O2 Xda II and GPRS network provide platform of choice for wireless managed service provider
Today, O2 is announcing a strategic partnership with Cognito allowing UK business to benefit from a combined expertise in wireless data. As part of the agreement, Cognito offers its mobile data solutions on the O2 GPRS network using the Xda II as the device of choice for customers. In return, the Managed Mobile Data Service from Cognito has entered the O2 “Accelerator Programme” enabling the product to be marketed by O2 sales people and used in pilot sales activities.
Cognito delivers a managed service enabling organisations to enhance mobile worker productivity and control, through the exchange of time sensitive business critical information. The Cognito solution monitors and supports mobile data applications in the field providing 24-hour management of network communications and direct support for mobile workers.
Cognito migrated many of its customers from its own proprietary network to the next generation O2 GPRS network in order to access a comprehensive suite of fully managed mobile workflow services. Customers now benefiting from the reliability and resilience of the O2 GPRS network include Konica, PME, London Bus Services and Siemens. Cognito is also introducing the O2 Xda II to its customers as a cost effective, fully integrated and universally accepted platform through which to operate a mobile data solution.
Through this partnership, Cognito customers benefit from a host of wireless solutions including daily workflow programmes, parts inventory, customer history and diagnostic problem solving. Combined with barcode readers, voice functionality, high speed data cards and printers where necessary, the O2 Xda II can be adapted to suit the needs of each specific solution.
Together, the combined O2 / Cognito offering increases productivity, reduces repeat site visits for mobile workers in the field and empowers management control with real time business intelligence. Customers can also make use of a fully integrated wireless solution that is managed on an international scale.
Steve Alderson, Cognito Managing Director comments, “Originally a mobile data network operator, Cognito was the first company in the UK to be awarded a licence to operate a public radio network for data. With advances in GPRS technology offering significant potential benefits, Cognito partnered with O2 to transfer customers onto the new generation GPRS service. Combined with the Xda II devices and our managed service, the O2 GPRS network is cost effective, resilient and reliable which is exactly what our customers tell us they need from a mobile solution. The devices in particular provide the ideal platform for attaching additional functionality in response to individual customer requirements.”
Mark Nixon, Head of Strategic Partners O2 adds, “This strategic partnership is beneficial not only to Cognito and O2, but for our combined customers. Through mutual selling of each others services, businesses can benefit by talking to companies that not only understand their business needs, but also have access to the most suitable applications to satisfy all their requirements.”
The O2 Accelerator Programme allows application developers to become approved O2 partners. This low cost route to market offers developers the chance to run their business applications with O2 for a period of up to six months with the opportunity to extend this relationship to full roll out.