2Wire unveiled its HomePortal GEM modular platform for enabling broadband service providers to quickly deploy a wide range of new services, ranging from cordless phone DECT base stations and femtocells, to home control interfaces and intelligent home servers. The platform is designed for incremental expansion through physical modules as well as software, applications, and management systems.
An application software development kit (SDK) and snap-on hardware modules enable the expansion.
Network operators can develop their own applications for the modular GEM platform or use third-part providers. The first wave of GEM applications is expected to include technology from companies such as Logitech, OpenDNS, and SharedBand. New third-party applications will include home surveillance, home automation, digital media server, and digital life backup services, among others.
2Wire features a TR-069 standard-compliant management system that could support and manage a variety of devices on the home network, including off-the-shelf digital cameras, NAS disks, motion sensors, and music players.
Expansion modules that will be offered for use with the HomePortal GEM platform include:
- GEM Topaz — DECT base station cordless phone system
- GEM Sapphire — home control interface, consolidating control of the digital home
- GEM Emerald — intelligent home server, simplifying personal media and data management
- GEM Ruby — femtocell mobile base station, improving mobile phone coverage in the home
- GEM Amethyst — 3G wireless WAN, delivering broadband over a 3G link
“The HomePortal GEM is a powerful, elegant, and flexible gateway solution, designed to meet the current and future needs of both service providers and end users,” said Pasquale Romano, president and CEO of 2Wire. “Its modularity establishes a low base unit cost while providing flexible expansion options for additional revenue-generating services. This new platform, combined with our application software development program, will define, optimize, and extend the capabilities of the digital home for years to come.”http://www.2wire.com
