Appear Provisioning Server 3.1 enables value-added services in WLAN hotspots and workspots

Stockholm, Sweden - 25 February 2003 - Appear Networks, a European leader in proximity triggered application platforms for mobile workers, today announced the release of Appear Provisioning Server 3.1. Appear Provisioning Server enables hotspot network operators to automatically present and distribute complex applications to various wireless devices (smart phones, PDAs, laptops and pen tablets) and via different kinds of networks (WLAN, Bluetooth, GPRS).

Appear Provisioning Server 3.1 incorporates powerful new features such as role-based filtering of provisioned applications and minor but very useful upgrades such as sound alerts upon entering and exiting zones. Previous features include automatic device detection, service discovery and application installation, as well as automatic un-installation and discard of applications when leaving network coverage.

Appear Provisioning Server enables a flexible segmentation of target groups, such as workforce divisions, and deployment of new services quickly and more efficiently, giving fast, real-time, and dynamic access to information.

“Telecom operators have all initiated serious moves towards the widespread roll-out of WLAN hotspot networks. For example, France Telecom announced last week major plans regarding WLAN services across Europe” comments Xavier Aubry, co-founder of Appear Networks. “Operators are facing two challenges: first, they have to build a large infrastructure at a reasonable cost. In order to do this, they need to sign deals with real estate owners (airports, train stations, hotels) as fast as possible, as the competition intensifies for securing prime hotspot locations. Naturally, they need flexible software platforms that can be deployed instantly on-site.”

“Moreover”, adds Xavier Aubry, “operators know that high-speed internet access will soon be a commodity as mobile workers start using WLAN at their home, in the office or on the road. As seen with GSM network subscribers, the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) will fall rapidly. Consequently, operators need to start developing value-added services for WLAN hotspots, in order to retain customers and generate new revenues. Operators have certainly learned from the 3G roll-out and are ready to reap the benefits from the WLAN roll-out in 2003. After 3 years of research in the area, Appear Networks has now deployed its platform with major hotspot owners (such as Stockholm Subway) and operators. Appear Networks is in prime position to become a provider of choice for WLAN application provisioning software to hotspot operators.

Appear Provisioning Server enables enterprises and wireless service providers to: automatically distribute and update any stand-alone productivity application to their workforce or customers over standard wireless IP-based networks such as 802.11b, 802.11a, Bluetooth and GPRS

• save time and money by removing the need for time-consuming manual synchronization using cradles or infrared communication
• segment wireless deployments into zones and provide proximity-triggered applications based on geographic locations and user profiles
• complement existing “online-only” web-based solutions with interactive stand-alone applications that can be used both online and offline

About Appear Networks: www.appearnetworks.com 

Appear Networks is an European leader in proximity-triggered application platforms for the task-specific mobile workforce.

Appear Provisioning Server is the first platform already in use, designed to deploy wireless applications on WLAN “hotspot” networks, such as airports, railway/subway stations or conference venues. Applications can be location-based workforce applications (for productivity gains and increased quality of service) as well as value-added guest services (for customer loyalty and revenue generation).

Click & Run™ is the most advanced technology for application provisioning and management in wireless networks: it enables any mobile device connected to a wireless IP network to discover, download and run location-specific applications in one single click.

Press Contacts

Angela Hepburn
Open2Europe – PR Division
a.hepburn@open2europe.com
+33 (0)1 55 02 14 51

Ann-Louise Palm, CEO
Appear Networks
ann-louise.palm@appearnetworks.com
+46 (0)8 545 91 370