Next Hot Tech IPO: LogMeIn.
"A LogMeIn offering could result in more technology mergers and acquisitions. The possibility of more IPOs may drive up prices for likely buyout candidates, giving buyers a much-needed impetus to loosen their purse strings and snap up likely candidates."
Now writing the 1112th blog post...
We just passed the 1111th blog post at "outside the vox." That's a lucky number in my book, which is why I'm taking a moment out of the regular routine to mark the moment.
I started this blog in September 2005. Since then, I've been quoting folks inside and outside the mobile industry -- documenting the emerging whys, whats, and wherefores of mobile device management. To every source that I've snipped and put here, thank you.
I'd also like to tip my hat to my employer, InnoPath. InnoPath is "the global leader in Mobile Device Management (MDM), a technology that creates a superior user experience by enabling wireless operators to better and more cost effectively manage and deliver revenue-generating services for consumers and enterprises. MDM reduces subscriber churn, addresses key operational expenses, and positively impacts the top-line." And, yes, we're hiring here in Sunnyvale, CA. Some of my colleagues can also be found online at The CSR -- a forum "to chat about customer support and other challenges facing the mobile industry."
Finally, I'd like to thank you, dear reader. Now then, on to the next 1111 blog posts...
I started this blog in September 2005. Since then, I've been quoting folks inside and outside the mobile industry -- documenting the emerging whys, whats, and wherefores of mobile device management. To every source that I've snipped and put here, thank you.
I'd also like to tip my hat to my employer, InnoPath. InnoPath is "the global leader in Mobile Device Management (MDM), a technology that creates a superior user experience by enabling wireless operators to better and more cost effectively manage and deliver revenue-generating services for consumers and enterprises. MDM reduces subscriber churn, addresses key operational expenses, and positively impacts the top-line." And, yes, we're hiring here in Sunnyvale, CA. Some of my colleagues can also be found online at The CSR -- a forum "to chat about customer support and other challenges facing the mobile industry."
Finally, I'd like to thank you, dear reader. Now then, on to the next 1111 blog posts...
Intel and Nokia announce "long-term strategic partnership" for an open mobile computing platform.
"In short: '[B]oth companies are expanding their longstanding relationship to define a new mobile platform beyond today’s smartphones, notebooks and netbooks, enabling the development of a variety of innovative hardware, software and mobile Internet services.'
No details on any of the actual devices, though."
No details on any of the actual devices, though."
Apple Stuck Apologizing For AT&T Yet Again With A $30 iTunes Credit.
"We’ve received a few tips of people saying they’ve gotten an email from Apple offering them a $30 iTunes Store credit due to the problems activating the new iPhone 3G S. Apple claims it is still working with AT&T to resolve the issue that has caused some new iPhones to still not be activated 2 days after the launch of the device. And it warns that it may be another 48 hours before it’s resolved. For those affected, check your inbox Monday for the $30 credit."
Over-the-air support and the changing face of mobility.
David Ginsburg, Vice President of Marketing, InnoPath Software, writes: "Ideally, operators will be equipped with the tools permitting them to add efficiency to the interaction with the customer, growing customer satisfaction while containing costs. Operators will be able to reach out and 'touch' the phone in real-time via a server at their NOC and a simple client that can be pushed to the phone even after it is in the hands of the subscriber. The server and client create a live connection to the phone, permitting tech support to query the device as to its status and configuration, and then take corrective action in real-time if required.
The conventional thinking was that deploying this type of solution is too complex, but Mobile Device Management (MDM) is one technology being used to solve the end-to-end problem of over-the-air manageability. Based on open standards from the Open Mobile Alliance, MDM is being adopted by major wireless operators and handset vendors globally to diagnose and support smartphone issues."
The conventional thinking was that deploying this type of solution is too complex, but Mobile Device Management (MDM) is one technology being used to solve the end-to-end problem of over-the-air manageability. Based on open standards from the Open Mobile Alliance, MDM is being adopted by major wireless operators and handset vendors globally to diagnose and support smartphone issues."
Barron’s Online : What's Troubling The Smart Phone Stocks?
