Smith Micro is demonstrating their latest connection manager solution, QuickLink Zero, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona,. The new solution will support Windows 8 and other popular PC and mobile operating systems, as well as new industry standards focused on mobile connectivity.
“As the leader in connection management software for more than 10 years, we understand the stringent operator requirements for security and back-end integration that don’t go away with new device form factors and operating systems”
The fragmented mobile device market causes significant challenges for wireless operators and consumers alike. Enabling wireless connectivity via USB or embedded modems requires custom software integration for each mobile platform and operating system version, which has been Smith Micro’s core business for many years. The company’s new QuickLink Zero solution reduces this complexity by providing an embedded connection manager for both USB modems and mobile hotspots that allows operators to deliver a consistent experience to users of Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS, iOS, Android and other mobile device operating systems. With no driver installation required, QuickLink Zero gives users the portability and simplicity they need without sacrificing the rich features of Smith Micro’s market-leading PC-based connection manager.
“As the leader in connection management software for more than 10 years, we understand the stringent operator requirements for security and back-end integration that don’t go away with new device form factors and operating systems,” said Dave Sperling, CTO of Smith Micro Software. “QuickLink Zero was designed to streamline the process of getting new devices to market faster, supporting emerging standards and the latest features of Windows 8, while maintaining backwards compatibility with older devices and operating systems.”
Although Windows 8 (developer version) provides basic connectivity for both of its user interfaces (Metro UI and Desktop UI), operators must integrate their advanced connection management features differently for each UI to enable activation, usage metering, diagnostics, power management, security controls, etc. QuickLink Zero will provide these features from the connected USB modem or mobile hotspot, minimizing integration costs while still providing the optimal experience for users of both Metro and Desktop UIs. This client-less approach will streamline the launch process for new devices and reduce support costs for operators with a single connection manager that works across multiple hardware platforms and operating systems.
QuickLink Zero is designed to support emerging industry standards, including the Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) published by the USB Implementers Forum, as well as the Open Connection Manager API (OpenCMAPI) under development by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). As a contributor to both standard specifications, Smith Micro joins other industry leaders who are helping to design connectivity specifications that will accelerate and simplify the adoption of mobile broadband around the world. Smith Micro is also able to leverage their Secure On-Device API (SODA) architecture to supplement and extend these standards so that operators and device makers can offer additional differentiating mobile services while remaining standards-compliant.
QuickLink Zero is part of Smith Micro’s Experience Manager platform that helps Mobile Operators, Device Manufacturers and Enterprises simplify and enhance the mobile experience while optimizing network and device resources.
