Leading telecommunication solutions and proven maintenance technology puts Sony Ericsson’s products on the cutting edge of technology development. In 2005, Sony Ericsson launched an updating service, which ensures that mobile phones always have the latest software. The service occurs easily via firmware over the air (FOTA). Sony Ericsson commissioned Cybercom to develop the solution.
The next mobile generation is already here, with more refined phones that offer more intelligent functions, user-friendly programs, and opportunities for personal profiling. Better, more attractive, and increasingly more diversified models are continuously launched on a global market with growing demand. Mobile phones are no longer just phones. They are users’ personal tools – high-tech Jacks/Jills of all trades.
The production pace is incredibly fast on the hot telecom market, and the manufactured products are very complex. Focus has switched from hardware and components to software and functions. The importance of device management increases at the same pace, i.e., managing every aspect of a mobile solution, such as updating, service, and maintenance – with characteristics that yield administrative effects such as OTA (over the air) updating.
A smoother, more intelligent solution
Mobile phone software updates used to be made over retailers’ counters or from PCs connected to the Internet. This put cost and time burdens on users and suppliers. With the new solution, Sony Ericsson can offer updates via technology called firmware over the air (FOTA).
Sony Ericsson is one player that quickly established itself as an attractive, innovative brand in the mobile phone industry. When Sony Ericsson launches new functions for one model, its customers can immediately download them.
An operator can, for example, send information when new mobile phone software is available and then display a question about updating – push technology – exactly the same way that a PC user receives queries about updating software, e.g., a Windows update for a PC. Users can send queries via phone menus on whether a newer version is available for downloading – pull technology. Regardless of the type of update, it occurs smoothly and securely, without risk of losing users’ personal content. They get the latest software, and the solution confirms that the phone is updated. The service is available 24/7 worldwide.
Many benefits, major savings
Simple updating and early error detection and correction are crucial in the life cycles of modern phone models with increasingly sophisticated software. An attractive Sony Ericsson customer service consists of continuously providing users with improved software and constant access to the latest versions for phones. Operators can also draw attention to improvements for their subscribers. In addition, with an automatic updating flow, huge costs savings are realised through reduced manual handling and burdens on customer service.
Cybercom’s experience
Cybercom can offer comprehensive device management expertise by bringing together its far-reaching experience from developing mobile solutions, embedded systems, and mobile phones with its experience from developing business support systems. Customers appreciate this. For example, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and BenQ (formerly Siemens) commissioned Cybercom to lead a joint project called the Open Mobile Service Interface Forum for device management standardisation.