LAS VEGAS – AT&T continued its tradition of hosting a developers conference the day before the official start of the annual CES event, at which it announced a number of new initiatives, including support for Web Real-Time Communications and new ecosystem partnerships.
AT&T claims that its WebRTC commercial support is the first by a domestic carrier, allowing voice and video calling between browsers without the need to install software or plugins. The carrier said its Enhanced WebRTC API was open as a “beta” program to developers, allowing for the development of WebRTC support for landline and mobile numbers in addition to the standard’s browser support. As part of the “enhanced” package, AT&T is also providing support for caller identification by tapping into the end-user’s AT&T mobile number as well as the ability to transfer calls that start on a personal computer or tablet to a smartphone.
WebRTC is seen by some as an alternative to more mobile-specific voice-over-LTE technology and similar to voice-over-IP services currently used by a number of over-the-top players. Some have noted the potential for mobile operators to take advantage of both WebRTC and VoLTE to offer services.
AT&T Mobility is also rolling out VoLTE services, noting last month that its commercial service is now available across 17 states, which followed a partnership announcement with Verizon Wireless to allow for VoLTE interoperability across their networks.
David Christopher, CMO at AT&T, this week provided insight into the carrier’s growing connected car presence backed by its LTE network as well as new support for the WebRTC standard through its developer program.
IoT, BYOD
Moving into the broader connected environment, AT&T launched its M2X Data Service “toolkit” that it claims provides “Internet of Things” managed services for developers and eases the creation of IoT solutions.
The launch allows enterprise customers to purchase commercial plans for the M2X platform that includes a cloud-based store designed to “collect, analyze, and share time-series data from connected devices.” The operator announced a beta version of the platform in late 2013, and claims a number of companies have already signed up, including Emerson, Rockwell Automation, Ericsson, Samsung, WiPro and Numerex.
Steve McGraw, CMO at AT&T Business Solutions, described M2X, Flow Designer platforms designed to boost development of applications for “Internet of Things.”
AT&T also unveiled its Work Platform, designed to allow enterprise customers to manage their mobile and “bring-your-own-device” needs. The platform is through a partnership with MobileIron, VMware’s AirWatch and Good Technology, which will be able to offer AT&T Mobility services to their enterprise customers.
AT&T has been very vocal in rolling out new initiatives designed to further its reach outside of traditional telecom services as well as tapping into software advances like software-defined networking and network function virtualization. The company last month announced plans to virtualize and control more than 75% of its network using software architecture by 2020. This move is expected to be accomplished through the use of cloud, SDN and NFV technologies.
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