Cloud Computing Journal

Funambol introduced the world's first open source 4G (fourth-generation) mobile cloud platform for device management and synchronization. The platform enables management of mobile devices, and synchronization of diverse mobile media, over WiMax and LTE with social networks, email systems and PCs. The company's software leverages the prevailing Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) standards for device management (DM) and data synchronization (DS). Funambol is working with some of the largest companies in the industry to deploy innovative 4G mobile cloud sync services over the coming months.

"4G will usher in new mobile services, such as live video, videoconferencing and HD movies," said Fabrizio Capobianco, Funambol CEO. "As a result, 4G's increased bandwidth and sensitivity requires even more need for mobile device management and sync. It must be easy and reliable for users to access and share rich media, anytime, anywhere. There is simply no alternative to an open source approach for optimizing the 4G user experience and performance."

The wireless industry is rapidly advancing from 2G and 3G networks to 4G. A major benefit of 4G is that it provides greater wireless broadband capacity for more users than prior technologies. Mobile operators around the globe are racing to be first to market with WiMax and LTE networks.

At the same time, a major question is how to monetize business opportunities created by 4G. As 4G is a premium high-speed service, WiMax and LTE providers are evaluating numerous scenarios to make it convenient and compelling for users to access rich mobile media. One issue associated with 4G is that because it transmits large amounts of data, it is more susceptible and sensitive to myriad conditions that degrade performance. This places an even greater burden on service providers to successfully perform critical mobile device management and syncing.

For example, if a large media file is streaming and becomes interrupted, it is important to resume rather than restart. It can also be beneficial to perform background sync when a device or connection is idle. Another need is to perform remote management of devices to ensure they have the latest software and settings for optimal performance. In sum, it is more important than ever that providers use a comprehensive, flexible and high-performance 4G mobile cloud platform.

Funambol's open source 4G mobile cloud platform for device management and sync is based on OMA DM and DS standards. It enables service providers to keep mobile data and rich media on diverse devices in sync with a wide range of data and content systems using WiMax or LTE. Funambol is collaborating with several providers to offer mobile device management and fast wireless broadband sync over 4G networks.

Companies are choosing to work with Funambol due to the open-source basis of the solution. Open source provides the most flexibility and device compatibility, which is highly critical as 4G technology and networks mature. The companies' engineering teams, along with their marketing and business development groups, believe open source is the only approach that affords the fastest and maximum adaptability for evolving technology and market requirements.