Sierra Wireless And Red Bend Software Are Walking On Air With M2M Agreement

Sierra Wireless [NASDAQ: SWIR -TSX: SW] and Red Bend Software shook hands and today announced interoperability between the Sierra Wireless AirVantage(TM) Services Platform and Red Bend’s client software, vRapid Mobile(R) for Firmware Updating and vDirect Mobile(TM) for Device Management. This interoperability allows network operators and M2M solution providers to extend the reach of their services, managing devices equipped with Red Bend’s client software through the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) device management (DM) compliant AirVantage Services Platform.

As cellular connected devices and M2M services proliferate, managing these devices and services is becoming a formidable challenge for network operators and M2M solution providers. They must be able to activate subscriptions, monitor and securely upgrade remote devices, diagnose and repair problems, and track and bill for these services.

Ideally, network operators and M2M solution providers also want the ability to expand their M2M services by collecting and managing data from equipment such as electricity meters or solar panels for energy monitoring services, or telematics devices for automotive applications. To address this challenge, Sierra Wireless and Red Bend have collaborated to connect Red Bend’s market-leading OMA-DM embedded client software products, deployed in 680 million wireless devices, with the open, scalable and secure Sierra Wireless AirVantage Services Platform. The AirVantage Services Platform is interoperable with major embedded protocols, providing a full suite of M2M services and management features to network operators and their partners.

Now network operators and M2M solution providers can achieve end-to-end control over a broad range of devices using the Sierra Wireless AirVantage Services Platform connected to devices that are Red Bend-Enabled(TM). The Sierra Wireless AirVantage Services Platform provides a software-as-a-service offering that enables network operators and M2M solution providers to rapidly develop, deploy, support and manage cost effective M2M solutions and services. It includes the AirVantage Operating Portal, which combines comprehensive subscription management functions with many innovative capabilities for device management and web services. In addition, the powerful AirVantage Developer Suite is included to manage embedded development, AirVantage Operating Portal configuration, and web services APIs for development of web interfaces supporting M2M. Compatible with multiple operating systems, M2M Developer Suite enables M2M solution providers to incorporate a broad range of communication devices. Red Bend’s vRapid Mobile and vDirect Mobile are the leading OMA-DM compliant clients for performing firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates and remote configuration and device management (DM) of mobile phones and M2M wireless devices. Red Bend’s software is used by more than 60 companies, including China Mobile, Kyocera, LG, NTT Docomo, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless and Sony Ericsson.