MobilityU

Movero™ Technology, Inc. Names Software Expert Art Roldan as New Board Member

AUSTIN, Texas –  Movero™ Technology, Inc. a leading provider of mobility management services for the enterprise, announced that it has appointed Art Roldan as a new member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Roldan is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the software industry. Currently, Roldan serves as CEO and Chairman at ISD Corporation, a leading provider of electronic payment management software for merchants. “We are excited to have Art join our Board of Directors.  Art’s experience and background in leading the growth of several software services companies is a benefit at this time as Movero™ continues to evolve our leading Enterprise Mobility Management Platform,” said Melanie Gray, President and CEO of Movero™. Read the full story at: http://bit.ly/aQzAzO

Movero™ Technology Sponsors CTIA Enterprise & Applications Pre-Conference Seminar, Enterprise Mobility Management Boot Camp

Movero™ Technology, a leading provider of MOBILITY MANAGEMENT services for the enterprise, today announced they are an official sponsor for Enterprise Mobility Management Boot Camp pre-conference seminar hosted by the Enterprise Mobility Foundation at CTIA Enterprise & Applications in San Francisco, CA, October 5-8, 2010.

Movero’s™ own Melanie Gray, President and CEO along with Mike Peloquin, VP of Sales and Business Development will participate in The Enterprise Mobility Management Boot Camp Solution Pitch Fest and will share ideas on the most important mobile wireless issues facing the enterprise today.

“The impact on IT from the rapidly changing events in wireless mobility is only going to increase. IT and business managers need to be prepared to deal with these changes in a way that mitigates risk.  With the proliferation of complex mobile devices and applications, IT organizations now require holistic approach to effectively manage mobility solutions, decrease costs, support wireless employees, and satisfy the company’s overall mobile wireless strategy,” said Mike Peloquin.

“The EMM Boot Camp Pitch Fest is a fantastic forum to share new ideas and network with key contributors in the enterprise mobility management space. Movero™ plans on showcasing new and innovative concepts that will provide companies a way to seamlessly integrate best-of-breed Enterprise Mobility Management point solutions with their existing IT infrastructure for a complete end-to-end mobility management solution. We invite anyone who is interested to attend, ask questions and share their feedback, said Melanie Gray.”

Peloquin will also present the opening remarks for the highly interactive ‘Ask the Experts’ panel with leading industry analysts. Movero™ is proud to sponsor ‘Ask the Experts’ panel and breakout session. The analysts participating are experts in the enterprise mobility management field and we look forward to the panel’s responses and insight during the event.

Ask the Experts

Moderator:
Philippe Winthrop – Managing Director, Enterprise Mobility Foundation

Analysts:
Andrew Brown – Director Wireless Enterprise Strategies, Strategy Analytics
Maribel Lopez – Principal and Founder Market Strategies, Lopez Research
Carrier MacGillivray – Program Manager Enterprise, Telecom Group with IDC
Gene Signorini – VP Anywhere Enterprise, Yankee Group

Take advantage of our sponsor discount of $250 and get access to:

1. The two full days of Boot Camp
2. The Windows Phone reception
3. CTIA Key Notes for all three days
4. Access to the Exhibit Floor for the full conference
5. Access to all free partner events.

• Simply go to: http://www.ctiaenterpriseandapps.com/events/eventdetails.cfm/1152
• Click on add event to the cart
• Then when asked for a promotional code, then enter:  EMBC4CTIA

Learn more about Movero’s™products and services and schedule a meeting with the team at CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference. Contact Leyna O'Quinn at 512.524.4304 for scheduling details.

About Movero™
Movero’s™ MOBILITY MANAGEMENT framework delivers an extensible and open-service delivery platform to IT organizations that need a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for managing all aspects of mobility. We combine recognized domain experts, reliable and scalable SaaS technology and proven processes to bring total visibility and control, customized to fit your organization. To learn more about Movero™ products and services, please visit: www.moverotech.com.   

Please also follow us on:

LinkedIn: Movero on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Group: MOBILITY MANAGEMENT - Share Best Practices

Twitter: Movero on Twitter

FaceBook: Movero on FaceBook

Managing Mobility: Sprint EVO 4G and Android 2.1

One of our Certified Mobility Agents recently switched his device and service from the AT&T Apple iPhone to the Sprint EVO 4G and completely sold several employees on the device and its capabilities.  The EVO 4G is definitely news worthy but there are a few things IT managers should consider before deploying the device in their organization.

•    Determine if 4G services are available in the cities and states you are managing mobility.  (See 4G city chart below)
•    What are the needs of the organization?  Think strategically -today and longer term.
•    What security factors do you need to consider?

