US : TapRoot Systems announced its WalkingHotSpot solution for wireless carriers. TapRoot's patent-pending software transforms a Wi-Fi enabled smartphone into a hotspot providing access to 3G data networks.

The solution is the first in a series of products allowing wireless subscribers to enhance their smartphones for internet connectivity. The WalkingHotSpot solution provides a platform to deliver new solutions to wireless subscribers around Wi-Fi. The scalable solution allows users to securely retrieve e-mails and browse the internet with no additional software or configuration required on the Wi-Fi client devices.

"We are very excited to be launching the WalkingHotSpot service. This solution addresses concerns around Wi-Fi for the wireless carrier. The demand for consolidated anywhere, anytime, any-device connectivity has been emphasized in convergence initiatives and discussions in the industry for years. This solution leverages carriers' existing 3G infrastructure and smartphones already in the marketplace, and provides carriers with a whole new business model to serve their subscribers," said Bob Bicksler, TapRoot's CEO. The launch of WalkingHotSpot allows wireless subscribers to consolidate all their data connectivity needs into one source.

"We see this as a truly disruptive technology that gives early carrier adopters a significant advantage in terms of differentiation, subscriber acquisition, increased ARPU and reduced churn," Mr. Bicksler added. In addition to the WalkingHotSpot handset client, TapRoot is launching its WHS Server, which provides carriers with the ability to manage and control subscriber accounts, authenticate WalkingHotSpot devices and clients, as well as collect subscriber usage information. This service allows carriers to offer a secure, controlled and scalable solution to their subscribers.

The WalkingHotSpot solution supports multiple devices simultaneously through secure connections. The application is specifically designed to be power-efficient, robust and end-user friendly. The solution can be downloaded today on Wi-Fi enabled smartphones using Symbian(R) S60 and Windows Mobile(R) operating systems, with more operating systems support in development. The WHS server and the WalkingHotSpot handset client are commercially available for immediate implementation in carriers' networks.