Frost & Sullivan determined HP as the recipient of this Award in recognition of the company's location-based services (LBS) solution, which provides the mobile carrier the ability to deliver a standards-based end-to-end solution to customers from infrastructure, applications, content delivery, integration services, and support. The platform efficiently and economically supports seamless integration of location technology into readily usable and reliable offerings, customized to industry needs. Refuting the notion that no single vendor can provide the carrier with a true end-to-end LBS solution, HP transformed the competitive environment with its comprehensive solution spanning the LBS value chain. The HP Network and Service Provider business unit integrates all the key building blocks, including HP technologies such as the OpenCall Position Determination Entity, as well as technology from key partners such as Openwave, AutoDesk Location Services, and Cambridge Positioning Systems. "The HP competitive advantage lies in its ability to deliver a standards-based 'total' solution to the enterprise," notes Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Brent Iadarola. "Frost & Sullivan expects it to become a valuable tool for mobile operators and enterprises looking to generate new revenue opportunities, satisfy customers, and maximize productivity." This 'one-stop-shop' approach allows carriers to offer enterprises a single source for reliable, ubiquitous, and affordable LBS. It also helps them focus exclusively on their customers, rather than multiple suppliers. Additionally, HP's open and flexible platform enables carriers to customize solutions to specific needs or based on target markets. Carriers also get the added edge of being able to deliver innovative services to customers while simultaneously shielding them from the complexities involved in these services. HP makes this possible through its range of targeted, seamless solutions that are closely integrated with best-of-breed partner relationships. As companies increasingly realize the importance of LBS in gaining competitive advantage, its demand across several industries, notably transportation and field services, is likely to multiply. "Despite some areas of concern such as the total cost of ownership (TCO) and the intricacy of the implementation process, HP's solution has emerged as a powerful operational asset for the mobile carrier to deliver innovative LBS to market, while keeping customers loyal and insulated from the complexities involved in providing the services," observes Iadarola. Held in Las Vegas, Frost & Sullivan's 2004 Excellence in Mobile Communications Awards Banquet honors world-class companies for outstanding performance and achievements in wireless and mobile strategy, technology, platforms, and services. An annual event, the banquet recognizes the quality and merit of distinguished individuals and companies.
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