CANNES, France-Motorola Inc. jumped into the already crowded market for over-the-air updating technology with the release of its Device Management System through its 4thpass subsidiary. Motorola said the technology allows wireless carriers to remotely repair software on handsets and other devices, change settings and services on a subscriber’s device in real time and to install new applications and services on mobile devices.
“As device technology keeps advancing, a feature rich device management system is going to be fundamental for an operator’s business success, in order to allow operators to recognize revenue opportunities new devices promise,” said Samir Mehta, 4thpass’ executive vice president. “The 4thpass Device Management System gives operators tools to manage today’s handset challenges from both the network and device side.”
Motorola’s offering is notable as the handset maker last year announced it will use OTA updating technology from Bitfone in its mobile phones. Now, the company is selling a competing product to wireless carriers.
Motorola acquired 4thpass in 2002. 4thpass sells Java application management software to wireless carriers.
OTA updating has in recent months become one of the hottest topics in the mobile phone arena. Bitfone, DoOnGo Technologies, Openwave Systems Inc., Red Bend, Insignia and now Motorola are all competing in the new market.