Eric Savitz writes: "There’s a lot chatter this morning about what exactly is putting pressure on the smart phone stocks, in particular Research In Motion (RIMM) and Palm (PALM). Earlier, I noted that Verizon (VZ) is apparently ending its successful Buy One, Get One free promotion, and while that may be a factor, is it not the only factor. Here’s a rundown on several issues weighting on the group..."
Read the rest of the post here.
Read the rest of the post here.
IBM Throws $100 Million at Mobile.
Stacey Higginbotham writes: "IBM’s four areas of focus will be analytics; security; privacy and user interface; and navigation. I think its areas of focus should be around virtualized desktops for mobile phones; authentication and security when it comes to using mobiles to access programs in the cloud; and device security, notably how to protect sensitive information kept on mobile devices. As for user interface research, IBM sold off many of its speech recognition patents to Nuance Communications, which is where I think IBM had the potential to make the biggest impact."
Bridgewater Joins Rush to Apps Store.
"Bridgewater has extended its policy software to develop modules, dubbed 'myPolicy' applications, designed to be branded by mobile service providers, placed in the BlackBerry and iPhone apps stores, and downloaded by individual users who want to track, manage, and cap their data service usage by setting their own alarms, limits, and cut-off points.
Setting limits, which can be based on data volumes or the value of services used, helps mobile data users avoid large unexpected bills -- or 'bill shock,' as it's become known -- especially if they are roaming or are even unaware they may be repeatedly using an expensive application."
Setting limits, which can be based on data volumes or the value of services used, helps mobile data users avoid large unexpected bills -- or 'bill shock,' as it's become known -- especially if they are roaming or are even unaware they may be repeatedly using an expensive application."
iTunes buckles under the weight of iPhone OS 3.0 downloads, activation server crashes.
"The big day has finally come. You rushed to download iPhone OS 3.0, sat on the edge of your seat as your handset did its thing, and then.. nothing. No glorious homescreen, no new search pane. You look over at your monitor, and sure enough - iTunes is spitting out error messages."
An Executive View on Enterprise Mobility with Dan Dearing.
Dan Dearing, VP of Marketing and Product Management at Trust Digital, a Virginia-based mobility management solution provider, comments: "What’s needed is an enterprise App Store of sorts where IT would provide a common way to distribute and manage the apps, while the business teams would create their own apps for the specialized needs of their users."
LogMeIn Hopes to Raise Up to $80 Million in IPO.
"Remote device management is seen as a growing sector of the software business at a time when more and more people are doing their computing using mobile devices. LogMeIn says that over 70 million devices around the world are controlled using its subscription-based software, which can be used in situations from remote backup, server management, and file transfers to help-desk diagnostics and support. In December the company released a $30 application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch that lets users control their home or work computers directly from the mobile device’s screens
Founded in 2003, LogMeIn has raised $30 million in venture funding from Intel Capital, Integral Capital Partners, Prism VentureWorks, Polaris Venture Partners, and 3TS Capital Partners. Prism is its largest single shareholder. "
Founded in 2003, LogMeIn has raised $30 million in venture funding from Intel Capital, Integral Capital Partners, Prism VentureWorks, Polaris Venture Partners, and 3TS Capital Partners. Prism is its largest single shareholder. "
InnoPath Extends Technical Leadership with New Device Management Client for Global Handset Vendors including LG, Samsung, and Pantech.
"[InnoPath's] Embedded Client v5.5... provides significant performance and diff file size enhancements, with FOTA package file sizes up to 73% smaller than earlier clients... The company’s utilities allow the OEM to tune the diff package in order to optimize for different parameters, such as package size or update time. This flexibility is important, allowing operators to deliver the best possible subscriber experience within the constraints imposed by limited memory and CPU on the device.
The new release of Embedded Client also delivers enhanced capabilities in the following areas:
... In tier 1 deployments, InnoPath has seen the use of FOTA increase over fourfold over the last 12 months. The size of update packages has also grown substantially due to the number of issues addressed per update. Reliability is also a key concern, with InnoPath-driven mass FOTA campaigns successfully updating an industry-leading 96% of devices targeted.
