Both are service platforms that will be incorporated in Smart’s Amazing Phone, allowing the delivery of user-specific information without relying on a browser or constant network connection that eats up a lot of wireless network resources.
"Action Engine makes it possible for us to offer our customers a compelling experience that we believe will drive data usage and allow us to expand our data revenue mix beyond SMS (text messaging) services," according to Edgardo Bautista, group head for Smart Mobile VAS operations and development.
He added that with this platform, Smart can now deliver highly differentiated content services, and provide customers with online or offline access to applications and information on their phone.
With the software, Smart becomes the first mobile operator in Asia able to offer mobile web services for Microsoft Windows- powered Smartphones.
For his part, Juha Christensen, corporate vice-president of Microsoft mobile devices division, said users have instant, anytime access to wireless services and applications, thus providing for a truly powerful wireless experience that will continue to drive adoption of smart devices and wireless data use.
Action Engine offers a standard platform for Smart devices, enabling users to do more with their phones. It makes possible carriers and third parties to offer content and enterprise applications across multiple devices and operating systems.
"By sharing and reusing data across applications, the software minimizes network load and traffic thus creating a 3G-like user experience for the customer," Bautista added.
Smart has also licensed Action Engine’s device management platform that enables over-the-air (OTA) device configuration and management function. This means that any subscriber using the Amazing Phone will be able to wirelessly backup data, erase data if the wireless device is lost or stolen, download new applications, upgrades and other services.
"The agreement with Smart underscores the growing market need for software like Action Engine’s mobile web services platform as Smartphones continue to be launched around the world. Innovative operators like Smart realize that great software will unlock the potential of smartphones for driving revenue and reducing customer churn," Action Engine CEO Craig Eisler said.