Smith Micro Helps Operators Attract Wi-Fi Users with NetWise Passport

ALISO VIEJO, California, June 8, 2016

ALISO VIEJO, California, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The total number of public Wi-Fi hotspots will increase sevenfold globally to 432.5 million in 2020, according to recent estimates by Cisco. Communications Service Providers (CSPs) are driving a significant portion, offering Wi-Fi access to their customers to supplement both mobile and in-home wireless services. Their challenge is making it easier for subscribers get on – and stay on - their hotspots versus the many alternatives. Smith Micro Software (NASDAQ: SMSI) recently added NetWise Passport 2.0 to its NetWise Policy-on-Device Platform, to allow CSPs to seamlessly onboard subscribers to owned or partner Wi-Fi networks. NetWise Passport automates the provisioning of Wi-Fi profiles and security credentials, giving subscribers "zero-click" access to service provider hotspots.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150408/197501LOGO

"For operators to maximize the ROI on their Wi-Fi investments, they need to make Wi-Fi discovery and access simple and transparent," said Dave Sperling, CTO at Smith Micro. "NetWise Passport does just that. It gives subscribers instant access to secure, trusted Wi-Fi access points, removing the complicated configuration and credential entry process to significantly improve Wi-Fi user experience."

NetWise Passport 2.0 delivers:

• Automatic and simple provisioning of Wi-Fi profiles for all networks that constitute the operator's Wi-Fi footprint
• Transparent delivery of authentication credentials from wireless or cable subscriber accounts
• Automatic subscriber device discovery and connection to configured Wi-Fi networks with no user input required
• Support for both Hotspot 2.0 enabled and non-enabled devices with a consistent, seamless experience

"As service provider networks evolve to support Hotspot 2.0, there remain a huge number of legacy devices and access points that are not Hotspot 2.0 enabled. An onboarding solution that bridges the gap with transparent client or app. based authentication is important for both service providers and consumers," said Sue Rudd, Director, Service Provider Analysis at Strategy Analytics. "The combination of seamless, secure access and quality-based network selection helps to make Wi-Fi truly carrier-grade."

NetWise Passport supports Android and iOS devices, and cloud service or in-network server deployment options. The client software can be delivered over-the-top via Wi-Fi connection apps, or preloaded onto devices and run as a background client. As a component of the NetWise platform, NetWise Passport can be deployed in conjunction with NetWise Director – which manages 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity based on operator policies and real-time conditions – giving CSPs the ability to effectively balance user convenience with network resource optimization. With NetWise, CSPs gain the insights and control they need to optimize their networks and deliver an unmatched user experience.