Be Inc.(BEOS) Unveils First Complete Solution for Internet Appliances with the Introduction of BeIA MAP
MAP Offers Device and Service Providers a Unified Point of Access for Managing the Customer Experience
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2000-- Be Incorporated (Nasdaq:BEOS - news) today introduced the BeIA Management and Administration Platform (MAP) for Internet appliances. MAP offers device and service providers a unified suite of applications and services for managing a trouble-free end user experience. People don't know what makes their telephone work, but are confident that they will hear a dial tone when they pick up the receiver. Device and service providers want to offer consumers the same experience with Internet appliances. Be Inc. makes this possible.
In addition to MAP, Be's complete IA solution includes the BeIA Client Platform and BeIA Integration Services. The Client Platform is comprised of an integrated software package and set of development tools that enable the creation of Internet appliances with customized capabilities. The Integration Services component provides all the necessary professional expertise and third party relationships required to deploy a targeted end user Internet appliance. Once an appliance is deployed, MAP lets device providers maintain the appliance for end users -- without any end user intervention. Appliance providers can change the user interface, add a new plug-in or media codec or even update the entire system. All management is done remotely on the server-side in a secure encrypted manner.
``With consumer adoption of information appliances on the rise, service providers will increasingly be required to effectively manage a vast network of such devices,'' said Bryan Ma, an analyst in IDC's Consumer Devices research program. IDC projects that the worldwide Information Appliance market will reach 89 million units in 2004.
MAP is comprised of server-based software components and remote management services that seamlessly interface to manage any BeIA-powered Internet appliance. It includes a range of management services such as options for connectivity, directory services to track user information, content filtering and activity logging. It also enables a range of useful application services like email, document viewing, calendar and personal information management.
``A complete Internet appliance solution not only requires the client software that powers the device, but also requires the remote management capabilities of MAP. The remote management and administration of devices, without end user involvement, is a clear point of differentiation between appliances and computers,'' said Jean-Louis Gassee, chairman and chief executive officer of Be. ``Together with Be's Client Platform and Integration Services, MAP lets device and service providers deliver appliances that offer the seamless end user experience of a household appliance on a device with the capabilities of an advanced computer.''
``BeIA is a complete integrated solution brought together by a single source -- rather than multiple third-party companies. The integration of the technology is tighter, time to market is faster and service providers have more control over determining the features of appliances,'' said Lamar Potts, vice president of sales and marketing of Be. ``MAP works behind the scenes, interceding on the user's behalf to make sure appliances are properly configured. It provides the capability to deliver the latest software and features to the end user's device on an on-going basis.''
BeIA MAP: The Complete Management and Administration Platform
BeIA MAP includes six components:
Device Management Server
The Device Management Server allows the appliance provider to
easily control remote management activities such as
registering devices and end users, pushing software updates,
querying, granting, or revoking access privileges, and
querying device capabilities.
Administration Server
The Administration Server provides the appliance provider with
a web-based interface to administer end user devices.
Everything from billing information, device software updates
and user access privileges can be examined and modified from a
single interface. Multi-tiered security allows master
administrators to use the same simple, but powerful interface
as customer service representatives.
Mastering Station
The Mastering Station allows appliance providers to master
BeIA software and content releases and to deliver updates to
devices. A complete development environment is provided,
including local development and testing tools, and web-based
tools for administration, validation and deployment of new
releases. The Mastering Station pushes new releases of the
Client Platform and appliance provider content to the Platform
Database. Devices are updated on demand or periodically while
the device is idle. The Mastering Station integrates with the
Administration Server to provide a single cohesive view of an
appliance provider's end users and their devices.
Application Server
The Application Server provides end users with access to
Web-based applications. The appliance provider can choose to
offer a variety of applications, including e-mail, instant
messaging, chat rooms, and personal information management.
Each of these services can be branded and customized by the
appliance provider. The end user sees a single, cohesive
environment.
Import Server
The Import Server provides many of the same features seen in
traditional web proxies, such as activity logging, blocking of
sites, and content filtering. It does this with greatly
reduced overhead and more flexibility than traditional
proxies. It is designed to allow efficient but controlled
access to "imported" content, such as content that the vendor
does not provide.
Authentication Server
The Authentication Server integrates with the systems of major
ISPs and backbone providers to give as many access options as
possible to appliance providers. Using industry standard
protocols, the Authentication Server is capable of controlling
access to end user devices. Authentication is not dependent
upon how an end user obtains Internet service or the service
partnerships an appliance provider has already established.
Pricing and availability
MAP will begin shipping in Q1 2001. Pricing will be customer-specific based on the number of users and level of services offered.
About BeIA: The Complete IA Solution
BeIA is comprised of the Client Platform, Integration Services and MAP. This integrated package of small footprint client-side software; development, customization and device management tools and services; and key third party services and technology, delivers a complete Internet appliance solution to device and service providers, including consumer electronics companies. |
