of Google and Facebook, LBA for free applications will have grown to almost $1.5 billion in 2016. This will keep many an app developer happy, yet it still represents less than 20% of the overall market. The message here is simple: LBA alone will not support everyone and there will be significant casualties.
Off-deck application stores: an application market bubble?
Off-deck LBS subscriptions/downloads, although very new to this market, already exceed on-deck and carrier subscriptions/downloads. Yet, revenues remain an order of magnitude lower. Off-deck stores present a great way of unleashing the long tail of LBS. However discovery, fragmentation and application imitation are now huge issues. “The initial gold rush is ending and the easy money is being chased out of the market,” says ABI Research senior analyst Patrick Connolly. ”Expect to hear a lot more about web-based apps in 2011 and 2012.”
On-deck carriers: revenues are bigger and getting easier
On-deck is quite the opposite, with only a handful of developers dominating. According to practice director Dominique Bonte, “While revenue share agreements are less favorable for developers, carrier control over pre-installation and service bundling helps to rapidly create a huge installed base of monthly paying users. APIs are opening up and location aggregation is getting serious. As this market expands worldwide, so will opportunities for developers.”
LBS app developers: what’s left for them after Google and Facebook?
Returning to the long tail theme, there are still huge opportunities to turn niche LBS into a mainstream market. The fitness and outdoor pursuits market is a great example, where companies such as Navionics, Runkeeper, SatSports, geocaching.com, Augmentra and FullPower are all either in, or approaching, the millions of users, outstripping sales of hardware devices.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Symena supports NGMN vision of the future
VIENNA, AUSTRIA: Symena, a leader automatic cell planning and optimization technologies across the network life cycle from planning to SON, announced that it has joined the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN), a global initiative founded by the world’s top mobile operators and dedicated to the ongoing development of innovative technology and standardization guidelines for next generation of mobile networks.
The NGMN Alliance is a forum to share, assess, and drive aspects of mobile broadband technologies focusing on LTE and its evolution. The vision of the NGMN Alliance is to provide a platform for innovation by moving towards one integrated network for the seamless introduction of mobile broadband services. In addition, this network will coexist with other networks while it facilitates smooth migration from, and is capable of replacing, existing networks.
“We are pleased to announce our participation in the NGMN Alliance. We look forward to making innovative contributions to the next generation of mobile wireless networks,” said Dr Thomas Neubauer, MD, Symena. “In many respects NGMN is setting the pace of innovation particularly where it comes to SON for LTE and other standards. Our participation in the Alliance will assist us in understanding the needs of the world’s leading operators.”
“We are delighted to welcome Symena as partner of NGMN. Symena is one of a growing number of sponsors in the category of ‘small and entrepreneurial enterprises.’ We look forward to their active participation in the Alliance’s programs,” said Dr. Peter Meissner, operating officer of NGMN.
Symena will exhibit at the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain, 14/17 February 2011.
The NGMN Alliance is a forum to share, assess, and drive aspects of mobile broadband technologies focusing on LTE and its evolution. The vision of the NGMN Alliance is to provide a platform for innovation by moving towards one integrated network for the seamless introduction of mobile broadband services. In addition, this network will coexist with other networks while it facilitates smooth migration from, and is capable of replacing, existing networks.
“We are pleased to announce our participation in the NGMN Alliance. We look forward to making innovative contributions to the next generation of mobile wireless networks,” said Dr Thomas Neubauer, MD, Symena. “In many respects NGMN is setting the pace of innovation particularly where it comes to SON for LTE and other standards. Our participation in the Alliance will assist us in understanding the needs of the world’s leading operators.”
“We are delighted to welcome Symena as partner of NGMN. Symena is one of a growing number of sponsors in the category of ‘small and entrepreneurial enterprises.’ We look forward to their active participation in the Alliance’s programs,” said Dr. Peter Meissner, operating officer of NGMN.
Symena will exhibit at the Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain, 14/17 February 2011.
EqcoLogic ships Ethernet (IP) over coax adaptors (FastECoax7501) with PoE
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM & DALLAS, USA: EqcoLogic is shipping its new Ethernet over 75-Ohm coaxial cable adaptors for IP camera and Networked Video Recorder (NVR) systems. The adaptors consist of a transmitter (master) and receiver (slave) set, which send Ethernet signalling over coaxial cable with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Coax (PoC) support.
The adaptors (FastECoax7501M and FastECoax7501S) use EqcoLogic’s EQCO875SC transceiver circuit enabling full duplex 100BaseT communication together with power transmission over a single, low cost coaxial (COAX) cable. They support up to 240 meters of Coax cable, depending on type and quality.
EqcoLogic’s Ethernet IP adaptor is ideal for industrial and security cameras where IP cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVR) have rapidly growing shares of the CCTV market. Normally, an IP camera using CAT 5 cable can only support lengths up to 100 meters. With the EQCO875SC circuit, low-cost, long haul connections can be made even using pre-existing coax infrastructure. This allows the conversion of existing analog camera and video server systems (using 75 ohm COAX cabling) to digital with no need to re-install cable.
“One of the barriers to IP camera and NVR adoption is the requirement to change out cabling from coaxial to CAT5/CAT6. There are millions of miles of existing installed coaxial cable used for analog cameras and digital video recorders (DVR). We are enabling IP camera system installers to utilize existing coaxial cable without having to incur the expense to change out cable to add digital capability,” said Zeph Freeman, VP Business Development for EqcoLogic. “Our solution allows NVR (and Hybrid) systems and Ethernet switches to send PoE and PoC for powering remote cameras and devices.”
EQCO875SC supports key protocols including Ethernet (fast and gigabit), IEEE 1394b (Firewire) and LVDS. Markets include security, industrial, automotive and factory automation where the EQCO875SC enables high performance and low cost networking with coax cables.
The FastECoax7501M (Master) and the FastECoax7501S (Slave) are priced at $88.00 ($176 for the pair) for small order quantities. Volume discounts are available.
The adaptors (FastECoax7501M and FastECoax7501S) use EqcoLogic’s EQCO875SC transceiver circuit enabling full duplex 100BaseT communication together with power transmission over a single, low cost coaxial (COAX) cable. They support up to 240 meters of Coax cable, depending on type and quality.
EqcoLogic’s Ethernet IP adaptor is ideal for industrial and security cameras where IP cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVR) have rapidly growing shares of the CCTV market. Normally, an IP camera using CAT 5 cable can only support lengths up to 100 meters. With the EQCO875SC circuit, low-cost, long haul connections can be made even using pre-existing coax infrastructure. This allows the conversion of existing analog camera and video server systems (using 75 ohm COAX cabling) to digital with no need to re-install cable.