...The Embedded Client simplifies the support process for the following sampling of recently commercialized featurephones:
The new release of Embedded Client also delivers enhanced capabilities in the following areas:
- Firmware Version Rollback
- Symbian Image Diff-Update Support
- Dynamic File System Support
- Background Update
... In tier 1 deployments, InnoPath has seen the use of FOTA increase over fourfold over the last 12 months. The size of update packages has also grown substantially due to the number of issues addressed per update. Reliability is also a key concern, with InnoPath-driven mass FOTA campaigns successfully updating an industry-leading 96% of devices targeted.
...The Embedded Client simplifies the support process for the following sampling of recently commercialized featurephones:
- LG: Versa VX9600, enV3 VX9200, Glance VX7100, enV Touch VX11000, VX8360, VX5500, Chocolate GiG VS8560, and canU-F1100
- Samsung: Alias2 SGH-U750 and Smooth u350
- Nokia: Mirage 2605, Intrigue 7205, and 8208
- Pantech: CDM8975 and Matrix PRO C820"
Apple patent reveals plans for Emergency Mode.
"Apple’s patent (Application #00901149153, if you’re interested) has a few tricks up its proverbial sleeves to help save your life. It seeks to create an emergency mode for cell phones that determines whether or not the phone call you’re making is an emergency call, and acts accordingly to give you the best chance of getting help. First, the phone would make any emergency call harder to disconnect - a glancing blow to the End key won’t mean the end for you. On top of that, emergency mode would disable all non-critical functions of the phone to try and give you as much juice to make the call as possible.
Also useful is the activation of what the application calls 'emergency phrase buttons'...
Second, those emergency phrase buttons can read off a pre-recorded statement to an emergency worker on the phone. Not only that, a speech synthesizer can read out your current location (using the GPS that wasn’t turned off by emergency mode)..."
Also useful is the activation of what the application calls 'emergency phrase buttons'...
Second, those emergency phrase buttons can read off a pre-recorded statement to an emergency worker on the phone. Not only that, a speech synthesizer can read out your current location (using the GPS that wasn’t turned off by emergency mode)..."
Hardware is the future of mobile software, and vice versa. What Intel’s acquisition of WindRiver really means.
"Intel buys embedded software company Wind River with a 40% premium. What is the hidden asset that silicon vendors value beyond standard metrics? Guest blogger Andy V. O' Lay believes there is no more point in differentiating hardware and software in the mobile arena. The race to SHW has started..."
Mformation-Sponsored Survey Reveals Mobile Users Worried about Loss and Mobile Fraud.
"Because mobile phones are being used for such a wide range of activities, when a device is lost, it can prove to be devastating for the user. 91% of people questioned in the UK and US said they would be 'devastated' if they lost their mobile phones. For this reason, it is unacceptable that three-quarters of the people interviewed said that it would take a day or more to get a new phone fully up and running with all their personal data after a loss or theft. In fact, 61% of people said that this should take 2 hours or less."
Is Apple's iPhone 3GS Enterprise Ready?
"While many of the new features for the 3.0 software and the iPhone 3GS have been available on competing platforms for years, the feature list isn't as important as how well these are implemented, according to Jason Lackey, marketing manager with InnoPath.
'A lot of folks are concerned about feature lists, and they put checkmarks next to a long list of options but no one cares about how they're implemented or if the end user benefits from it,' said Lackey. 'Apple has shown they know how to bake in these features, and bake them in right.'
Lackey sees the improved capabilities of the 3.0 software and the decreased price of the iPhone 3G as a catalyst for wider adoption in the enterprise environment. One of the most appealing new features of the software for the mobile professional is the ability to use the iPhone as a wireless modem for computers or laptops."
'A lot of folks are concerned about feature lists, and they put checkmarks next to a long list of options but no one cares about how they're implemented or if the end user benefits from it,' said Lackey. 'Apple has shown they know how to bake in these features, and bake them in right.'
Lackey sees the improved capabilities of the 3.0 software and the decreased price of the iPhone 3G as a catalyst for wider adoption in the enterprise environment. One of the most appealing new features of the software for the mobile professional is the ability to use the iPhone as a wireless modem for computers or laptops."
Juniper Research: Cheap Phones Are Big Business.
"A new report from Juniper Research forecasts that by 2014, annual sales of low-budget mobile devices will rise to north of 700 million units, up 22% from this year."
Analyst: New AT&T Policy Puts Vendors at Risk.
