Over-the-Air technology (OTA)

Since 1997, many Nokia devices have used the Nokia-Ericsson smart messaging solution, which allows configuration by a special SMS message. When you get one of these configuration messages, just press "Accept" to save the new settings.

Now another option is to get your settings when buying your phone: a salesperson can send a settings request to your phone via SMS or with a PC. This means you can also get help in trying out new features - and leave the store with that glorious feeling of confidence in your technological ability.

OTA isn't always enough - go OMA

Mobile technology has come a long way since 1997. Not surprisingly, there are certain settings (like configuring a TCP/IP protocol stack in a WAP 2.0 device) that can't be handled by SMS. Nokia also believes that unless a common device management system is developed in accordance with global standards (such as those defined by the Open Mobile Alliance), it will be difficult and frustrating to keep up with all the different systems.

Part I: OMA Client Provisioning 1.1

In a nutshell, this is the technology that sends settings to a device for the first time. What makes it different from an SMS configuration message? This one's done by sending an XML document using WAP Push over concatenated SMS. No, you don't really need to know what that means - but it allows configuration of those more difficult settings, so it's a good thing.

Part II: OMA Device Management 1.1.2

This is the technology that allows for continuous management of a device's settings: modifying settings, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. Continuous management can take place via GPRS, Bluetooth, Infrared, wireless LAN, or fixed LAN connections, so it's quite flexible!

It makes updates very easy. If your operator has some service upgrade, they can automatically send you the modified settings. If a new service is launched, an operator could send a message to a group of customers asking if they want to take advantage of it. For corporate IT departments, this also makes device management easier.

Troubleshooting? With this 2-way system between a device and a management server, when you call customer care, the personnel can look up your device's configuration and correct it for you.

Future applications

In the future, device management technology could be extended to enable remote management of applications, including checking installed applications, updating software, and adding new applications.