CMX2: Portal Design

Overview

Browser-based interaction with users has come a long way since the early days of WAP. Now, it is possible to create entire mobile portals and applications featuring many of the features one more commonly associates with browsing the Web. The portal design component of CMX2 handles the creation and management of interactive, dynamic and media-rich mobile portals for engaging users via the browser embedded in their phone.

Code-free design of handset browsable pages

Instead of requiring complicated markup and code to generate pages which can be browsed on a mobile device, CMX2 allows pages to be assembled from simple building blocks using a tree-like "site map" design approach. Creating pages, adding text, images, links and layout features is all handled within the simple site hierarchy view, allowing you to focus on the content instead of the finer points of delivering it to a device.

Range of customisable page elements

Pages in CMX2 can be assembled from any number of configurable components, which can be arranged on the page in any order. Such components include simple blocks of text, links to other pages, user-specific shopping baskets, links to items from the content repository, and other dynamic content. In addition, paginated lists of content can be automatically generated from user defined search criteria.

Standalone off-network portals

Making content available for purchase is as simple as placing the item on a page, configuring it to show a "buy" button, and entering the desired billing details. A user viewing the page can simply click the link to be charged and have the content delivered to their phone.

Handset capabilities-aware rendering

Leveraging an extensive database of mobile devices and their capabilities, the CMX2 portal rendering engine will automatically present content in the most suitable format for any given phone. This includes selecting an appropriate markup language (WML, XHTML and CHTML are all supported), gracefully degrading any advanced layout features which the handset does not support, and on-the-fly shrinking of thumbnail images, icons, etc. to fit the screen.

Integrated billing

Charging for portal access or content downloads can be enabled in the site map and is then handled behind the scenes while the user browses. For off-network portals, Premium SMS billing is currently supported, although direct Charge To Account billing will be added as soon as the networks offer this. Chargeable items in a CMX2 portal can also be made aware of a user's subscriptions or any stored credit they may have accrued, allowing a variety of "VIP club" and bundle-billing services to be offered.

Integration with operator portals

In addition to standalone off-network portals, CMX2 supports the custom markup languages and billing systems of several mobile operator portal environments including Vodafone Live! and Orange Kiosk. All site structure, page layout and billing configuration remains just as transparent as for off-network portals.

User state management

Data about a user and their associated service state is retrievable by all features in CMX2, and the portal module is no exception. This enables browsable sites to be customised to the individual user with personal details, subscription-awareness, a personalised "download inbox" of content and other features which enhance the user experience.

OMA OTA Download support

Content downloads in CMX2 can automatically use the Open Mobile Alliance Over The Air Download specification, if the handset supports it. This is a system which allows both the user and the delivering application to better manage the content download and installation process. Content downloaded from CMX2 portals can also take advantage of all the built-in Digital Rights Management features of the content repository.

Coming soon - "Drag and Drop" interface

Currently a "drag and drop" interface is being developed for the portal design section of CMX2. Page elements such as images, links, and text, can simply be dragged onto the WAP page and then configured. This will allow WAP sites to be created in a matter of minutes. The new user interface will be simple, intuitive and functional, and a great asset to CMX2's already extensive portfolio of features.

About MX Telecom MX Telecom is a leader in wireless technology. MX Telecom offers an easily accessible gateway to data, voice and video messaging services including 2-way and premium SMS, multimedia messaging, interactive voice response, location-based services, video short codes, Internet and TV related solutions. For more information, MX Telecom can be reached on 1-877-MXTELECOM (+1 877 698 3532), or via email at sales@mxtelecom.com.