“One of the barriers to IP camera and NVR adoption is the requirement to change out cabling from coaxial to CAT5/CAT6. There are millions of miles of existing installed coaxial cable used for analog cameras and digital video recorders (DVR). We are enabling IP camera system installers to utilize existing coaxial cable without having to incur the expense to change out cable to add digital capability,” said Zeph Freeman, VP Business Development for EqcoLogic. “Our solution allows NVR (and Hybrid) systems and Ethernet switches to send PoE and PoC for powering remote cameras and devices.”
EQCO875SC supports key protocols including Ethernet (fast and gigabit), IEEE 1394b (Firewire) and LVDS. Markets include security, industrial, automotive and factory automation where the EQCO875SC enables high performance and low cost networking with coax cables.
The FastECoax7501M (Master) and the FastECoax7501S (Slave) are priced at $88.00 ($176 for the pair) for small order quantities. Volume discounts are available.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Ceragon Networks acquires NERA Networks AS
PARAMUS, USA: Ceragon Networks Ltd, the provider of high-capacity, 4G/LTE-ready wireless backhaul networks, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Nera Networks AS (NAS), headquartered in Bergen, Norway from Eltek ASA. The consideration for the acquisition is approximately $48.5 million on a cash-free/debt free basis.
NAS is a leading manufacturer of microwave radio systems and a leading expert in long distance microwave links. With over 60 years of RF and microwave solutions design NAS is also well known for its excellent project management and turnkey project capabilities. The company has a global customer base, including several Tier One operators in Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Following the closing of the transaction, both companies' assets and core competencies will be combined into a single integrated organization, product family and customer base.
The transaction accelerates Ceragon's strategic plans, as the combination of the two companies achieves immediate scale and reach to enable Ceragon to successfully and fully capitalize on global opportunities; NAS' strength in Latin America and Africa complements Ceragon's position in Europe, Asia and North America, and adds experienced, professional services staff and capabilities around the world.
The combination of Ceragon and NAS will result in the industry's most complete family of both short and long-haul microwave backhaul solutions, with an advantageous cost structure as Ceragon's proven design to cost effectiveness is applied, over time, to the full product family.
The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and approximately $35 million of bank debt. The transaction is expected to be accretive on a quarterly basis by the end of 2011. On an annual basis, the acquisition is expected to be dilutive in 2011 and substantially accretive in 2012.
Once the integration has been completed and several additional quarters of operational improvements have been implemented, the company is targeting a combined operating model for 2012 with gross margins similar to Ceragon's current level, and operating profit of 10% based on a quarterly combined run rate revenue of about $150 million.
"This is a very important step for both our companies, and one which will allow us - together - to immediately become the premier microwave backhaul specialist at a crucial juncture for the industry," said Ira Palti, president and CEO of Ceragon Networks. "We are in the early stages of a period of demand driven by continued subscriber growth in key regions and exponential increases in mobile data. During such a period, scale and reach are particularly important. This combination enables us to achieve both and allows for smooth integration due to the complementary nature of the two companies."
Jorgen Larsen, CEO of Eltek ASA, said: "Eltek has evaluated several strategic alternatives for the future development of the microwave transmission activities in Nera Networks and we believe that a business combination of NAS with Ceragon, a leading wireless backhaul player, will provide the highest benefit to NAS' customer base."
NAS is a leading manufacturer of microwave radio systems and a leading expert in long distance microwave links. With over 60 years of RF and microwave solutions design NAS is also well known for its excellent project management and turnkey project capabilities. The company has a global customer base, including several Tier One operators in Europe, Latin America and Africa.
Following the closing of the transaction, both companies' assets and core competencies will be combined into a single integrated organization, product family and customer base.
The transaction accelerates Ceragon's strategic plans, as the combination of the two companies achieves immediate scale and reach to enable Ceragon to successfully and fully capitalize on global opportunities; NAS' strength in Latin America and Africa complements Ceragon's position in Europe, Asia and North America, and adds experienced, professional services staff and capabilities around the world.
The combination of Ceragon and NAS will result in the industry's most complete family of both short and long-haul microwave backhaul solutions, with an advantageous cost structure as Ceragon's proven design to cost effectiveness is applied, over time, to the full product family.
The acquisition will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and approximately $35 million of bank debt. The transaction is expected to be accretive on a quarterly basis by the end of 2011. On an annual basis, the acquisition is expected to be dilutive in 2011 and substantially accretive in 2012.
Once the integration has been completed and several additional quarters of operational improvements have been implemented, the company is targeting a combined operating model for 2012 with gross margins similar to Ceragon's current level, and operating profit of 10% based on a quarterly combined run rate revenue of about $150 million.
"This is a very important step for both our companies, and one which will allow us - together - to immediately become the premier microwave backhaul specialist at a crucial juncture for the industry," said Ira Palti, president and CEO of Ceragon Networks. "We are in the early stages of a period of demand driven by continued subscriber growth in key regions and exponential increases in mobile data. During such a period, scale and reach are particularly important. This combination enables us to achieve both and allows for smooth integration due to the complementary nature of the two companies."
Jorgen Larsen, CEO of Eltek ASA, said: "Eltek has evaluated several strategic alternatives for the future development of the microwave transmission activities in Nera Networks and we believe that a business combination of NAS with Ceragon, a leading wireless backhaul player, will provide the highest benefit to NAS' customer base."
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
EXFO launches first all-in-one packet network synchronization test unit
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA: EXFO Inc. announced the launch of the SyncWatch-110 Synchronization Testing Unit, a highly versatile test and monitoring solution for next-generation synchronization technologies, including performance assessment of synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and Precision Time protocol (IEEE 1588v2).
As mobile backhaul networks evolve to support packet-based transmission, maintaining accurate synchronization becomes critical to network performance. If left unchecked, synchronization errors can cause a significant loss of data, reduced network capacity and dropped calls. EXFO's SyncWatch-110 test unit is purpose-built for qualifying and monitoring next-generation networks that use IEEE 1588v2 and/or SyncE technologies, while maintaining support of traditional TDM synchronization testing.
The SyncWatch-110's software engine is capable of analyzing the IEEE 1588v2 timing packets and reporting on a number of packet metrics. What's more, the SyncWatch-110 unit supports different modes of operation for testing that is adapted to service-provider applications, allowing users to leverage it for the entire network lifecycle—from turn-up to troubleshooting and monitoring.
In addition to the SyncWatch-110 testing unit, EXFO's FTB/IQS-8510B, FTB/IQS-8510G and FTB/IQS-8120NGE/8130NGE modules now support the capture and analysis of IEEE 1588v2 protocol for all Ethernet rates up to 10 Gbit/s, ensuring that users can accurately troubleshoot packet network synchronization issues in the field.
