(openPR) - New technology allows mobile phone users to upgrade core functionality or download new embedded applications on any mobile phone over the air
Goes beyond UI modification and application downloads to enable customization of basic handset functions
Framingham, MA - February 8, 2006 - Red Bend Software, a leading provider of mobile software technology for mobile phones, today announced it will demonstrate a prototype of its forthcoming Embedded Feature Delivery (EFD) technology at the 3GSM World Congress, being held February 13-16, 2006 in Barcelona, Spain. EFD technology allows low and mid range mobile phones, as well as smartphones, to be quickly and easily enhanced with new or upgraded core functions.
While users today can update a portion of their phone´s user interface and add small applets such as Java games to their phones, EFD makes it possible to add or update core handset functionality. For example, EFD could be used to upgrade a phone´s browser, add a new messaging client, add support for a new language, or install a new media codec.
These new functions can be requested by the user or delivered by an operator over the air, eliminating the need to visit a service facility. This makes the process more convenient for users and more cost-effective for suppliers. The EFD technology provides this capability while maintaining the required level of reliability, performance and security.
"We´ve long since predicted a growing operator interest in customizing handsets after they have shipped, and many technologies exist to help them do this," said Jessica Figueras, Practice Leader for Service Infrastructure at Ovum. "But building on FOTA technology is a particularly interesting approach, since it potentially opens up a wider base of handsets for deep customization, including those lower-spec handsets which form the mass market."
In contrast to firmware over the air updating (FOTA), which updates the entire firmware image, EFD "opens" the firmware so that individual elements can be upgraded or added. While FOTA is a proven solution for cost-effectively fixing bugs, the EFD technology is more flexible and can be used for delivering new features and supporting new services.
EFD delivers benefits to users, developers, manufacturers and operators
"EFD is a breakthrough technology that could benefit every stakeholder in the mobile value chain and we´ve already had positive response from operators, handset makers and application developers,." said Red Bend CEO Yoram Salinger. "Red Bend is uniquely qualified to deliver an EFD solution because of our experience in working closely with the world´s leading mobile phone makers updating core handset functionality. Our customers account for more than 50% of the global mobile handset market."
EFD can benefit the entire mobile phone industry: - Users gain immediate access to new and updated handset features. They can also enjoy more choice and flexibility in customizing the phone to meet their particular needs. - Mobile software developers can offer new and updated firmware level applications and components to phones already in the hands of users. They no longer need to wait for new handsets to be shipped to deliver the latest features of their software to the market. - The technology benefits handset manufacturers by making it easier to rollout new or updated features after a model has left the factory. - Mobile network operators benefit from new revenue opportunities to sell feature updates and enable new services to the installed base of users. They could also realize greater customer loyalty and lower churn.
About Red Bend Software
Red Bend Software helps mobile phone manufacturers and network operators accelerate the adoption of new services and features, respond rapidly to customer problems and reduce support costs through mobile software management solutions. BenQ-Siemens, LG Electronics, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, and other large handset manufacturers use Red Bend´s firmware over the air (FOTA) technology to quickly and reliably deliver compact firmware updates to mobile phones already in the hands of users. Founded in 1999, Red Bend Software is a privately held, venture capital-financed company with corporate headquarters near Boston, Massachusetts and offices in China, Israel, Japan, and the U.K. More information about Red Bend Software is available at www.redbend.com.
Media Contacts:
Red Bend Software
Peter A. Cohen
+1 508-270-4590 ext.224 peter.cohen@redbend.com
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