EVO 4G Highlights!
The Evo 4G can work as a hot spot for up to eight WiFi devices using its 4G capability to provide decent throughput to the Internet or your company's network.  The rate plan costs are competitive starting $29.99 and unlimited data.  The device is equipt with a 8GB memory card, video conferencing capabilities and it shoots video in 720p (HD). Voice command on the device will allow the user to make calls, send text messages, search the web and even use the maps application to find addresses or businesses - which is great for the business traveler.

Sprint EVO 4G Specifications:
•    Android 2.1 + HTC Sense   
•    4.3" LCD 480x800
•    Qualcomm 8650 SnapDragon, 1Ghz
•    512MB RAM
•    4GB microSD card
•    8 Megapixel camera
•    4G, 3G, Wifi b/g, BT 2.1+EDR, aGPS
•    FM Radio
•    TV Out (HDMI)
•    4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5", 6oz
•    1500mAh battery

Cities scheduled to receive Sprint’s 4G network by end of 2010:

•    Cincinnati, Ohio
•    Cleveland, Ohio
•    Los Angeles, California
•    Miami, Florida
•    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
   
We think the Sprint EVO is an amazing device that stands side by side with the iPhone 4. We want to hear from you. What do you think about the Sprint EVO? Are you thinking of deploying or supporting the device in your company?

Movero offers software solutions and support for managing the lifecycle of mobile devices. Learn more about our business at http://www.moverotech.com.  

Thank you,

Leyna O'Quinn

Managing Mobility: Pre-Order Options for the Apple iPhone 4

On Monday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs astounded mobile techies with the cool new features of the iconic iPhone. With new features like improved battery life, multi-tasking, a faster processor, a better screen and pixel resolution, iBookstore, app storage, and a new Micro SIM - Apple continues to maintain a competitive advantage while attracting a variety of people in various demographics to the technology. General availability is June 24, 2010 on AT&T but people can pre-order as early as June 15 through a variety of channels.

Pre-order “The Thinnest Smartphone Ever” beginning June 15th
General Rules and Information:

• Pre-order process will follow the standard new activation/upgrade process/policies for current iPhone models.
• Orders will be shipped on a first in, first out basis and will begin arriving on June 24, 2010.
• Bulk inactive orders are still not allowed for iPhone.
• Equipment discounts do not apply to iPhone hardware or accessory purchases.
• At the time of the pre-order launch, a slight delay may occur before iPhone 4 appears in the various points of sale systems while they update.
• Orders for iPhone 4 will not be fulfilled until iPhone 4 is available for shipment, regardless of the selected shipping method.
• To receive devices as they become available, place separate orders for any non-iPhone 4 orders.
• Apple and AT&T will not guarantee delivery even if you pre-order a device

Pre-order Channels:
AT&T Business Channel - Pre-order via Premier
AT&T Retail – Find a store here: Store Locator
AT&T Online – Pre-order online: www.att.com
Apple Online – Pre-order online: www.apple.com 
Apple Retail Store – Find a store here: Apple Store Finder 

Apple & AT&T retail store and online channels (except the AT&T Premier) are typical avenues for consumers or those “must have it” business professionals, paying out-of- pocket.

Pre-order iPhone 4 with Movero:
Movero customers can pre-order iPhone 4 via the Managed Mobility Portal.  Movero will place any pre-order requests via the AT&T Business Channel and Premier (same rules apply).

What do you think about the new iPhone? Are you deploying the iPhone 4 in your organization? Share your experiences with our readers. We look forward to your feedback.

 

 

Leyna O’Quinn

The device you carry equals the price you pay to get out of your wireless service contract

Beginning June 1, 2010, AT&T is changing the terms for early termination fees. What does this mean for companies who have existing contracts with AT&T?

Existing AT&T customers currently in a two-year contract and those companies who have an existing enterprise services agreement will not be affected.  That means new customers and new enterprise services agreements including contract renewals will all be subject to the new terms. Verizon started this trend back in November 2009. AT&T is the second carrier to adopt this ETF model.

The new early termination fees are based on the type of device you carry.

Here is the break down:

Quick messaging or basic phones

The ETF has been lowered from $175 to $150 with $4 deducted every month that you remain with AT&T through the duration of the contract. The ETF will be prorated based on the amount of time you have remaining in the contract.

Phone examples: Sony Ericsson W518A, Samsung a777, Nokia 6350

Smartphones and Netbooks

The ETF has increased from $175 to $375 with $10 deducted every month you remain with AT&T through the duration of the contract. The ETF will be prorated based on the amount of time you have remaining in the contract.

