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Hewlett-Packard on Tuesday, Oct. 9, introduced a slew of new products and services for enterprises and wireless operators, aimed at tapping into the mobility marketplace.
HP believes that its addressable market in the mobility space will grow to $80 billion in 2004. “Our opinion is that mobility is the next step along the evolution of the Internet and telephony,” said Doug McGowan, HPs general manager of service providers and mobile solutions. “It will create huge opportunities for businesses in terms of how they service the customer, plus help employees become more efficient.”
In the enterprise space, HP introduced the OpenView Service Information Portal mobile interface, which allows IT managers to use mobile devices to remotely check the status of enterprise systems.
In addition, HP strengthened partnerships with wireless applications companies such as Aether Systems and Brience, as well as PeopleSoft and Oracle, in order to help enterprises enable mobile workers to remotely access applications from such companies. “We believe that most enterprises will not want to rewrite applications, but extend existing programs,” McGowan said.
For operators, HP introduced the Opencall media platform, which allows carriers to develop and deploy interactive services that use voice commands. HPs new mobile advertising solution, which is based on the Opencall platform, could allow operators to introduce low-priced or free service for customers, who can choose to receive targeted advertising instead of paying full price for wireless service. The application is expected to be popular in regions such as Asia, where wireless is expensive and users are interested in reducing their bills, said Lou Judice, HP Mobile e-Services director of programs.
In addition, HP is offering the Self Service portal, a solution that allows for the creation of personalized portals. Wind, an operator in Italy, has deployed the product. HP also announced that Swisscom of Switzerland is using its mobile portal.
HP will also open two new mobile e-Services Bazaars – centers where companies are invited to test and share technology developments – in London and in Milan, Italy.