ATLANTA-Sun Microsystems Inc. and Pronto Networks unveiled the iForce Wi-Fi Hotspot Appliance at last week’s CTIA Wireless 2004 show in Atlanta. The tool enables operators to quickly and cost-effectively roll out a medium-sized public hot-spot network that includes 25, 50 or 100 hotspots and is distributed via Sun Authorized iForce Channel Partners.
“The iForce Wi-Fi Hotspot appliance is designed to meet the needs of mid-tier operators that are looking for an easy-to-use, easy-to-deploy solution that will enable them to capitalize on the rapid growth in the public hot-spot market,” said Stuart Wells, senior vice president of the market development organization at Sun. “The integrated Wi-Fi hot-spot appliance based on Pronto’s carrier-grade, robust Wi-Fi service delivery platform and components of the Sun Java System software and Sun Fire servers is an out-of-the-box, highly reliable solution that is ready to deploy.”
Pronto also announced an agreement with Syniverse Technologies whereby Pronto will integrate its Wi-Fi service delivery platform with Syniverse’s wireless clearinghouse to facilitate bi-lateral Wi-Fi roaming with domestic and international roaming partners.
Syniverse will manage the routing and security for messaging between Pronto’s service provider customers and their roaming partners, and will provide wholesale rating, clearing and settlement and customizable online financial and detailed usage reports.
In other news, Sun also announced a new teaming with BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. that the companies said would extend mobile Java Web services technology to more than 1 million BlackBerry users.
“Web Services will enable IT departments to fully and securely extend their existing applications and systems to BlackBerry users,” said David Yach, senior vice president of software at RIM. “Together with Sun Microsystems, we are leveraging the power of Java Web Services and BlackBerry to enable secure electronic business using wireless.”
Separately, Sun said it would launch its new Network Equipment Provider Lifecycle Services Program. The company said the new offering will reduce equipment providers’ product development, integration and supply chain costs, and minimize hardware development expense.
