Mobile Data Compression service - feedback requested

Forums › Legacy mobile platforms (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Web OS, Symbian, Meego, Blackberry) › Mobile Data Compression service - feedback requested

timbo

82 posts

Master Geek

#4040 12-May-2005 07:34

Hi all, I have also posted this in the 3G forum.

We are developing a data compression and optimisation service for Windows Mobile devices that will compress web traffic (http) and e-mail (pop/smtp). You will typically get 3-4 times compression, therefore use only 1/3 to 1/4 the amount of data - i.e. savings on mobile network/cellular data. Compression also applies to basic MS Office files (as web download or as e-mail attachment), and PDF files in the near future. For connections up to 500kbps you will also see significant performance increase, i.e. for GPRS/EDGE/3G/CDMA 1X and EV-DO. It would not matter which mobile network operator you use, or if you change, or how else you get on the internet, you will still be able to use the service.

There is a client to load on your Pocket PC. We have done extensive development to ensure that there is no impact on battery life of the mobile device even where the mobile data session remains open.

Unlike other offerings already on the market this solution is transparent and you continue to use whatever browser or e-mail client you want.

I'd appreciate any feedback as to whether this service interests you, other features/data you might want supported, and whether you would be prepared to pay a monthly or quarterly charge?

Thanks,
Tim

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
8476 posts

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#14630 12-May-2005 08:25

is it software that resides on the device? or some sort of gateway on the internet?

I would be less than 5% likely to pay a subscription fee unless it was going to significantly cut down my data use (i.e. a very clear R.O.I.)

Much more likely to pay outright for it (if its a software program loaded on the device of course.)

It'd be nice to know whatever I am using is mine for whenever I want,

=(off topic)=
(I have MS Office Professional with a licence that expires the moment my employment contract terminates (and no, I dont work for MS) - which means that if I ever accept a job offer, I have to buy Office that day)

I rely heavily on Office, but am very impressed with Openoffice 2.0 so far. Although it has got some way to come yet before I would ditch MS.
=( )=

timbo

82 posts

Master Geek

#14632 12-May-2005 09:07

Thanks for your questions,

there is both a software client for the Windows Mobile device, and an internet gateway or compression server. Only http and POP/SMTP traffic is routed via the gateway. As other applications are supported then they will be addd to the 'list' at the client end. We post a link to this update which updates the client config.

Any other application data goes directly to the internet.

So the ROI calculation is this:

Proportion of your data that is http/pop/smtp (including Office files) / 4 + remaining data that bypasses.

E.g. if 80% of your data is http/pop/smtp / 4 (=20%) + remaining 20% (non-compressed) = 40% of what you would have used, = saving of 60% data.

Of course how this saving relates to your $$ depends on what mobile data plan you are on, and whether you can go down to a lower plan.

You cannot pay outright as there is always a monthly charge to us on your traffic backhaul from the compression server back to the web servers.

Let me know if any other questions.
Tim

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#14639 12-May-2005 10:53

on that basis i probably would be happy to pay a subscription fee. It would have to be really easy - like being able to pay via internet bank for those of us that avoid credit cards like the plague.

What sort of trial version will you be offering - I have a customer getting over 500 Harriers who would like to pay as little as possible for data. (He will require a proven product though)

timbo

82 posts

Master Geek

#14640 12-May-2005 11:36

Given the number of Harriers you are talking about I presume the customer is mostly accessing their own LAN? If so we have a behind-the-firewall version of this solution, and in fact they could even secure their devices via their LAN for generic internet access as well, i.e. using Telecom Private/Remote Office service for dedicated access.

It is definately proven, we have several customers, and for a potential large customer like this we offer a 1 month free trial. We would just want to qualify the potential first. Of course in this case they may want to look at the PC client for any Windows laptop users which also gives them Outlook/Exchange (client/server and OWA), and LAN file/network drive browsing.

I can send you some more info or we can continue this off-line.

Regards,
Tim