Resource Management Software optimizes Internet subscriber plans.
Press Release Summary:
Passport v3.0 helps operators effectively manage network resources and tap new revenue streams by offering subscribers personalized, context-aware internet services. Creating positive user experience and introducing new revenue-generating business models, software enables proactive offering of various recurring or pay-as-you-go metered service plans to subscribers. Roaming end-users can also be immediately informed of roaming data charge options.
Original Press Release:
Openwave Announces Latest Version of Passport Offering
Passport 3.0 Comes with Enhanced Service Tiering and Customer Care Capabilities to Help Operators Better Manage Network Resources and Avoid Subscriber 'Bill Shock'
CTIA WIRELESS 2010, LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV), a global software innovator delivering context-aware mediation and messaging solutions, today announced the latest version of Openwave® Passport, a key part of its Traffic Mediation solution. Passport 3.0 is designed to help operators more effectively manage network resources and tap into new revenue streams by offering subscribers personalized, context-aware internet services.
"Mobile spectrum is a finite resource; the tension between operators and consumer demand is definitely beginning to grow," said Graham Finnie, chief analyst, Heavy Reading. "The 'all-you-can-eat' data plan approach is no longer sustainable and operators need usage-based pricing as a means to better manage their precious network resources while still providing value to the chain. Solutions that empower users to have a hand in their own data usage management while improving upon the overall mobile internet experience will help operators remain competitive."
"Operators continue to be challenged with the rising costs of supporting larger data volumes in the network; we believe that some form of service tiering will inevitably be required to manage these costs," said John Giere, senior vice president, products and marketing at Openwave. "Approaching this challenge creatively by rapidly adapting to consumer needs is the key to creating a positive user experience and introducing new revenue-generating business models. Openwave Passport allows operators to proactively offer subscribers a range of recurring or 'pay-as-you-go' metered service plans while helping operators to manage their network costs."
In Europe, 'bill shock' from data roaming is so common that the European Union (EU) recently enacted a rule that requires operators to notify subscribers when their bills reach a certain threshold and discontinue service unless the subscriber affirmatively agrees to incur additional charges. With Openwave Passport, a roaming user can be immediately informed of roaming data charge options and make a choice that best suits their needs. They might opt to purchase a "roaming day pass," pay per megabyte (MB), or pay per block of 100 MBs. This could work to ensure that the operator adheres to any relevant regulatory matters around control of data roaming charges while at the same time keeping the user informed and providing them with choices.
Passport 3.0 allows the operator to offer a range of different data access plans to their subscribers, from a monthly recurring plan with specified "fair usage" limits to a more flexible pay-as-you-go, time-based "pass" that might be more suitable to the casual data user. Passport monitors the user's activity (by time or traffic volume) and can proactively inform them when appropriate of events such as allocated quotas being reached, changes to their service plan, new data changes that may apply or new services that may be of interest. The subscriber may also manage their service plans directly with on-demand access to time and/or volume "meters" and options for extensions or upgrades.
Openwave Passport 3.0 is expected to be generally available in April 2010.
About Openwave
Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV) is a global software innovator delivering context-aware mediation and messaging solutions that enable communication service providers and the broader ecosystem to create and deliver smarter services.
Building on its mobile data heritage, Openwave mobilizes the Internet with predictive solutions fueled by real-time analytics that mediate among all different ecosystem elements, permitting the enhancement of every mode of IP traffic. The result can provide customers with a 360-degree view of their network, devices and services, and enables them to proactively optimize network resources, quickly launch smart mobile services, and provide a contextually relevant user experience.
Openwave is a global company with a blue chip customer base spanning North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Openwave is headquartered in Redwood City, California. For more information please visit www.openwave.com.
Openwave and the Openwave logo are trademarks of Openwave Systems Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
For further information:
Openwave Systems Inc.
Paula Holland
Public Relations
Paula.Holland@openwave.com
Tel: 650-480-5640
