|
News
Issue #2002 - 13
(April 2002)
(Updated Apr.
3, 2002)
INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES
VeriSign Forges Ahead into the
Mobile Data Market
Having built a reputation on
digital certificates for the Web, VeriSign Inc. is now taking on the
wireless data market by providing services to wireless carriers and
other service providers.
The company recently signed deals with Openwave Systems,
SprintPCS and a wireless search engine Cellmania to mark its entry
into the highly competitive mobile data marketplace. In addition,
VeriSign has introduced a new billing solution for carriers.
Openwave Systems
The Mountain View, California, company has inked a deal with
Openwave Systems to offer carriers an integrated solution for
inter-carrier messaging (ICM). The solution includes the Openwave
Mobile Gateway in the carrier network as the gateway to the VeriSign
Metcalf Global Messaging ICM service that VeriSign has deployed with
MobileSpring, for delivery of SMS messages outside of the
originating carrier network.
The Verisign/Openwave solution will enable users to address short
text messages to other users by simply using their mobile phone
numbers or their buddy names, eliminating the barriers that now
exist between different operators. As a result carriers will benefit
from increased adoption and usage of SMS and mobile instant
messaging. Inter-carrier messaging services have proven to be very
lucrative for European carriers, the companies said, and now
American operators will be able to experience the same success.
Sprint PCS
Wireless carrier Sprint PCS has expanded its Sprint Short Mail
to include inter-carrier messaging technology from VeriSign and
MobileSpring. Launched on April 1st, the service allows
customers to send instant messages to users of competing networks.
Cellmania Inc.
Later this month in Japan, the company said it will launch a
service that offers shortcuts to users accessing wireless Web sites.
VeriSign is integrating its domain name directory with Cellmania’s
wireless search engine, Ken Hallman, VeriSign’s vice president of
convergence, told Reuters. Companies will have to register their Web
sites with the search engine for them to be easily located by mobile
phone users typing in short number sets, he added.
Billing Solution — infini-G
Implementing a comprehensive billing system that handles both
voice and data downloads is posing a challenge for carriers. With
its acquisition of H.O. Systems, a provider of billing and
customer-care solutions, VeriSign is now able to offer carriers a
new billing solution, dubbed infini-G. Developed by H.O. Systems,
infini-G is an always-on, real-time application that enables the
rating of both voice and data, giving carriers a way to bill for
data that users download on their wireless devices. The first
component of the infini-G, the real-time rating module, is expected
to be available during the fall of 2002.
For more information: http://www.verisign.com
(Additional Sources Reuters and internetnews)
Mobileinfo Comments & Advisory: Either
we do not understand what VeriSign is doing in mobile messaging space or
VeriSign has a lot of capital to invest in an area that has a huge potential.
It is entering wireless messaging space where it has never been. The only core
competency that we see is that VeriSign does offer third party secure
certificate keeping. However, third party message switching and customer
care associated wit that is a different ball game. We are not suggesting that
VeriSign can not do it. But why this when there are other opportunities close
to the home base.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
|