"Further details of AT&T's plans are sketchy, however. The new strategy will involve 'identifying roughly 14 technology domains and selecting two vendors for each. We suspect the domain definitions have yet to be finalized.' Where a dominant vendor in a particular domain can't supply the required capabilities, partnerships will be encouraged.
That would give AT&T a maximum of 28 principal vendors, though that number would likely be somewhat lower, as some large equipment suppliers would likely feature in multiple domains. The analyst estimates that AT&T currently deals with about 40 key vendors. "
That would give AT&T a maximum of 28 principal vendors, though that number would likely be somewhat lower, as some large equipment suppliers would likely feature in multiple domains. The analyst estimates that AT&T currently deals with about 40 key vendors. "
Microsoft Tests Free Anti-Virus Service.
"Microsoft (MSFT) today said it is testing an early version of a free anti-virus service for PCs that will complete with paid products from Symantec (SYMC) and McAfee (MFE), Reuters reports. Microsoft is testing the service with its own employees now, and expects to make a trial version available via its web site soon."
Consumers get smart: 41% to buy a smartphone.
"Consumers are getting smart. According to new research by Yankee Group, 41 percent of consumers are likely to choose a smartphone as their next mobile device, a trend that could alter the relationship between handset OEMs and wireless carriers.
The Yankee Group said that smartphones will account for 38 percent of all handsets by 2013."
The Yankee Group said that smartphones will account for 38 percent of all handsets by 2013."
Inside Looking Out: An Executive View On Enterprise Mobility with Julie Palen.
Julie Palen, Senior Vice President - Mobile Device Management Solutions at Tangoe, comments: "executives need to take a holistic approach to mobility. Point solutions aren’t the answer – you need to know what you have, you need to be able to monitor and manage it – that includes – Procurement, Wireless E-Mail Deployment, Device Management, SLA Management, Policy Management, Cost Management, Application Management, Device Disposal and Help Desk. You need be thinking about all of them. Mobility requires the same kind of strategic planning that ERP, E-Mail and all other IT projects require."
Confusing Device Management and Application Management.
Philippe Winthrop at Enterprise Mobility Matters writes: "As far as I am concerned, mobile device management should be solely about the device and the device alone. In fact, mobile device management should cover:
* Remote user provisioning (think VPN config, email, etc.)
* Device configuration (think IT/Business policies)
* Remote user administration (updating the core device apps, including VPN, etc.)
* Remote over-the-air backup (of the data on the device)
* Remote over-the-air updates (think FOTA)
... what applications are required by various employees, I can't consider that DEVICE management... it's a tremendously important question, but that goes into APPLICATION management. Who gets what? How are they configured? What about updates? What if your job changes... do you still need the same applications? Can I (un)install my own applications on the device?
That, my friends, is application management as far as I am concerned."
* Remote user provisioning (think VPN config, email, etc.)
* Device configuration (think IT/Business policies)
* Remote user administration (updating the core device apps, including VPN, etc.)
* Remote over-the-air backup (of the data on the device)
* Remote over-the-air updates (think FOTA)
... what applications are required by various employees, I can't consider that DEVICE management... it's a tremendously important question, but that goes into APPLICATION management. Who gets what? How are they configured? What about updates? What if your job changes... do you still need the same applications? Can I (un)install my own applications on the device?
That, my friends, is application management as far as I am concerned."
Find My iPhone helps when AT&T's insurance can't.
"Should you (gasp!) lose your iPhone, you can log into your MobileMe account and have it map out the current location of your iPhone directly within the browser. From there, you’ve got a few options:
* Send a message to the iPhone (with optional alert sound, which plays even when the phone is set to silent), urging people to call you back
* Fire off a kill signal to the phone, which remotely wipes the phone’s data. Don’t worry though: once you get the phone back, one good restore from iTunes and you’re back in business.
...this definitely makes MobileMe’s $99 asking price easier to swallow."
also see: iPhone OS 3.0 beta testers get Find My iPhone
* Send a message to the iPhone (with optional alert sound, which plays even when the phone is set to silent), urging people to call you back
* Fire off a kill signal to the phone, which remotely wipes the phone’s data. Don’t worry though: once you get the phone back, one good restore from iTunes and you’re back in business.
