Sequans, Mformation Focus on WiMAX Interoperability

Off-the-shelf functionality is the goal for mobile device management provider Mformation Technologies Inc. and WiMAX chipmaker Sequans Communications, which have announced an interoperability pact that is paving the way for an end-to-end, embedded way to manage and control devices over a WiMAX network.

Sequans has integrated an OMA DM client directly into its chip software and has joined the Mformation WiMAX Self-Certification Program. That means that any device containing a Sequans chip will automatically work with Mformation’s OMA DM server, which provides WiMAX service activation, remote configuration and ongoing life-cycle support for WiMAX-capable devices.

WiMAX as an all-IP, standardized 4G technology will deliver a significant boost to the mobile Internet, allowing users to access advanced data applications and personal content from anywhere in the WiMAX coverage area, on any WiMAX-enabled device, at true broadband speeds. But key to the model is the ability for consumers to buy consumer electronics and handsets with WiMAX embedded, with confidence that the configuration will work regardless of carrier or other variable. Call it Wi-Fi on a metro level, in a sense.

“Successfully building the WiMAX service ecosystem requires that devices and services work out of the box,” said Craig Miller, vice president of marketing at Sequans. “Working with Mformation, the leader in device management, allows us to enable our customers to confidently and affordably produce devices that are compliant with industry standards and will work for virtually any WiMAX service provider.”

“The WiMAX ecosystem is building,” said Mark Edwards, Mformation’s CEO. “Working with leading chipset players like Sequans is an important step toward ensuring that more of the device makes and models entering the market can be supported on WiMAX networks automatically.”