Motorola makes LBS into BREW service — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Subscribers want navigation information} Motorola makes LBS into BREW service

21 Nov 2004 at 09:57 GMT Timo Poropudas

Motorola and Qualcomm are joining forces to provide tools for location based services in Qualcomm’s BREW environment. Motorola’s Viamoto solution will be distribute via the BREW channel as a part of the BREW solution. Viamoto is a software suite of distributed client/server location software that transforms cell phones and other in-vehicle wireless devices into portable navigation systems and local information guides. CDMA operators utilizing the BREW solution will soon have the option of offering their subscribers a proven navigation solution that allows them to travel with confidence and ease. Next to email, location-based services — specifically directions and navigational information — are the top applications that consumers want to have on their cell phones. According to The Yankee Group, one-third of all U.S. wireless users are interested in receiving location-based information such as driving directions. And In-Stat/MDR recently found that over 60 percent of users want simple navigational information — software that helps determine their location or the location of their friends. “Making applications that are easy-to-use and highly accessible is critical to driving consumer adoption,” said Neal Campbell, Vice President of Location Solutions, Motorola. “Offering the VIAMOTO solution through the BREW solution broadens the scope of applications available for wireless operators to offer their subscribers, providing an easy way to increase ARPU and strengthen wireless data retail services,” said Gina Lombardi, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for QUALCOMM Internet Services. Under the agreement, Motorola will be able to develop and publish applications and extensions for wireless CDMA operators utilizing the BREW solution — the first of which is Motorola’s VIAMOTO Location-Based Service (LBS) software application. Motorola has also agreed to provide BREW LBS extensions that will enable software developers to add VIAMOTO turn-by-turn direction capabilities to other BREW applications such as fleet management, customer relationship management and field service applications for enterprises to points-of-interest finders and location-based games for consumers.