"While mobile backhaul networks migrate toward an all-IP/Ethernet-centric infrastructure, it has never been more important for service providers to measure the pulse of their networks to ensure the highest quality of service to their ever-demanding customer base," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's VP, Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing.
"The versatility of the SyncWatch-110 enables operators to validate, qualify and monitor network synchronization throughout their entire migration plan."
As mobile backhaul networks evolve to support packet-based transmission, maintaining accurate synchronization becomes critical to network performance. If left unchecked, synchronization errors can cause a significant loss of data, reduced network capacity and dropped calls. EXFO's SyncWatch-110 test unit is purpose-built for qualifying and monitoring next-generation networks that use IEEE 1588v2 and/or SyncE technologies, while maintaining support of traditional TDM synchronization testing.
The SyncWatch-110's software engine is capable of analyzing the IEEE 1588v2 timing packets and reporting on a number of packet metrics. What's more, the SyncWatch-110 unit supports different modes of operation for testing that is adapted to service-provider applications, allowing users to leverage it for the entire network lifecycle—from turn-up to troubleshooting and monitoring.
In addition to the SyncWatch-110 testing unit, EXFO's FTB/IQS-8510B, FTB/IQS-8510G and FTB/IQS-8120NGE/8130NGE modules now support the capture and analysis of IEEE 1588v2 protocol for all Ethernet rates up to 10 Gbit/s, ensuring that users can accurately troubleshoot packet network synchronization issues in the field.
"While mobile backhaul networks migrate toward an all-IP/Ethernet-centric infrastructure, it has never been more important for service providers to measure the pulse of their networks to ensure the highest quality of service to their ever-demanding customer base," said Etienne Gagnon, EXFO's VP, Wireline Division and Corporate Marketing.
"The versatility of the SyncWatch-110 enables operators to validate, qualify and monitor network synchronization throughout their entire migration plan."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ringback tone advertising to hit $780 million annually by 2015 as consumers chase free airtime
HAMPSHIRE, UK: A new report from Juniper Research has highlighted the increasing popularity of ringback tone advertising, which is expected to be the destination of more than $780 million in annual adspend by 2015.
The ad format - where consumers opt-in to receive airtime or credit in return for allowing branded content as their ringback tone – has already been successfully implemented in a number of key markets, proving popular both with mobile users and leading brands.
The mobile advertising report found that some campaigns run on ringback tone advertising were currently generating substantial response rates: for example, a Pepsi campaign on Turkcell’s TonlaKazan service generated more than 25 million calls from 5 million users. Meanwhile, as ad-funded services are increasingly deployed in key ringback markets such as China and India, there is expected to be a gradual transition of service users across from paid-for ringback tone to capitalise on free airtime offers.
However, according to report author Dr Windsor Holden, for the channel to gain optimal adoption, it was essential that content placed within the ringbacks was non-intrusive. “While ringback tone advertising has a number of potential benefits for network operators – notably providing a new revenue stream and reducing customer churn – both they and the brands must ensure that the advertising is contextual and does not jar with those listening. Otherwise all parties – operators, brands, even the service subscribers – could face a backlash from disgruntled callers, conceivably
resulting in a decline in network voice traffic.”
Other key findings from the report include:
• Total advertising expenditure across all mobile channels is expected to reach $11.5 billion in 2015, up from $3.1 billion in 2010.
• Mobile channels are benefitting from brands’ strategic transition from above the line (ATL) to below the line (BTL) advertising.
• Retailers are increasingly seeking to offer smartphone apps as a key means of generating brand exposure.
The ad format - where consumers opt-in to receive airtime or credit in return for allowing branded content as their ringback tone – has already been successfully implemented in a number of key markets, proving popular both with mobile users and leading brands.
The mobile advertising report found that some campaigns run on ringback tone advertising were currently generating substantial response rates: for example, a Pepsi campaign on Turkcell’s TonlaKazan service generated more than 25 million calls from 5 million users. Meanwhile, as ad-funded services are increasingly deployed in key ringback markets such as China and India, there is expected to be a gradual transition of service users across from paid-for ringback tone to capitalise on free airtime offers.
However, according to report author Dr Windsor Holden, for the channel to gain optimal adoption, it was essential that content placed within the ringbacks was non-intrusive. “While ringback tone advertising has a number of potential benefits for network operators – notably providing a new revenue stream and reducing customer churn – both they and the brands must ensure that the advertising is contextual and does not jar with those listening. Otherwise all parties – operators, brands, even the service subscribers – could face a backlash from disgruntled callers, conceivably
resulting in a decline in network voice traffic.”
Other key findings from the report include:
• Total advertising expenditure across all mobile channels is expected to reach $11.5 billion in 2015, up from $3.1 billion in 2010.
• Mobile channels are benefitting from brands’ strategic transition from above the line (ATL) to below the line (BTL) advertising.
• Retailers are increasingly seeking to offer smartphone apps as a key means of generating brand exposure.
ip.access brings femtocell technology to smaller offices and shops
CAMBRIDGE, UK: Pioneering femtocell and picocell manufacturer, ip.access, announced a new addition to its nano3G range of Access Points, which provide in-building 3G coverage and capacity using the latest femto technology.
The new S class femtocell is designed for use in smaller offices and shops and can support up to eight simultaneous users. Easy to install and set up, the S class femtocell is based on the award-winning ip.access technology at the heart of AT&T’s 3G MicroCell – one of the world’s largest femtocell deployments.
Unlike residential femtocell units, however, the S class femtocells can be configured for open access, two-way handover with the macro network and real-time alarms, making them ideal for targeted deployment in high traffic or high value locations such as busy retail stores and offices.
Announcing the innovation, ip.access SVP of Product Management & Marketing Dr Andy Tiller said: “Indoor call, text and data traffic continues to rise and operators need to find cost effective solutions to boost both coverage and capacity on their networks.
“Home femtocells are fast becoming an integral part of operators’ network strategies, but some of the heaviest data usage occurs within offices and public indoor locations. Now, with our S class and E class nano3G products we can provide easy, open access, solutions that both improve the service for end users and ease network congestion for the mobile network operator.”
Both the S class and E class units are provided by ip.access as part of the nano3G end-to-end RAN solution for operators. The standalone S class unit can be easily installed by the end customer as it simply requires a power supply and an Internet connection. The new S class product is already in operator trials.
The more powerful, rugged E class unit is normally wall or ceiling mounted, or could even be installed in a roof void. This installation is typically undertaken by the operator.
“The beauty of these products is that they can be targeted at high traffic sites by operators and require very little investment to give a significant improvement in network performance,” added Tiller. “Everyone wins - in-building users, operators and the other customers of the network nearby.”
The new S class femtocell is designed for use in smaller offices and shops and can support up to eight simultaneous users. Easy to install and set up, the S class femtocell is based on the award-winning ip.access technology at the heart of AT&T’s 3G MicroCell – one of the world’s largest femtocell deployments.
