WeRoam partners with Aramova on connection manager software



Wireless Internet access at Wi-Fi hotspots and also via GPRS and UMTS is now more convenient and more simple than ever before


Berne / San Francisco-/19 Oct, 2004 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- Aramova, a pioneer in intelligent Internet access technology and WeRoam, the worlds leading WLAN roaming platform, have entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement for an intelligent access management solution. The foundation for this strategic partnership, announced today by Aramova's CEO Pete Szalay and WeRoams CEO Toni Stadelmann, was WeRoam's decision to offer a fully configurable white-labled connection manager to its worldwide customers. Aramova's solution has been tailored to fit perfectly with WeRoam's open roaming strategy and now supports all features of the existing SIM-based roaming platform.

The innovative "WeRoam Internet Connection Manager" has the ability to control all converging access technologies from an easy-to-use user interface, be they WLAN, GPRS, UMTS or fixed-line modem connections. Users have an instant overview of signal availability at their particular location and clear feedback about their connection status. With a single mouse click, users can automatically select the preferred Internet connection without having to alter network settings in the operating system of their device. Provision of a signal sniffer coupled with a convenient hotspot finder database, provides the user with interactive support while choosing the relevant access technology.

The new connection manager smart-client software has the ability to be fully customised in appearance and functionality for WeRoam's customers - GSM operators, Telcos, Internet providers and large corporates. The integrated hotspot database and signal sniffer provide increased user friendly features. Users no longer have to be driven to despair at large multi-provider locations such as airports or exhibition grounds by the Wi-Fi hotspot's cryptic SSID names, nor do they have to know who the local partner of their service provider is when travelling abroad. This is due to the ability of the Connection Manager to provide instant information on which of the connection options available tallies with their provider's tariff. Company IT administrators also benefit in that they now have the ability to automate important functions such as VPN connections for their company's travelling user base.

Developed by Aramova, the "WeRoam Internet Connection Manager" has already been tested on the networks of WeRoam's international WISP partners and will be available to its customers from the beginning of November. For WLAN connections the smart client integrates the WISPr protocol and supports all authentication methods such as SIM and RADIUS. This convenient solution is rounded off by an integrated SMS centre.

"We think WeRoam will be an important channel for Aramova's solutions and services," stated Pete Szalay, CEO of Aramova: "WeRoam have not only embraced our entire smart client/server solution, but they will be the first to deploy our Hotspot Mapping Portal (HMP) Service. The HMP service can be tightly integrated with the smart client, to make public WLAN access even easier to find and use. This modular end-to-end offering is very much inline with our commitment to provide the most comprehensive standards based tool set on the market for wireless service providers and further fortifies our position in Intelligent Access Management. We are delighted that WeRoam share this vision."

WeRoam CEO Toni Stadelmann added: "The WeRoam Internet Connection Manager represents an important step towards converging open mobile communication systems. The functionality and user-friendliness of the system is setting new standards and is set to help our worldwide operator and provider customers to integrate WLAN, GPRS and UMTS access technologies into a modular and customer-friendly broadband service provision offer. We regard Aramova solutions as our first choice. This is because they provide the very best support for our vision of open global WLAN roaming".



Background:

Aramova is the pioneer in Intelligent Access Management solutions for Communications and Enterprise Service Providers. A market leader in the Fixed-line industry, Aramova is applying its success to fortify its position in the Wireless industry. Aramova delivers Internet Mobility to its customers by simplifying user experience when connecting across multiple access networks. By abstracting the complexities associated with connecting to and remotely managing heterogeneous networks, Aramova customers can expand their Internet access service offerings, create sustainable revenue growth, and maintain long-term profitability.

Designed for industry leading ISPs, Mobile Network Operators, ILECs, CLECs, MSOs, WLAN Operators, and Enterprise Service Providers worldwide, Aramova's customers include household names like AT&T, Bell Canada, KPN, Qwest, Verizon, and XO Communications. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with international offices in Norwich, England.
http://www.aramova.com

WeRoam facilitates the seamless integration of WLAN and GSM network technologies, enabling global roaming for WLAN services. Key solutions found in GSM technology have been adopted to make up the WeRoam service, which provides secure authentication, signalling conversion, clearing and settlement services. This positions WeRoam as the only open roaming platform supporting all relevant authentication methods for WLAN Roaming such as SIM, Radius and EAP SIM. The wireless footprint includes today more than 10.000 Wi-Fi hotspot locations worldwide.

The company was established in 2001 and is owned by TOGEWA Holding (Switzerland) and Infonet Service Corporation (USA). WeRoam's innovative SIM based WLAN roaming solution is patent pending.
http://www.weroam.com