...this definitely makes MobileMe’s $99 asking price easier to swallow."
also see: iPhone OS 3.0 beta testers get Find My iPhone
Intel Invest $43M in Japanese WiMAX Operator.
"Intel has invested $43 million into Japanese WiMAX provider UQ Communications, as the chip giant continues its efforts to boost the mobile wireless broadband technology around the world. Compared with other forms of wireless broadband, such as the current 3G networks and coming Long Term Evolution networks provided by the cell carriers, WiMAX is an underdog, but Intel keeps sending it back into the ring with more money. It has invested almost $2 billion in WiMAX in the last four years."
Apple prepares to reset the bar in the mobile app market.
"While in-app commerce is only one of several new enhancements to Apple's iPhone operating system, it may be the most significant. The reason is very simple. By allowing transactions to be completed within applications, Apple is changing the economics of the mobile application market and providing developers more opportunity to make money from their applications.
And if executed well, Apple could leave its smartphone competitors in the dust."
And if executed well, Apple could leave its smartphone competitors in the dust."
Google beats mobile operators at the customer care game.
"The results speak for themselves. For an end-user seeking help to get a service up and running on his mobile phone the answer is not just a few clicks away. Also the mobile operator seems ‘invisible’ for Google, unless it comes to commercial offers."
Need to Check Your Glucose? There Will Be an App for That.
"According to Adage, Apple's iPhone is set to become an important, and potentially huge, marketing battleground for Big Pharma."
Verizon will launch a carrier app store.
"Verizon Wireless will launch a carrier-branded mobile application store for developers based on Java ME at some point later this year, according to Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam.
The news comes after Verizon announced it will support Java, a major break for a carrier that has long supported Qualcomm's BREW technology for application development and distribution."
The news comes after Verizon announced it will support Java, a major break for a carrier that has long supported Qualcomm's BREW technology for application development and distribution."
Intel snaps up Wind River, looks for that embedded systems edge.
"[Intel] managed to find time to pen a check in the amount of $884 million in order to fully acquire the aforesaid embedded systems company. The reason? Intel knows the CPU business is morphing into something entirely more elaborate, and it reckons a solid presence in the embedded devices segment (MIDs, UMPCs, etc.) is necessary to keep those profits up in the future."
also see: Intel buying Wind River for $884M
"Wind River specializes in helping companies manage and develop software, especially for embedded systems and wireless products. The two companies previously worked together to develop an open, extensible, Moblin-based Linux platform for mobile Internet devices."
also see: Intel buying Wind River for $884M
"Wind River specializes in helping companies manage and develop software, especially for embedded systems and wireless products. The two companies previously worked together to develop an open, extensible, Moblin-based Linux platform for mobile Internet devices."
Preparing for the quad play.
David Ginsburg, vice president of marketing at InnoPath Software, writes: "With 4G networks, there is no SMS, and the network has finally transitioned to all-IP. So all communication between the server and the device, from initial activation through updating and troubleshooting, is via IP. This implies some notable changes in the OMA-DM protocol, which in versions through 1.2 had relied on SMS for the initial notification to the device, with ensuing communication taking place over IP. With 4G, DM 1.3 and its support for HTTP Push for notification are key, replacing SMS.
In addition, the MDM server must be network-agnostic, communicating with any device – 3G or 4G – over the most appropriate network connection. The client must also be capable of utilizing the most suitable connection. Lastly, the MDM server must be capable of properly locating the device, associating a user with an IP or SIP address. No longer is there an absolute identifier in the form of a phone number (the MSISDN). For example, the user could be mobile, changing his or her IP address periodically. Here, the MDM server must be either notified of changes or must be capable of querying some database or proxy server in the network to locate the subscriber."
In addition, the MDM server must be network-agnostic, communicating with any device – 3G or 4G – over the most appropriate network connection. The client must also be capable of utilizing the most suitable connection. Lastly, the MDM server must be capable of properly locating the device, associating a user with an IP or SIP address. No longer is there an absolute identifier in the form of a phone number (the MSISDN). For example, the user could be mobile, changing his or her IP address periodically. Here, the MDM server must be either notified of changes or must be capable of querying some database or proxy server in the network to locate the subscriber."
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