Unlike residential femtocell units, however, the S class femtocells can be configured for open access, two-way handover with the macro network and real-time alarms, making them ideal for targeted deployment in high traffic or high value locations such as busy retail stores and offices.
Announcing the innovation, ip.access SVP of Product Management & Marketing Dr Andy Tiller said: “Indoor call, text and data traffic continues to rise and operators need to find cost effective solutions to boost both coverage and capacity on their networks.
“Home femtocells are fast becoming an integral part of operators’ network strategies, but some of the heaviest data usage occurs within offices and public indoor locations. Now, with our S class and E class nano3G products we can provide easy, open access, solutions that both improve the service for end users and ease network congestion for the mobile network operator.”
Both the S class and E class units are provided by ip.access as part of the nano3G end-to-end RAN solution for operators. The standalone S class unit can be easily installed by the end customer as it simply requires a power supply and an Internet connection. The new S class product is already in operator trials.
The more powerful, rugged E class unit is normally wall or ceiling mounted, or could even be installed in a roof void. This installation is typically undertaken by the operator.
“The beauty of these products is that they can be targeted at high traffic sites by operators and require very little investment to give a significant improvement in network performance,” added Tiller. “Everyone wins - in-building users, operators and the other customers of the network nearby.”
Ovum predicts how telecoms will fare in 2011
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Shifts in smartphone dominance, lower mobile subscriber growth in emerging markets and increasing demand from Web 2.0 enterprises for wholesale services are among the telecoms predictions for 2011 by independent analyst Ovum.
As the New Year begins, Ovum has released its predictions for the key issues and events that will shape the market in 2011. Broken down by analysts’ areas of coverage, the predictions provide a fascinating overview of the coming year for the telecoms industry.
Jan Dawson, Ovum’s chief telecoms analyst, said: “The telecoms landscape is changing rapidly and our predictions reflect that. Each of our practices has given their expert forecasts for the major shifts set to take place in their area over the coming year. The predictions make for compelling reading for anyone with an interest in the industry.”
Overview of Ovum’s telecoms predictions for 2011
Given here is a list of the top trends collated from Ovum’s Telecoms in 2011 predictions.
* Windows Phone 7 will upset the status quo in the smartphone market by becoming the fastest-growing smartphone platform.
* Android will overtake the iPhone as the favourite with mobile developers by end of the year.
* Cloud services will move from early adopter to the early mainstream stage and will have an impact on key emerging telco services.
* Broadband will provide the fastest and most promising growth in emerging markets.
* The emerging market mobile subscriber land grab will begin to end with single-digit or low double-digit growth becoming the norm as competition intensifies.
* Web 2.0 intermediaries will increase their demand for managed services at a wholesale level.
* Wholesale markets will begin to take off across emerging countries.
* The ‘fight’ for the connected/extended home will accelerate
* There will be debate around data business models and tariff strategies and the arrival of innovative new approaches to data service charging.
* Making prime spectrum bands available for mobile broadband will need to be a top priority.
* Regulators will become embroiled in a vigorously contested consultation process over the future of mobile termination rates.
* Telcos will invest in customer service centres and back office technology as the customer is put at the centre of their operations.
* There will be further shake outs in the telecoms supply chain and to fare well vendors will need to execute well in high-growth applications such as mobile broadband and support customers’ cost reduction and revenue growth.
* Optical component growth will moderate with demand led by 10, 40 and 100G products but the underlying business fundamentals of the market will remain unchanged, maintaining an unstable supply chain.
As the New Year begins, Ovum has released its predictions for the key issues and events that will shape the market in 2011. Broken down by analysts’ areas of coverage, the predictions provide a fascinating overview of the coming year for the telecoms industry.
Jan Dawson, Ovum’s chief telecoms analyst, said: “The telecoms landscape is changing rapidly and our predictions reflect that. Each of our practices has given their expert forecasts for the major shifts set to take place in their area over the coming year. The predictions make for compelling reading for anyone with an interest in the industry.”
Overview of Ovum’s telecoms predictions for 2011
Given here is a list of the top trends collated from Ovum’s Telecoms in 2011 predictions.
* Windows Phone 7 will upset the status quo in the smartphone market by becoming the fastest-growing smartphone platform.
* Android will overtake the iPhone as the favourite with mobile developers by end of the year.
* Cloud services will move from early adopter to the early mainstream stage and will have an impact on key emerging telco services.
* Broadband will provide the fastest and most promising growth in emerging markets.
* The emerging market mobile subscriber land grab will begin to end with single-digit or low double-digit growth becoming the norm as competition intensifies.
* Web 2.0 intermediaries will increase their demand for managed services at a wholesale level.
* Wholesale markets will begin to take off across emerging countries.
* The ‘fight’ for the connected/extended home will accelerate
* There will be debate around data business models and tariff strategies and the arrival of innovative new approaches to data service charging.
* Making prime spectrum bands available for mobile broadband will need to be a top priority.
* Regulators will become embroiled in a vigorously contested consultation process over the future of mobile termination rates.
* Telcos will invest in customer service centres and back office technology as the customer is put at the centre of their operations.
* There will be further shake outs in the telecoms supply chain and to fare well vendors will need to execute well in high-growth applications such as mobile broadband and support customers’ cost reduction and revenue growth.
* Optical component growth will moderate with demand led by 10, 40 and 100G products but the underlying business fundamentals of the market will remain unchanged, maintaining an unstable supply chain.
Femtozone apps hold keys to femtocell success
LONDON, UK: Femtocells are now attracting consumers’ attention. Their initial use-case has been to enhance indoor cellular coverage, but it is now clear that their potential utility is much wider. It is based on “femtozone services” that use key attributes such as location and presence to trigger innovative applications residing on the mobile device, or in the access point, the core gateway, or the cloud.
A simple example: a family alert system. A young person arrives at the family home, and the femtocell there registers the presence of his or her mobile phone and sends out an SMS notification to the parents. Such systems are already in use in Japan.
Other kinds of femtozone applications can turn on lights or activate security systems, while still others can be used to sync content between mobile phones and other devices in the home such as TVs, laptops and media players. Via the mobile network, they can even allow remote access to digital content stored at home.
ABI Research forecasts about 2.3 million femtozone subscribers in 2012, providing revenue of more than $100 million. These numbers rise sharply to 2015, when 45 percent of femtocell users will subscribe to femtozone services. Femtozone services will see initial adoption in the Asia-Pacific region, but ultimately the North American market will be by far the largest.
