S@T Express Gateway
The S@T Express Gateway (S@TEx) enables SIM based browsers to access S@TML pages stored on an application server. It also has functions to dynamically manage the S@T applications and menus on SIM cards. Currently, a source of revenue for operators is the use of SIM Toolkit to offer Value Added Services to mobile subscribers. Most of the time, these services are fixed and need complicated OTA operations to update the menu with fresh services. Through the use of S@T, the open standard used by the SIMalliance, the S@TEx Gateway can make the STK menu dynamic and therefore offer a much larger range of services.The communication with the browser on the SIM card is facilitated through the use of SMS as a transport mechanism.
S@TEx is installed at Mobile Network Operators to enable them to create and deploy revenue generating services to mobile subscribers.
Key Features
- SIM Profile Management. SIM cards are registered in S@TEx to enable the system to effectively manage the S@T settings on the SIM cards over-the-air.
- SIM Grouping. SIM cards are organized in groups in S@TEx, and the user can address a single SIM card or any group or selection of groups when performing administrative functions or content push.
- Application Management. Each application, whether on an application server or on a SIM card, has to be registered in S@TEx to become active.
- Customer Service Interfaces. Interfaces are provided for customer service personnel to quickly and easily assist subscribers with queries.
- Content Provider Management. Each content or application provider must be registered in S@TEx to become active.
- Application Functionality Restriction. Only approved applications can implement functionality that has been classified as restricted.
- Subscriber Self Provisioning. Subscribers are able to manage the applications in their SIM menu through a Web interface.
- Full redundancy. The high-availability platform has a fully redundant architecture, ensuring maximum service availability.
- Scalable. The system can be scaled according to the Network Operator’s needs and additional processing units can be added at any time as the need arises.
Benefits to Network Operators
- Eases and Simplifies application deployment and management. New applications can be easily deployed and pushed to subscribers’ SIM cards in the market from S@TEx. It becomes very simple to make changes and to manage the new applications.
- Shorter time to market for new services. Mobile network Operators also do not need to wait for new SIM cards to penetrate the market before a new application is released to subscribers. All subscribers with a S@T enabled SIM card can get instant access to new applications on their SIM cards. In addition, subscribers do not need to spend time at customer care service shops to update an application.
- Fewer application portability problems. S@T applications can be loaded onto any S@T compliant SIM card; therefore it is easy to migrate to a higher capacity SIM without having to modify applications. Hence the MNO can deploy increased VAS services without having the SIM cards size being the limiting factor.
- Ease of application development. Applications are developed in a standardized language that makes it easy for developers to get new application ideas developed in a short time.
- Fewer SIM replacements. Existing applications on the SIM cards in the market can be updated to the latest version, thereby removing the need to replace the SIM card every time a new or updated application is launched.
- Simplified customer service. Through S@TEx’ web interface customer service agents can query the database to view and update the SIM profile of any customer, including the applications loaded.
- Savings in time and resources
- Improved customer loyalty
- Direct saving in SIM card replacements
- Direct increase in revenue through quicker service take-up
