April/May 2003

Mobile phone giant Sony Ericsson is making a vigorous bid for a share of the mobile applications development market with the launch of a package of products called M2mpower Business Solution.

The company describes this as "a powerful support environment" that enables users to streamline development, reduce total solution costs, and deliver state-of-the-art wireless products and solutions.

It's certainly a comprehensive package, made up of both hardware and software components. It includes a programmable radio device (either the GR47 or GR48), plus a hardware developer's kit that includes power supply, SIM holder and antenna.

Software development tools include application function libraries and reference applications. The inbuilt scripting language is based on the industry standard ANSI C language, and is intended to allow developers with existing applications to make a smooth transition to M2mpower. The package also includes comprehensive training and support.

 

The company says application trials are already under way in several countries. In Germany, CeTEC is using M2mpower to run GSM-based telematics and telemetry systems. In Sweden, Wireless Device is using it as a plug-in solution in wireless meter-reading. In Spain, Taxitronic is using it to provide positioning solutions for taxi fleets.