Practice director Aditya Kaul says: “Femtozone services will be bundled with femtocell subscriptions and will also be available individually, increasing the perceived value of having a femtocell in the home. Eventually, mobile apps available from Apple or Google App stores may be designed to work via a femtocell. The femtozone services market is expected to reach almost $2 billion in revenue by 2015, but operators need to act fast, as the popularity of Wi-Fi/GPS-based over the top applications could pose a hindrance.”
A simple example: a family alert system. A young person arrives at the family home, and the femtocell there registers the presence of his or her mobile phone and sends out an SMS notification to the parents. Such systems are already in use in Japan.
Other kinds of femtozone applications can turn on lights or activate security systems, while still others can be used to sync content between mobile phones and other devices in the home such as TVs, laptops and media players. Via the mobile network, they can even allow remote access to digital content stored at home.
ABI Research forecasts about 2.3 million femtozone subscribers in 2012, providing revenue of more than $100 million. These numbers rise sharply to 2015, when 45 percent of femtocell users will subscribe to femtozone services. Femtozone services will see initial adoption in the Asia-Pacific region, but ultimately the North American market will be by far the largest.
Practice director Aditya Kaul says: “Femtozone services will be bundled with femtocell subscriptions and will also be available individually, increasing the perceived value of having a femtocell in the home. Eventually, mobile apps available from Apple or Google App stores may be designed to work via a femtocell. The femtozone services market is expected to reach almost $2 billion in revenue by 2015, but operators need to act fast, as the popularity of Wi-Fi/GPS-based over the top applications could pose a hindrance.”
Monday, January 17, 2011
Reliance Globalcom selects Ciena for 40G ultra long haul submarine network
LINTHICUM: Ciena Corp., the network specialist, has announced that Reliance Globalcom, a leading global provider of managed network services for multinational enterprises, carriers and services providers, is deploying its market-leading coherent 40G optical networking solution on a cable route that connects the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Egypt.
Spanning more than 6,400 kilometers, the upgraded cable route will add 2.4 Terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity on a crucial submarine route from Europe to the Middle East that helps transport traffic between the Atlantic crossing and Asia portions of Reliance Globalcom’s global submarine network.
Reliance Globalcom owns the world’s largest private undersea cable system that spans a total of 65,000 kilometers. When combined with the 190,000 kilometers of domestic fiber of its parent company, Reliance Communications, the global network connects 40 key business markets in India, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the United States.
This upgrade to 40G technology using Ciena’s ActivFlex 6500 Packet-Optical Platform with 40G ultra long haul interfaces is a part of a strategy to significantly increase the submarine network capacity without disrupting existing customer traffic or adding cost and complexity to the network.
“Even in uncertain economic times, delivering services to a global customer base of hundreds of service providers, thousands of enterprises and millions of consumers requires an agile, high-capacity network,” said Rory Cole, president and COO, Carrier & ISP, of Reliance Globalcom. “By adding Ciena’s 40G technology at our terminal stations, we increase our capacity by a factor of four with a clear, in-service path to 100G without disrupting existing customers, re-engineering our network or sending ships out to lay more fiber. With this one simple step, we bolster the value and extend the lifespan of our submarine network.”
Ciena's 40/100G technology – which includes coherent optics, electronic dispersion compensation, and directionless and colorless ROADM functionality – enables operators to maximize the reach, capacity and flexibility of submarine networks with a focus on ease-of-deployment, cost efficiency and network investment protection.
Ciena has further enhanced its industry-leading 40G/100G technology to enable upgrades of ultra-long haul submarine networks. Using innovative coherent receiver and dual polarization phase shift key (DP PSK) modulation technology, submarine networks can be seamlessly upgraded to 40G/100G with only the addition of new terminal equipment, significantly extending the life of existing cable plants.
“As the volume of global voice, video and data traffic increases between consumers, enterprises and service providers, submarine networks can be a potential bottleneck due to the time, expense and environmental challenges associated with upgrading them,” said Mike Aquino, senior vice president, global field operations at Ciena. “This competitive win with one of the largest submarine network operators in the world underscores the upgrade simplicity, in-service scalability and time-to-market benefits of our market-leading 40G/100G coherent technology.”
With more than 70 customer deployments to date, Ciena is leading the industry with 40G/100G coherent solutions, which provide significant CAPEX and OPEX benefits for both terrestrial and submarine applications.
Spanning more than 6,400 kilometers, the upgraded cable route will add 2.4 Terabits per second (Tbps) of capacity on a crucial submarine route from Europe to the Middle East that helps transport traffic between the Atlantic crossing and Asia portions of Reliance Globalcom’s global submarine network.
Reliance Globalcom owns the world’s largest private undersea cable system that spans a total of 65,000 kilometers. When combined with the 190,000 kilometers of domestic fiber of its parent company, Reliance Communications, the global network connects 40 key business markets in India, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the United States.
This upgrade to 40G technology using Ciena’s ActivFlex 6500 Packet-Optical Platform with 40G ultra long haul interfaces is a part of a strategy to significantly increase the submarine network capacity without disrupting existing customer traffic or adding cost and complexity to the network.
“Even in uncertain economic times, delivering services to a global customer base of hundreds of service providers, thousands of enterprises and millions of consumers requires an agile, high-capacity network,” said Rory Cole, president and COO, Carrier & ISP, of Reliance Globalcom. “By adding Ciena’s 40G technology at our terminal stations, we increase our capacity by a factor of four with a clear, in-service path to 100G without disrupting existing customers, re-engineering our network or sending ships out to lay more fiber. With this one simple step, we bolster the value and extend the lifespan of our submarine network.”
Ciena's 40/100G technology – which includes coherent optics, electronic dispersion compensation, and directionless and colorless ROADM functionality – enables operators to maximize the reach, capacity and flexibility of submarine networks with a focus on ease-of-deployment, cost efficiency and network investment protection.
Ciena has further enhanced its industry-leading 40G/100G technology to enable upgrades of ultra-long haul submarine networks. Using innovative coherent receiver and dual polarization phase shift key (DP PSK) modulation technology, submarine networks can be seamlessly upgraded to 40G/100G with only the addition of new terminal equipment, significantly extending the life of existing cable plants.
“As the volume of global voice, video and data traffic increases between consumers, enterprises and service providers, submarine networks can be a potential bottleneck due to the time, expense and environmental challenges associated with upgrading them,” said Mike Aquino, senior vice president, global field operations at Ciena. “This competitive win with one of the largest submarine network operators in the world underscores the upgrade simplicity, in-service scalability and time-to-market benefits of our market-leading 40G/100G coherent technology.”
With more than 70 customer deployments to date, Ciena is leading the industry with 40G/100G coherent solutions, which provide significant CAPEX and OPEX benefits for both terrestrial and submarine applications.