Phone examples: Apple iPhone 3G, BlackBerry Curve 8520, HTC Pure, LG Expo

Why is AT&T making this change?

The reasoning behind this is that the subsidy on high-tech equipment is much higher than the current $175 ETF. For example, a new customer receives a subsidized discount on an iPhone 3GS 16GB and pays $199 and signs a two-year service contract with AT&T (The unsubsidized price for an iPhone 3GS is $399). If a customer decides to cancel the service early, AT&T say the current $175 ETF does not cover the difference in the subsidized cost.

Existing customers can maintain a zero contract and zero ETF (after the original contact terms are met) but spend more to upgrade the existing device.

 
United States Carrier Early Termination Fee Matrix

Tips for Managing Carrier Contracts

•    Know when your existing services agreements end for all carriers
•    Understand the discounts and contract terms for each carrier
•    Create calendar notifications to remind you when contracts end
•    Engage with your carrier representative a month or so early to begin the negoitating process

We want to hear from you. What do you think about the new carrier early termination fees?

Movero offers software solutions and support for managing the lifecycle of mobile phones and rate plans. Learn more about our business at http://www.moverotech.com.   

Thank you,

Leyna O'Quinn

iPad: To Be or Not to Be for Enterprise Mobility?

Apple has seen much success in the last few months with the release of the iPad, with more than one million sold in the United States. People are calling it an enormous iPod Touch and a media consumption device. Many organizations are looking at throwing out their field laptops and smartphones and replacing them with the iPad. Before the company spends thousands of dollars implementing the iPad, consider the pros and cons.

The iPad is a handheld tablet used for surfing the Internet, playing games, reading e-books, watching movies, viewing photos, listening to music, reading e-mail, taking notes, and updating calendar tasks. The iPad supports the Safari browser and iWork.

Top reasons to pass go and adopt the iPad

•    Easy navigation – operating systems (OS) is extremely intuitive

•    Sleek look - latest technology equals competitive advantage

•    Smaller and thinner than a laptop – larger work area and fewer limitations of a smartphone

•    Easy to travel with and carry – light weight

•    Convenient docking station and attachable keyboard

•    A positive user experience

•    Compatible with thousands of mobile applications

•   Communicates directly with Microsoft Exchange Server via ActiveSync

•   Secure access to private corporate networks using established industry-standard VPN protocols - iPad supports Cisco IPSec, L2TP over IPSec, and PPTP.

Top reasons to stop and wait to adopt the iPad

•    No uniform way to deploy mobile applications

•    iWork only – Currently no option for Microsoft Office 2010

•    Apple App Store is a proprietary software distribution model and does not support volume purchases

Professionals currently using the iPad

•    Lawyers use it to stay up-to-date on their areas of practice by reading blogs and online articles or using it at trial or at a deposition to cross    a witness in lieu of flipping through deposition transcripts or stacks of papers

•    Health care providers use the iPad for medical education and patient-clinician communication (e-prescription software)

•    Field Sales use the iPad for on-the-road sales presentations and demos

•    Higher education institutions use the iPad for e-learning, teaching, reading e-books, and application development

The jury is still out on whether the enterprise will adopt this device and how.  But one thing’s for sure, Apple has the coolness factor and employees will push for a way to use it at work. 

We’d love to hear from our readers!  Have you bought one?  Is your company currently looking at ways to leverage its usage?  Or is it still just too new to know?

Movero was one of the very first managed mobility companies to support the Apple iPhone back in 2007 and we now support the iPad for enterprise customers.

Learn more about our business at www.moverotech.com.  

Subscribe to our blog by clicking Subscribe at the very bottom of the page.

Leyna O'Quinn            

 

BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express - Good for Small to Medium Size Businesses

BES Express Basics

For many years, organizations have looked to Research in Motion as the preferred vendor to manage corporate e-mail. Today, the market is shifting and smaller companies everywhere need an e-mail solution for both individual and corporate users.

Major differences between BES and BES Express
BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express is a version of the enterprise BES 5.0 aimed at small to medium sized businesses. BES Express supports both corporate users traditionally on enterprise BES along with consumer BlackBerry devices without BES data plans - normally on BlackBerry Internet Services (BIS). BES Express supports both BlackBerry Exchange and Microsoft Small Business server. It’s a free download, but expect long download times.

Web-Based Interface
BES Express also uses a web-based self-service interface and Apache-based Java web app server to handle integration.

No Need to Purchase CALS
That’s right, the IT manager no longer has worry about how many CALs have been ordered.

Capacity Limits
Server capacity limits BES Express to 75 users; however, one can install additional servers to support as much as 2000 users.

