U.K.-based DAT Group plc announced a deal Thursday to provide over-the-air device management software for an undisclosed Tier 1 U.S. carrier. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it is described as a “multimillion-dollar” agreement.
DAT, which develops technology for OTA management of smart phones called DMP, said the agreement follows a successful trial of the DAT Mobility Platform by the unnamed operator earlier this year. OTA technology allows carriers to manage remotely phone settings, update software, and diagnose and repair bugs.
“DMP has proven it has the reliability and the functionality to handle mobile device management for millions of devices in one of the world’s most demanding markets,” said David Hayes, DAT’s chief executive officer.
The agreement grants a perpetual license to use the OTA software to manage more than 6 million devices, Hayes said.
Operators in the United States and around the world are beginning to roll out OTA-supported smart phones and mass-market devices in an effort to minimize customer service costs. Sprint PCS introduced seven OTA-equipped, mass-market handsets earlier this year; other operators are expected to follow suit later this year.
Although the pact appears to mark a another step for DAT in the U.S. market, the company’s Web site says it has relationships with several U.S. carriers, including Cingular Wireless L.L.C., Nextel Communications Inc. and Verizon Wireless.