Huawei and TELUS sign agreement for new joint innovation center
MARKHAM, CANADA: Huawei and TELUS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create and maintain a Joint Innovation Center in Canada. This new endeavor demonstrates the companies’ deep commitment to providing best-in-class solutions for TELUS customers, and driving the Canadian telecommunications industry forward.
“This unique partnership arrangement provides TELUS with the ability to quickly turn our best ideas into valuable products and services for our clients,” said Ibrahim Gedeon, TELUS’ CTO. “It also demonstrates the value of our choice of Huawei in terms of the right strategic partner for now and into the future.”
The collaborative platform will take Huawei and TELUS’ existing relationship to a new level, increasing business benefits for both companies. Huawei and TELUS will work together on enhancing broadband solutions, wireless and wireline offerings. According to terms of the memorandum, the length of the agreement is three years and each company will own 50 percent of the Joint Innovation Center.
“By joining forces with TELUS, we are able to introduce a broad range of benefits to Canada,” said Charles Ding, President of Huawei North America. “Not only are we providing unrivalled opportunities to deliver the latest wireless and broadband technologies to Canadians, we are also supporting the local industry with the development of a world-class innovation center. We are honored to strengthen our commitment to Canada in announcing this joint initiative with TELUS.”
“This unique partnership arrangement provides TELUS with the ability to quickly turn our best ideas into valuable products and services for our clients,” said Ibrahim Gedeon, TELUS’ CTO. “It also demonstrates the value of our choice of Huawei in terms of the right strategic partner for now and into the future.”
The collaborative platform will take Huawei and TELUS’ existing relationship to a new level, increasing business benefits for both companies. Huawei and TELUS will work together on enhancing broadband solutions, wireless and wireline offerings. According to terms of the memorandum, the length of the agreement is three years and each company will own 50 percent of the Joint Innovation Center.
“By joining forces with TELUS, we are able to introduce a broad range of benefits to Canada,” said Charles Ding, President of Huawei North America. “Not only are we providing unrivalled opportunities to deliver the latest wireless and broadband technologies to Canadians, we are also supporting the local industry with the development of a world-class innovation center. We are honored to strengthen our commitment to Canada in announcing this joint initiative with TELUS.”
Toshniwal announces partnership with Ascom Network in India
BANGALORE, INDIA: Toshniwal Enterprises Controls Ltd announced that Ascom Network Testing AB has selected Toshniwal as its sales partner for the Indian market on a non-exclusive basis.
The agreement includes the resale of TEMS (TEst Mobile System) Investigation, TEMS Pocket, and TEMS Discovery, key product offerings in the market-leading TEMS Portfolio.
Ascom’s TEMS Portfolio, which includes some of the most trusted and renowned wireless test and measurement tools in the world, also has a significant share of the Indian telecom market.
Rajesh Toshniwal, director and CEO, Toshniwal Enterprises Controls, said: “With this partnership, Toshniwal is ideally suited to help Ascom increase the local sales and support of its TEMS products in the fast growing telecom market of India. Ascom is the industry’s premier provider of solutions to measure, analyze, and optimize mobile networks, which together with Toshniwal’s leading presence in the Indian telecom market, will result in best-in-class deployment, optimization, and maintenance of 2G, 3G, and 4G networks across India.”
Toshniwal Enterprises Controls is one of the most respected distributors of T&M products in India with over 25 years in Indian T&M market and having offices at Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. It also has an ISO certified NABL registered repair and calibration LAB at Kolkata.
The agreement includes the resale of TEMS (TEst Mobile System) Investigation, TEMS Pocket, and TEMS Discovery, key product offerings in the market-leading TEMS Portfolio.
Ascom’s TEMS Portfolio, which includes some of the most trusted and renowned wireless test and measurement tools in the world, also has a significant share of the Indian telecom market.
Rajesh Toshniwal, director and CEO, Toshniwal Enterprises Controls, said: “With this partnership, Toshniwal is ideally suited to help Ascom increase the local sales and support of its TEMS products in the fast growing telecom market of India. Ascom is the industry’s premier provider of solutions to measure, analyze, and optimize mobile networks, which together with Toshniwal’s leading presence in the Indian telecom market, will result in best-in-class deployment, optimization, and maintenance of 2G, 3G, and 4G networks across India.”
Toshniwal Enterprises Controls is one of the most respected distributors of T&M products in India with over 25 years in Indian T&M market and having offices at Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. It also has an ISO certified NABL registered repair and calibration LAB at Kolkata.
HID Global RFID module chosen by DESKO for mobile 3-in-1 border-control identity-checking system
BANGALORE, INDIA: HID Global announced that its RFID reader module has been chosen by DESKO for its Personal Identification Mini Dock (PIMD) identity-checking system.
Jointly developed with Panasonic, the system is designed for border-control, policing and other security applications, and includes a DESKO-designed optical character recognition (OCR) unit and a fingerprint scanner that are connected to Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-U1 ultra-mobile PC device.
“HID Global’s RFID reader module is a key element in our revolutionary 3-in-1 solution,” said Bruno Geyer, MD with DESKO. “We chose HID’s module because it is one of the fastest readers on the market at transfer rates of 848kbps, and features a rugged design that ensures reliable outdoor operation under harsh conditions. We know we are providing a superior solution by incorporating HID technology inside our 3-in-1 PIMD.”
“HID and DESKO have worked jointly with Panasonic to create a truly exciting advance in border-control identity-checking technology,” said Maik Pogoda, vice president of e-government sales for HID Global’s Identification Solutions (IDS) business. “Our RFID reader module supports the latest generation of e-passports that comply with EAC mandates to deliver stronger encryption plus biometric data, such as a fingerprint or iris scan, which is more difficult to impersonate on the RFID chip. By supporting both BAC and EAC standards, HID’s RFID readers provide future-proofed flexibility as the world migrates to the ultimate in secure technology.”
The PIMD RFID reader module features a user-friendly document-holding clip and standard PC-SC interface to support biometric reading. It is designed for reading biometric passports or ID cards and other RF documents that require support for MIFARE Type A/B protocols.
It is the only solution available that supports both BAC and EAC standards, and also complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 9303, International Standardization Organization (ISO) 14443 and ISO 15693 standards, and follows German Federal Ministry for Security in the Information Technology (BSI) specifications for biometric passport reading.
HID Global offers a wide range of RFID reader board modules that OEM customers can use to develop customized solutions. The read/write readers enable modular set-up for easy integration, and are designed to support all existing and yet-to-be-developed ISO chips and chip operating systems.
The inclusion of both BAC and EAC standards future-proof designs, and for additional security,advanced encryption techniques protect against unauthorized access to the chip data. The option of field-upgradeable firmware or a read-only memory (ROM) mask is also available upon request depending on platform.
