TOKYO-Sharp Corp. has tapped Red Bend Software to provide firmware over the air (FOTA) technology for its 3G mobile phones, the companies announced Thursday. Terms of the deal were not announced.
The Japanese handset manufacturer said it will embed Red Bend’s over-the-air update offering and Open Mobile Alliance device management client on new 3G handsets. The technology allows carriers to fix bugs and deliver product updates and offerings directly to subscribers’ phones.
The Massachusetts-based software developer hopes the pact helps it gain a foothold in the Japanese market, where it is opening a new office that will provide sales, marketing and technical support.
“Our ability to successfully attract an advanced mobile phone supplier such as Sharp and to win business in Japan confirms the advantages of our offering,” said Yoram Salinger, Red Bend’s chief executive officer. “With our new office in Japan, we expect to further build our presence in this sophisticated and well-developed market.”