BES Express Features:

IT Management and Support

• Runs on BlackBerry Exchange or Microsoft Small Business server:
• Compatible with: Microsoft® Exchange 2003 SP2, 2007 SP1, 2010 or Windows® Small Business Server 2003 and 2008

Management console

• Reset passwords, remote wipe for lost or stolen smartphones
• Choose from over 35 IT policies.
• Delegate tasks with 6 preconfigured IT administration roles
• Deploy and manage applications over-the-air
• Schedule device, application and IT policy updates
• Update BlackBerry Device Software

Security

Encryption

• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES)
• Flexible security architecture
• Impose a device lock-down
• Wipe data from a lost or stolen device
• Wirelessly enforce security settings such as Bluetooth lockout

Built in protection

• Specify exactly which applications are permitted on the device
• Prevent third-party applications from using persistent storage on the device
• Determine which resources third-party applications can access the device
• Restrict the types of connections a third-party application running on the device can establish
• Block all third-party applications from loading onto and running on the device

BES Express User Features:

Push Technology
Designed to deliver messages and information to BB smartphones in seconds. The server software and hosted services optimize data before sending and is designed to provide faster delivery times, longer battery life, and low per-megabyte data charges

E-mail
On the go access to e-mail, remote email search, out-of-office reply, HTML email, Sync e-mail status, mail folder management, view access to e-mail folders

Calendar
Easily accept calendar requests, check co-worker calendar availability, forward appointments to others, view and forward calendar attachments

Address Book
Contact sync, address look-up, and synchronization of multiple contact folders

Document and File Access
Remote File Access includes searching local and remote files to open view, and save JPEG, PDF, & Microsoft Office Suite files. Save, download, and edit native file attachments

Instant Messaging
Chat with co-workers instantly and see who’s online

Collaboration and Social Networking
Access to social networking sites directly from the BB

Depending on the needs of your organization, RIM BlackBerry now has a new way to support small to medium sized businesses. Movero Technology has been supporting RIM products since 2007. Learn more about our business at www.moverotech.com.

Are you deploying BES Express in your organization? Share your feedback and experiences with our readers.

 

Leyna O'Quinn

Related links:

ZDNET

Business Week

RIM Software

Top 3 Reasons Corporate Wireless Employees Call into the Help Desk

Benchmark studies from Gartner show that the average corporate wireless user will call the help desk 3-4 times a year. What are they calling about? Movero Technology has been tracking incident trends and has identified the top 3 reasons for calls into a wireless help desk.
 

#1 Activation Assistance
The number one reason corporate wireless users call the help desk is for activation related issues. New activations, upgrade assistance, swapping from one device to another, etc.

 #2 How-to Assistance
End-user education accounts for a tremendous amount of help desk resource time. With a variety of operating systems (OS), original equipment manufacturers (OEM), a number of native and corporate sponsored applications and various e-mail platforms, it is no wonder how-to questions rank # 2.

Below are a few examples of How-to questions wireless support teams receive daily:

How do I…

•    Sync my calendar and contacts?
•    Set-up visual voice mail?
•    Set-up and access VPN?
•    Set-up WIFI?
•    Sync with my computer?
•    Transfer files?
•    Connect / access sites on the Internet?
•    Organize my folders?
•    Activate and use iTunes?

•    Download corporate applications?The list goes on....

#3 Service Changes
The third reason corporate wireless users are calling the help desk is to make changes to their wireless service. In the enterprise mobility world, we refer to this as Moves – Adds – Changes – Deletes (MACD).

Moves
Involve moving service from one carrier to another, IE., transferring service from Sprint to AT&T usually with the same number, also known as line number portability (LNP).

Transfer of liability (TOL) or changing the financial responsibility (COFR) of an account from one person or entity to another. For example, employee A is leaving the company and wants to transfer-out the wireless phone number and service, leaving the employee financially responsibility for the bill.

Adds
Adding features such as text/short message systems (SMS), international roaming and dialing, etc.

Changes
Changing minute plans, features, or suspending service

Deletes
Removing features or cancelling service

As companies continue to adopt mobility into their organizations, they should consider how to support their wireless population and these types of calls. Unfortunately, typical IT departments lack the time or experience to handle complicated wireless support issues, leaving employees to resolve issues on their own, taking time away from productive work.

Movero Technology has been supporting corporate wireless users for more than six years and offer solutions to offload support of any size organization. Learn more at Movero Wireless Help Desk.

Are you currently supporting corporate wireless users?  We want to hear from you. Share your feedback and experience with our readers.

We look forward to your feedback.

Scott Greeson, VP Operations and Service Delivery

 
 

Enterprise Mobility and Open Standards

iPhone 4.0: Built to Hook Businesses of all Shapes and Sizes