Every Operator Network and Every Phone

[earamsey]

I have a request to write a network enabled java mobile client with requirements that it can be downloaded from all operator networks and on all devices processing 100,000 of messages. I fear that not many network operators will give 3rd party apps free rein to create SSL connections on their network.

Managing the following common issues for all combos of mobile devices and network operators could become unmanagable and costly;

1. Managing various Push/Pull midlet installation options;
   
   1. Pull Over-The-Air (OTA)
   2. Pushed from WAP or HTML server
   3. Operator Specific Push method, ie Sprint Nextel iDEN Mobile Application Manager (MAM) or some other arcane method
2. Download from WWW to PC and then upload from PC to mobile phone via;
   
   1. Bluetooth
   2. USB
   3. InfraRed
3. Access rights to communications network. I know that we allowed to send small SMS text and even MMS media but one get's billed for these services; a good amount IMHO.
   
   1. HTTP/Socket the operator may not want to give 3rd party apps free range of the network and limit ports and even domains to keep control of what is happening on their network.
   2. PushRegistry - same limitations since data packets still travels through operators network.
   3. SMS/MMS - this could cost the user a small furtune; if they are getting messages from all over.
4. Operator may required Midlet is Sun Java Verified and/or meet their own strict standards
5. They may require Midlet is signed; usually part of verification process
6. May require midlet developer/vendor partner with them; why is that?

So, I am thinking of advising to select a popular cross section instead; think good idea? It can always be expanded if the products lifetime is long.

Are there any lists on WWW that describes each Operators criterion for opening, trust?, network/ports to mobile java apps?

My list of USA Mobile Network Operators

1. AT&T Mobility
2. Verizon Wireless
3. Sprint Nextel
4. T-Mobile
5. Alltel
6. TracFone Wireless
7. U.S. Cellular
8. Virgin Mobile
9. MetroPCS
10. Cricket
11. Qwest Wireless
12. Unicel
13. Cellular South
14. Centennial Wireless
15. Cincinnati Bell Wireless
16. nTelos
17. SouthernLINC

Maybe someone can help me kick start my brain into gear.

Please comment Thanks!

[hartti]

Wow, that is a long list of questions... unfortunately I do not have a full-blown answer to you but some pointers.

I do not know of any single Web site exists for listing that kind of information for all (or even just for a couple of) operators / carriers.

To my understanding only the major carriers in U.S. have customized the security domain policy on their devices. That is Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile U.S. You need to check their developer sites for detailed information. Some information about the security domain policies is available here
http://wiki.forum.nokia.com/index.ph...m_the_standard
To make sure that there are not too many confirmation prompts (and in T-Mobile US's case to make sure your application will work at all) you need to get the signing from the carrier for the MIDlet

Verizon is in the BREW camp.

That's all from me right now. Hopefully someone else will chip in with more information

Hartti

[petrib]

I'm not trying to discourage you or your client, but...

There are over 900 GSM operators alone:
http://www.gsmworld.com/news/statist...complete.shtml

Probably a thousand or so new device models are introduced every year (and they can stay around in people's hands for years and years).

There is great variation in device capabilities (displays, processors, memory, storage, other features), Java implementations and interpretations of JSRs, and even firmware version specific bugs and issues to overcome and handle.

There are around 2.5 billion mobile phone users on the various networks using all sorts of devices (most of them on GSM networks, and about 40% of them using Nokia devices).

Only a small fraction of those will ever find, install and use your application.

So, think (or have your client think) whether it is really worth the cost of even attempting to target all the networks and all the possible devices...

[earamsey]

"Ya Think !"