Mobile operators from various companies like 3 Group, AT&T, T-Mobile, Telenor, Telefonica, Telecom Italia and Vodafone have joined together to create new mobile applications. This group of operators is among the members of OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform) who will support the recent launch of the new initiative, BONDI.
"Users have to be certain when they use the mobile web that their privacy is paramount. The OMTP goal is to 'enable and protect' - to enable fantastic new services whilst at the same time protecting the user," stated Tim Raby, managing director at OMTP.
The BONDI software is designed to deny unauthorized access to sensitive information, thereby avoiding incidents in which activities are fraudulent and malicious. It will also assist Web developers by exposing key handset features and helping them develop more high functionality, easy-to-use and relevant applications.
"With so many diverse mobile devices and operating systems available in today's marketplace, it can be quite challenging to roll out consistent and compelling new services across such a broad spread. BONDI addresses the need to deliver great services across multiple platforms, whilst ensuring that customers are protected from any risk associated with adopting a more open approach to these systems," explained Reinhard Kreft, Vodafone's head of standardization and industry engagements.
By integrating the various open and proprietary ongoing initiatives, BONDI will help reduce the fragmentation of technology in this field. With OMTP’s support it will participate in the in-process standardization work that will not only provide mobile users with a rich Web experience, but also a degree of protection that will continue maintaining their present level of trust.
"Keeping a lid on fragmentation, whilst at the same time enabling new functionality, will encourage more developers to create unique, exciting applications for mobile Web 2.0. In turn, this will improve the mobile broadband proposition and greatly enhance the customer experience," remarked Arnd Gallmann, senior vice president of terminal technology at T-Mobile International.
"Mobile Web 2.0 is an exciting opportunity; the potential for advancement is huge. We at Telefonica, are looking forward to seeing BONDI help bring the mobile web close to the capabilities of the PC Web," commented Carlos Melendo, senior manager of handsets at Telefonica.
Without risking security of customers, BONDI aims to provide Web developers across multiple device platforms with a consistent and secure Web service interface. It also plans to enable such developers to meet the needs of a wide consumer market and will also act as a driving force for application of data services on mobiles.
Shireen Dee is a contributing editor for IoTevolutionworld. To read more of Shireen’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