Jointly developed with Panasonic, the system is designed for border-control, policing and other security applications, and includes a DESKO-designed optical character recognition (OCR) unit and a fingerprint scanner that are connected to Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-U1 ultra-mobile PC device.
“HID Global’s RFID reader module is a key element in our revolutionary 3-in-1 solution,” said Bruno Geyer, MD with DESKO. “We chose HID’s module because it is one of the fastest readers on the market at transfer rates of 848kbps, and features a rugged design that ensures reliable outdoor operation under harsh conditions. We know we are providing a superior solution by incorporating HID technology inside our 3-in-1 PIMD.”
“HID and DESKO have worked jointly with Panasonic to create a truly exciting advance in border-control identity-checking technology,” said Maik Pogoda, vice president of e-government sales for HID Global’s Identification Solutions (IDS) business. “Our RFID reader module supports the latest generation of e-passports that comply with EAC mandates to deliver stronger encryption plus biometric data, such as a fingerprint or iris scan, which is more difficult to impersonate on the RFID chip. By supporting both BAC and EAC standards, HID’s RFID readers provide future-proofed flexibility as the world migrates to the ultimate in secure technology.”
The PIMD RFID reader module features a user-friendly document-holding clip and standard PC-SC interface to support biometric reading. It is designed for reading biometric passports or ID cards and other RF documents that require support for MIFARE Type A/B protocols.
It is the only solution available that supports both BAC and EAC standards, and also complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 9303, International Standardization Organization (ISO) 14443 and ISO 15693 standards, and follows German Federal Ministry for Security in the Information Technology (BSI) specifications for biometric passport reading.
HID Global offers a wide range of RFID reader board modules that OEM customers can use to develop customized solutions. The read/write readers enable modular set-up for easy integration, and are designed to support all existing and yet-to-be-developed ISO chips and chip operating systems.
The inclusion of both BAC and EAC standards future-proof designs, and for additional security,advanced encryption techniques protect against unauthorized access to the chip data. The option of field-upgradeable firmware or a read-only memory (ROM) mask is also available upon request depending on platform.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Experian warns smartphone users to smarten up
LONDON, UK: Experian has warned smartphone users may be risking the security of their identity if they store sensitive information on their phones and use unsecure Wi-Fi networks to get online. This is according to new research by ProtectMyID, Experian's identity-protection service.
According to this latest research:
- Nearly two thirds (65 percent) of smartphone users send and store e-mails on their phones – even if these include sensitive information such as receipts and credit card details from shopping online.
- More than half (53 percent) of smartphone users access social networking sites from their phones. This could easily reveal key pieces of information like names, dates of birth and other details commonly used as passwords for online banking and other accounts, such as first school or place of birth.
- Nearly one third (29 percent) of smartphone users take advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots (often found in city centres, used whilst having a break from the shops) which are unsecure and highly vulnerable to electronic eavesdroppers.
- Of these, one in five (19 percent) say they conduct online banking while using public Wi-Fi, risking their accounts, PINs and passwords.
The Home Office found that mobile phone identity fraud, rose by three quarters (74 percent) in the first half of last year* but more than half of the smartphone users who took part in the Protect My ID survey were completely unaware of the problem.
"The personal information on an average smartphone is like gold dust to an ID thief and many of us could be putting this on a plate by using public Wi-Fi networks," said Peter Turner, MD of Experian Interactive. "A criminal can use this information to masquerade as the phone's owner, drain his or her accounts, run up debts in their victim's name and even open new accounts.
"Often, the first people know about it is when they receive a demand for payment for services they haven't used or for an account they have never heard of. We've certainly seen cases where criminals have changed the address of the smartphone, ordered new handsets and run up huge bills."
As many as 10,000 smartphones are also stolen every month, according to Metropolitan Police, so it really makes sense for users to take sensible identity protection precautions to keep their personal information safe.
According to this latest research:
- Nearly two thirds (65 percent) of smartphone users send and store e-mails on their phones – even if these include sensitive information such as receipts and credit card details from shopping online.
- More than half (53 percent) of smartphone users access social networking sites from their phones. This could easily reveal key pieces of information like names, dates of birth and other details commonly used as passwords for online banking and other accounts, such as first school or place of birth.
- Nearly one third (29 percent) of smartphone users take advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots (often found in city centres, used whilst having a break from the shops) which are unsecure and highly vulnerable to electronic eavesdroppers.
- Of these, one in five (19 percent) say they conduct online banking while using public Wi-Fi, risking their accounts, PINs and passwords.
The Home Office found that mobile phone identity fraud, rose by three quarters (74 percent) in the first half of last year* but more than half of the smartphone users who took part in the Protect My ID survey were completely unaware of the problem.
"The personal information on an average smartphone is like gold dust to an ID thief and many of us could be putting this on a plate by using public Wi-Fi networks," said Peter Turner, MD of Experian Interactive. "A criminal can use this information to masquerade as the phone's owner, drain his or her accounts, run up debts in their victim's name and even open new accounts.
"Often, the first people know about it is when they receive a demand for payment for services they haven't used or for an account they have never heard of. We've certainly seen cases where criminals have changed the address of the smartphone, ordered new handsets and run up huge bills."
As many as 10,000 smartphones are also stolen every month, according to Metropolitan Police, so it really makes sense for users to take sensible identity protection precautions to keep their personal information safe.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mobile enterprise apps poised to take off in 2011
BANGALORE, INDIA: Sybase Inc., an SAP company and industry leader in enterprise and mobile software, released the results of a new survey by Kelton Research highlighting that this year 90 percent of IT managers surveyed are planning to implement new mobile applications and nearly one in two believe that successfully managing mobile applications will top their priority list.
As a result, both hosted and on-premise mobility solutions powered by a strong mobile enterprise application platform are valuable options for businesses to seriously consider in 2011.
Mobility is inevitable, are enterprises prepared?
A smarter solution: A majority (82 percent) of IT managers share the belief that it would be beneficial – not detrimental – to host more of their mobile applications in the cloud.
The year of the mobile enterprise app: Nine in ten (90 percent) IT managers reported they will implement new mobile applications this year, with almost a quarter (21 percent) looking to introduce 20 or more applications into their organization. In addition, they anticipate supporting about eight different mobile platforms or operating systems by the end of 2011.
Mobile mismanagement: Despite the enthusiasm and flexibility shared by IT departments, many are currently not being strategic about mobility. Almost half of respondents (46 percent) who do not have a mobile strategy in place did not expect to hire staff to specifically deal with their enterprise mobility strategy while nearly the same number of respondents (45 percent) admitted they did not have a plan or timeline in place.
Mobile application priority: Forty-five percent of respondents predict that implementing or managing the onslaught of mobile enterprise applications tops the priority list in the coming year, even over more common issues such as adhering to IT budgets. Also, 56 percent of IT managers consider customizing company information for mobile purposes a crucial part of conducting business and not just a “nice to have.” In addition, eight in ten (84 percent) of those who feel this way work for companies that are flexible about the use of new mobile applications or devices.
