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| Dual-Mode Handset Ranked #1 Fixed-Mobile Convergence Service Outsmart has announced the results of an FMC-market survey conducted by BBDO Consulting. The results show that over 65% of fixed and mobile operators will have implemented Fixed-Mobile Convergence services into their product suites over the next three years, while within the FMC market the survey found a dual-mode handset to be the most recognizable type of FMC service, with 75% of respondents' identification. In addition to focusing on the FMC market in general, the survey also focused on specific FMC services and brand recognition of major FMC service providers. The survey participants included operators, vendors, analysts, VCs, SI and others. When asked to define the types of services or benefits they associate with FMC, and being able to mention more than one, 75% of respondents chose a dual-mode handset. Others solutions included one phone bill (34%), a home zone rate plan (27%), voicemail convergence (13%), a Skype-like solution (9%), or other (11%). Respondents were able to mention more than one type of service. As for planning to implement FMC into their services, 26% of respondents said they have already implemented it, 11% said they planned on implementing some services by the end of the year, 18% said they planned on doing it by next year, while 13% said they intended to implement some FMC services within the next 3 years. 13% of respondents did not yet plan to implement FMC into their service, and 19% said it was not relevant. With regards to specific types of FMC services, such as a converged service that allows one to make calls on their mobile line over a PC, more than 91% of respondents said they would use the product either while traveling abroad, at home, or in the office, while just 9% said they would not use the product at all. 84% of respondents said they would use FMC services, with 55% saying they would utilize both at home and in the office, 21% saying they would use it only at home, 8% saying they would use it only for the office, and 13% saying the wouldn't use these services at all. In addition to focusing on the FMC market in general, the survey also focused on specific brand added recognition of major FMC service providers and their products. Outsmart was named as one of the top recognized companies to offer FMC products and solutions together with companies such as Ericsson, Nokia and Siemens as the most recognized vendors in the FMC market. Outsmart's products and services are offered as part of the company's Smart 1.10 convergence platform, and include the Dual-Mode Handset service, that allows for the same user experience using both Wi-Fi and GSM/CDMA access. The service allows Wi-Fi to be utilized as the access technology while enabling mobile operators to provide more appealing rate plans to end-users. Another service available through Outsmart's Smart 1.10 platform is the Secured Plug 'n Talk solution - a preloaded soft phone on a USB memory stick, which transforms any PC into a mobile phone. It offers all the same services as a mobile phone, while allowing for an account with one phone number, identity and bill. The Secured Plug 'n Talk identifies itself towards the GSM domain by using a regular SIM authentication procedure. The survey data is based on online research conducted by BBDO Consulting Israel, during September 2006. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Computing News :: home page |