OVERLAND
PARK, Kan.
– June 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today
announced the launch of Sprint Command Center, a centralized, secure,
self-service portal offering unprecedented control over Machine-to-Machine
(M2M) devices and services. The latest M2M empowerment tool from Sprint offers
a convenient, comprehensive platform that allows businesses to control
provisioning, billing, management and solution/application development of their
own M2M solution.
M2M
is about connecting people, devices and systems in new and transforming ways.
Devices as diverse as utility meters, signboards, cameras, remote sensors,
appliances and consumer devices can be connected to each other over wired or
wireless connections, and share data to support a variety of new uses and
achieve increased efficiencies.
Integrated
Platform Simplifies Device Management
Sprint
Command Center enables businesses to manage services via Web portal or direct
API access, while also leveraging existing enterprise applications to control
devices and services. Users can take advantage of Sprint’s expertise to
manufacture customizable devices, test connectivity and deploy to the field
before generating monthly recurring charges via automatic activation triggers.
Business customers can then tailor M2M opportunities for their own operations
or for their customers. Companies can add, remove, suspend and un-suspend
devices on the fly, view detailed and summary usage records and billing
information, and create custom user notifications based on usage
thresholds.
Sprint
has developed a tightly integrated platform by leveraging technology from
leading ecosystem participants into the Sprint billing platform. The benefit to
business users and developers is a simplified, easy-to-use, secure application
that enables an enterprise to easily manage the growing number of M2M devices
without requiring separate charges. The base level of features is included with
Sprint’s M2M rate plans. Additional integration, management features and
self-service capabilities are also available as needed.
Sprint
Command Center Serves Fast-Growing Innovator ECOtality
Sprint,
along with other companies in the M2M ecosystem, has already brought to market
a wide array of solutions that feature a host of devices running on its network
– ranging from those that are used widely by many businesses and consumers
(such as aircards and monitoring devices) to highly specialized devices and
software (such as smart meters, UBI devices and medical apps). ECOtality (NASDAQ: ECTY), a
leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies that address
the world’s global energy challenges, is already harnessing the value of the
Sprint Command Center.
“Our Blink charging stations are rapidly expanding into 18
major cities and metropolitan areas. We are able to leverage the Sprint Command
Center to manage the growing number of electric charging stations - including
remote activation and upgrades, plus the ability to collect data wirelessly for
billing, security and other services,” said Jonathan Read, CEO - ECOtality.
With
powerful features available today, the Sprint Command Center is a robust,
self-service management platform for M2M devices and services, enabling
businesses to control a single device - or thousands of devices - from Sprint’s
secure online portal. Sprint’s Command Center includes a built-in, encrypted
VPN security standard, and does not require additional services to achieve a
secure connection.
Additional
key features and benefits include:
•
Quick,
convenient management of M2M devices and services
•
Secure
platform and connectivity for protected access
•
Simple,
remote control of key management tasks
-- Add, remove, suspend or un-suspend devices
-- Automated pre-provisioning, activations
and un-suspensions
-- Pre-planned (by date/time, usage, etc.) or
on-the-fly management
•
Flexible
billing/usage capabilities
-- Dynamic rate plans, flexible pooling,
Business Rule Engine for device billing, customized billing triggers
-- Usage alerts and notifications for timely
response
•
Extensive
reporting to support real-time assessment and ongoing solution optimization
•
Easy
integration with existing infrastructure/applications via open APIs
•
Powerful
development tools, including kits, modules, hardware and service plans
“As
businesses discover the enormous potential of M2M they’re demanding resources
and tools that can provide rapid enablement and return on investment, along
with an enhanced experience for their customers. The Sprint Command Center
anticipates that need as a key addition to our solutions package,” said Wayne
Ward, vice president of Emerging Solutions Group – Sprint. ”Coupled with
Sprint’s proven experience in M2M solutions management, Sprint Command Center
helps drive enhanced innovation in functions that depend on reliable,
fast communication, including energy management, transportation, telematics,
mobile healthcare, mobile security, and digital signage. Our open platform, network
leadership, dedicated support and proven experience will help businesses
quickly and securely launch their M2M ideas.”
About
Sprint Emerging Solutions
The
Emerging Solutions Group (ESG), a division of Sprint Business, is an industry
leader in M2M and embedded solutions. ESG delivers a full complement of assets
critical to successful M2M and embedded solutions deployments. These include:
network agnostic capabilities (including 3G, 4G, CDMA, iDEN, and a reliable
Tier 1 IP network); specialized industry solutions engineering teams; an open
approach to devices and applications through the company’s Open Device
Initiative, an expansive M2M ecosystem; and the ability to provide customers
with customized solutions that can include distribution, branding, billing and
customer care services. To learn more, visit www.sprint.com/m2mcommandcenter and view the Sprint
Command Center video in the top right corner.
About
Sprint Nextel
Sprint
Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications
services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and
government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the
end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and
deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from
a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data
services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and
Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk
capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked
Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s
greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can
learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
No comments:
Post a Comment