Wireless Segment
The wireless industry continues to undergo rapid change on all fronts, from
the ubiquity of Wi-Fi and cellular networks, to the vast array of connected
devices, mobile applications, and digital content consumed by users who want
information, high-speed wireless connectivity, and entertainment anytime, anywhere.
While most of us think about being “connected” in terms of computers,
tablets and smartphones, the IoT is creating a world where almost anything can
be connected to the wireless internet. Wearable devices such as smartwatches,
fitness trackers and GPS locators are now commonplace, enabling people and pets
to be connected to the “Internet of Everything” as well. These devices
have created an entire ecosystem of over-the-top (“OTT”) apps, while
expanding how communication service providers can provide value to mobile consumers.
In addition, pervasive connectivity has changed the way businesses operate
on small and grand scales. For example, Wi-Fi hotspots are being deployed by
neighborhood bookstores and coffee houses to keep customers on premise longer,
as well as by large sports arenas to deliver real-time video feeds via social
networks and online broadcasts. Retailers are now spending more than 50% of
their advertising budgets on mobile media, and targeting for those advertisements
is driven by “Big Data” initiatives that collect consumer information
from virtually every online or mobile interaction.
Although there are numerous business opportunities associated with pervasive
connectivity, there are also many challenges, including:
The average age by which most children use smartphones and other connected
devices continues to decrease. As such, parents and guardians must be proactive
in managing and combating digital lifestyle problems such as excess screen time,
cyberbullying, and online safety;
Complexity, congestion, and spectrum scarcity plague wireless networks, making
it difficult and expensive to satisfy the demand for mobile services by consumers
and businesses;
As IoT use cases continue to proliferate and scale, management complexity,
security and interoperability must be addressed efficiently and correctly;
MNOs are being marginalized by messaging applications, and face growing competitive
pressure from cable/multiple service operators (“MSO”) and others
deploying Wi-Fi networks to attract mobile users;
Enterprises face increasing pressure to mobilize workforces, operations, and
customer engagement, but lack the expertise and technologies needed to leverage
mobile securely and cost-effectively;
Consumers, frustrated by slow, congested mobile networks and inconsistent device/app
behavior, seek simpler network access and more personalized mobile experiences,
while simultaneously demanding faster, cheaper, and more secure wireless services.
To address these challenges, Smith Micro offers multi-platform, modular solutions
such as:
SafePath® – The SafePath platform is a scalable, cloud-based platform
for MNOs and enterprises to provide device monitoring and protection services
for their subscribers, customers, employees and students. The platform’s
flagship product, SafePath Family, is a next-generation location tracking and
parental controls platform that enables mobile operators to provide comprehensive
family safety functionalities to their subscribers as a white-labeled value-added
service.
QuickLink® IOT Services Platform – QuickLink IoT is a comprehensive
device management solution for the Internet of Everything. Providing standards-based
IoT device management functionality combined with robust support for FOTA and
application over-the-air (“AOTA”) updates, QuickLink IoT simplifies
and streamlines the complexity of IoT device management at scale.
CommSuite® – Smith Micro’s CommSuite premium messaging platform
helps MNOs deliver a next-generation voicemail experience to mobile subscribers,
while enabling them to monetize a legacy cost-center. CommSuite Visual Voicemail
(“VVM”) quickly and easily allows users to manage voice messages
just like email or SMS – with reply, forwarding and social sharing options.
CommSuite also enables multi-language Voice-to-Text (“VTT”) transcription
messaging, which facilitates convenient message consumption for users by reading
versus listening. In 2017, the CommSuite product was installed on more than
18 million mobile handsets.
NetWise® – NetWise is a policy-on-device platform that optimizes
wireless Quality of Experience (“QoE”). Addressing challenges central
to today's mobile lifestyle such as connection and network traffic management,
Wi-Fi discovery, credential provisioning, user authentication and radio management,
NetWise is a proven carrier-grade solution for communications service providers
(“CSP”).
Captivate™ – Captivate is a mobile engagement and Big Data analytics
platform that enables CSPs and business to consumer (“B2C”) enterprises
to deliver contextual mobile promotions and advertising at the right time and
place. Captivate provides mobile device-based consumer insights that are invaluable
to all types of consumer-facing businesses in understanding, segmenting and
targeting mobile consumers.
For 35 years, Smith Micro has provided software solutions for global businesses,
evolving with the Telecom industry through the Internet age. Today, the Company
develops wireless standards-based software that is extensible, interoperable,
scalable, and proven to meet the most dynamic and demanding mobile environments.
Graphics Segment
Smith Micro’s graphics group develops a variety of software, including
graphic design and animation, and compression and PC/Mac utilities, for consumers,
professional artists, and educators. These products are available through direct
sales on Smith Micro websites (smithmicro.com, mysmithmicro.com and contentparadise.com),
as well as through affiliate websites, resellers, and retail outlets.
The Company’s graphics portfolio includes Poser®, a professional
solution for 3D Figure Design and Animation; Moho® (formerly Anime Studio®),
a complete solution for 2D animation; and MotionArtist®, an easy-to-use
tool that enables amateur and professional artists to bring comics to life with
animated panels, text and word balloons. These programs are used by major entertainment
studios, and world-renowned artists and graphics firms to create award-winning
movies, television shows, TV advertising, internet media content, 3D gaming,
and visual designs.