Mobile security concerns: Similarly, IT managers report that possible data security issues with mobile applications cause more problems (65 percent) than implementation (25 percent) or employee adoption hurdles (10 percent).
Other interesting findings from the 250 IT managers polled include:
Workers come first: One in two respondents (50 percent) say that employee demand is driving the adoption of new mobile applications.
Loyal to mobile: In fact, almost three in four (73 percent) say that decision makers are flexible and not rigid about incorporating new mobile applications and mobile devices into their organization, showing that many mid-to-large sized companies are committed to mobilizing the enterprise.
“The proliferation of new devices, coupled with the vast expansion of mobile applications used by consumers has paved the road for mobility solutions to enter the enterprise at the worker, workgroup, and workflow levels. Given all this, we expect 2011 to be the year of the transformation of the enterprise,” said Dan Ortega, senior director product marketing, Sybase.
“As evidenced by this survey, IT managers will be faced with greater complexities and requirements across the entire enterprise mobility framework, which is where a leading mobile solutions provider like Sybase can take an entire industry to the next level.”
As a result, both hosted and on-premise mobility solutions powered by a strong mobile enterprise application platform are valuable options for businesses to seriously consider in 2011.
Mobility is inevitable, are enterprises prepared?
A smarter solution: A majority (82 percent) of IT managers share the belief that it would be beneficial – not detrimental – to host more of their mobile applications in the cloud.
The year of the mobile enterprise app: Nine in ten (90 percent) IT managers reported they will implement new mobile applications this year, with almost a quarter (21 percent) looking to introduce 20 or more applications into their organization. In addition, they anticipate supporting about eight different mobile platforms or operating systems by the end of 2011.
Mobile mismanagement: Despite the enthusiasm and flexibility shared by IT departments, many are currently not being strategic about mobility. Almost half of respondents (46 percent) who do not have a mobile strategy in place did not expect to hire staff to specifically deal with their enterprise mobility strategy while nearly the same number of respondents (45 percent) admitted they did not have a plan or timeline in place.
Mobile application priority: Forty-five percent of respondents predict that implementing or managing the onslaught of mobile enterprise applications tops the priority list in the coming year, even over more common issues such as adhering to IT budgets. Also, 56 percent of IT managers consider customizing company information for mobile purposes a crucial part of conducting business and not just a “nice to have.” In addition, eight in ten (84 percent) of those who feel this way work for companies that are flexible about the use of new mobile applications or devices.
Mobile security concerns: Similarly, IT managers report that possible data security issues with mobile applications cause more problems (65 percent) than implementation (25 percent) or employee adoption hurdles (10 percent).
Other interesting findings from the 250 IT managers polled include:
Workers come first: One in two respondents (50 percent) say that employee demand is driving the adoption of new mobile applications.
Loyal to mobile: In fact, almost three in four (73 percent) say that decision makers are flexible and not rigid about incorporating new mobile applications and mobile devices into their organization, showing that many mid-to-large sized companies are committed to mobilizing the enterprise.
“The proliferation of new devices, coupled with the vast expansion of mobile applications used by consumers has paved the road for mobility solutions to enter the enterprise at the worker, workgroup, and workflow levels. Given all this, we expect 2011 to be the year of the transformation of the enterprise,” said Dan Ortega, senior director product marketing, Sybase.
“As evidenced by this survey, IT managers will be faced with greater complexities and requirements across the entire enterprise mobility framework, which is where a leading mobile solutions provider like Sybase can take an entire industry to the next level.”
Mobile gap between developed and developing Asia widens
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: The divide between mobile operators in emerging and developed markets in Asia-Pacific has widened, with major implications for foreign investment and 3G licensing, according to research firm Ovum.
Leading operators in developed markets such as NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, KT, China Mobile, and China Unicom are focusing more and more on new revenue growth opportunities. These Asian big guns are mindful of the threat of the over-the-top operators to the traditional mobile operator.
“New revenue streams are crucial to operators in developed Asian countries as the over-the-top players encroach on their territory,” said Nicole McCormick, Senior Analyst. “There are no surprises on the list of proposed sources of new revenue: open application stores, cloud computing, and machine to machine (M2M) are being pursued across the developed markets of the region. Emerging markets are way behind on this score.”
Indeed, markets such as Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have not even issued 3G licenses, yet operators are desperately trying to roll out mobile Internet and woo governments with research showing that greater Internet penetration increases GDP. As such, operators in these emerging markets are considering leapfrogging 3G and going straight to LTE due to continued regulatory delays in issuing 3G spectrum.
“Foreign investors tapping into the region must be wary that some emerging markets are still fraught with regulatory red tape, especially when it comes to 3G licensing,” said McCormick, based in Brisbane. “But it’s going to take some time for LTE consumer devices to become affordable for countries like Thailand and Bangladesh, leaving them with a dilemma – push ahead with 3G, or wait for LTE.”
Conversely, while developed country operators are not burdened by regulatory bureaucracy, operators in these markets still believe they can do everything themselves without the need to partner, for instance, on cloud services. “But it’s very early days, and we believe that partnering is essential and will lead to a more complex reality”, McCormick said.
Leading operators in developed markets such as NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, KT, China Mobile, and China Unicom are focusing more and more on new revenue growth opportunities. These Asian big guns are mindful of the threat of the over-the-top operators to the traditional mobile operator.
“New revenue streams are crucial to operators in developed Asian countries as the over-the-top players encroach on their territory,” said Nicole McCormick, Senior Analyst. “There are no surprises on the list of proposed sources of new revenue: open application stores, cloud computing, and machine to machine (M2M) are being pursued across the developed markets of the region. Emerging markets are way behind on this score.”
Indeed, markets such as Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have not even issued 3G licenses, yet operators are desperately trying to roll out mobile Internet and woo governments with research showing that greater Internet penetration increases GDP. As such, operators in these emerging markets are considering leapfrogging 3G and going straight to LTE due to continued regulatory delays in issuing 3G spectrum.
“Foreign investors tapping into the region must be wary that some emerging markets are still fraught with regulatory red tape, especially when it comes to 3G licensing,” said McCormick, based in Brisbane. “But it’s going to take some time for LTE consumer devices to become affordable for countries like Thailand and Bangladesh, leaving them with a dilemma – push ahead with 3G, or wait for LTE.”
Conversely, while developed country operators are not burdened by regulatory bureaucracy, operators in these markets still believe they can do everything themselves without the need to partner, for instance, on cloud services. “But it’s very early days, and we believe that partnering is essential and will lead to a more complex reality”, McCormick said.
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