Global WLAN Roaming Platform Implements An Open Client Interface



Berne / Stockholm-/20 Oct, 2004 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- WeRoam, the worlds leading WLAN roaming platform, is implementing a new centralised server solution, developed by Swedish infrastructure specialists ServiceFactory.

This new service is being launched in conjunction with its convenient "Connection Manager" software. By launching these two new services WeRoam demonstrates its commitment in deploying services with open interfaces, such as EAP-SIM over existing 802.11b/g infrastructure and WISPr, in line with it's stance as a neutral broker.

The WeRoam platform is now operated entirely according to the WISPr recommendations of the WiFi-Alliance, in its data centre infrastructure in Switzerland, allowing its customers to connect their individual end users in a much simpler fashion.

ServiceFactory is one of the worlds leading supplier of systems for broadband service and access management, allowing both wireline and wireless broadband service providers to rapidly deploy and manage large networks and integrate the system into their own business support systems. WeRoam is the WLAN roaming market pioneer and is already offering convenient, wireless access to the Internet at over 10,000 hotspot locations worldwide. Operating it's roaming platform, WeRoam acts as a neutral broker between the wireless Internet service providers (WISPs), GSM operators, fixed line carriers and providers of remote access solutions (RAS), who are looking to expand their mobile broadband provision and provide their customers with global WLAN access.

As the pioneer, WeRoam launched the first SIM authentication platform creating a secure and easy-to-use wireless system for hotspot users to access the Internet. International WLAN utilization is charged per minute and can be included on end users monthly telephone bills. This negates the requirement for accessing via pre-paid vouchers and entering insecure user names and passwords.

Until now users have been using a client that was developed together with the WeRoam SIM authentication platform. The migration from this proprietary platform to Service Factory's centralised server solution, indicates WeRoams commitment to providing open standards coupled with a fully scaleable solution for its customers. The decision to move to an open client interface together with the adoption of the WISPr recommendations across the network allows simpler integration and connection of both WISP's and wholesale customers, in addition, due to the open interfaces, new solutions and features can be seamlessly added on an ongoing basis.

Utilising the EAP-SIM standard, GSM Operators have the ability to authenticate users via a SIM card into the operator infrastructure, using a secure IP tunnel. For communication between the WISP partner and the WeRoam authentication platform, access is provided utilising the RADIUS protocol, used by all WISP's as a standard for billing purposes, thus seamlessly marrying together the Radius and SIM based world. By offering an open client interface, WeRoam allows its customers to offer their end users individually configured client solutions. This is in reaction to the emergence of customer requirements to integrate multiple access technologies (WLAN,GPRS,UMTS & DSL)into a single converged management application (see separate "WeRoam Internet Connection Manager" press release).

"Service Factory's excellent server solution together with our many years of SIM authentication, signalling and clearing experience and know-how serves in securing WeRoam's position as the leading roaming platform in the WLAN market. Also in technology terms", says Toni Stadelmann, WeRoams CEO, explaining the importance of the migration. "WISPr and the open client interface mean that we are offering our customers flexibility and a future-proof system".
"We are very proud that WeRoam has chosen our Orbyte Authentication Manager. This patent pending solution effectively removes the technology barriers for SIM-based authentication within WiFi-networks, enabling mobile operators to expand their data services throughout WiFi-networks on a global basis" says Niklas Heuveldop, CEO Service Factory: "We are fully committed to continue to provide innovative services and solutions allowing our customers and partners to successfully develop their broadband businesses."

Background:

ServiceFactory is the number one European supplier of systems for broadband services and access management. The Orbyte platform allows wireline and wireless broadband service providers to rapidly deploy and manage innovative services by seamlessly integrating the system into existing networks and business support systems.

The Orbyte platform is independent of access technology and ServiceFactory is constantly in the forefront pioneering advanced technologies and innovative services, including Mobile Office, VoIP and WiMAX. Orbyte has been in commercial service since 1995 and is today deployed in leading operators' networks throughout Europe, managing more than 1 million customers.
http://www.servicefactory.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