AsiaInfo (ASIA) has signed a contract with China Mobile (CHL) to develop a national mobile device management platform.

With the ability to update elements of mobile device software over-the-air, the mobile device management system increases operator efficiency by automating some aspects of device management and reducing the workload and cost of customer support. The system can be used to configure mobile devices to match network parameters and settings, provide diagnostics and automated resolution, and enable subscribers to install new applications over-the-air. The system can also gather and analyze real-time mobile device metrics which can inform marketing decisions.

AsiaInfo will provide system integration services as well as billing, network management, and analysis software. AsiaInfo is also a major contributor to China Mobile's DM specification. The system will integrate some core device management functions of Bitfone's SmartDM software.

"Mobile device management represents the latest trend in wireless telecommunication technologies. We are proud to partner with the largest mobile operator in the world to develop a solution using this pioneering technology," said Steve Zhang, president and CEO of AsiaInfo. "This is an entirely new offering for AsiaInfo, and we see good market potential in the future. As a leading telecom application solution provider in China, we will continue to collaborate with our customers to embrace technologies that increase carrier efficiency and enhance subscriber experience."