Private Mobile Networks’ solution enables business users on a private mobile network to seamlessly move between the private and public GSM networks, without having to make any changes to the mobile phone.
Fixed mobile convergence (FMC) provides enterprises with an opportunity to unify mobile and fixed line telephony. Although many organizations have sophisticated IP data networks in place, they still rely on a separate mobile network.
Many convergence initiatives are launched primarily in order to reap the benefits of cost savings from cheaper call routing. However, the real value of convergence can be found from the opportunity to exploit the converged infrastructure and communication services as a foundation for business process transformation. It should also be borne in mind that, although seemingly insignificant, a key benefit of FMC is the ability to use one universal contact number across fixed line and mobile phones.
This solution enables companies to integrate cellular telephony with the enterprise PBX or IP-PBX infrastructure. It utilizes base transceiver stations (BTSs) to communicate with existing ubiquitous mobile handsets. At the heart of the offering is the private mobile exchange (PMX) that integrates with the enterprise’s existing communication solution and other external networks, avoiding the need to utilize the WiFi infrastructure and new phones with dual-mode functionality.
The use of SIM cards that support both private and public networks means that, when it’s turned on, the phone will automatically search for the preferred network in order to take advantage of the lowest call charges. When an employee is within private GSM network range, the mobile phone automatically connects to the private GSM network and becomes an extension of the company’s phone exchange. This is a simple, secure process, with only registered mobile phones able to access the network. Once registered, the functionality of office phones becomes available on the mobile handset.
However, an alternative FMC approach favored by the vast majority of mobile industry heavyweights is the use of new dual-mode handsets with WiFi capabilities. There are a number of issues with this approach, which feels very much like a technology being made to fit a solution. Problems with using WiFi include the complexity of the environment, issues with automatic handover, requirement for client software, and power consumption.
Interestingly, one of the Goliaths in the sector appears to have broken ranks. Telefonica O2 Europe announced at its strategy briefing on November, 15 2006 that it would not be utilizing WiFi for FMC, and that a private GSM solution will be available in 2007.
Either through private GSM networks or WiFi, mobile phone usage is about to undergo a radical change, which will at last put control back with the organization and bring a new degree of flexibility and innovation, by providing the ability to integrate mobile phones into the enterprise network.
Source: OpinionWire by Butler Group (www.butlergroup.com)
