Date: 14/11/2011

Middleware for administering and maintaining mobile connected devices

Arcturus Networks Inc. has demonstrated a new implementation for the in-field remote operation, administration and management of network connected devices by using a combination of device discovery along with a thin server implementation to establish a remote connection between the device and a mobile or PC platform.

The demonstration at the Freescale event in Toronto consisted of multiple devices running Arcturus embedded middleware along with a PC, an iPad, Android tablet and an iPhone. The solution showed how a PC or mobile platform could be used to remotely detect and connect to each unique embedded device on a network, identify the firmware version and handle configuration and maintenance tasks such as automating global firmware updates. The demonstration also showed how the system could be integrated into workflow by providing virtualized operation of a device. In this example, a device end-point alerts the mobile or PC platform that a button was pressed. The operator then uses the mobile application to respond to the event by commanding the device to place a voice call or to remotely control equipment connected to the system, such as a notification lamp or door lock. The demonstration showed how the solution could be used for implementing applications such as a nurse call system, building access/door entrance controller or other application where many distributed end-points require control and management.

"We currently provide a number of device management tools within our middleware suite including a full-featured web user interface and secure provisioning service." said David Steele, product manager at Arcturus. "What we wanted to highlight here is the power of our management middleware by creating a light-weight protocol that could sufficiently virtualizes a device in order to move the management interface from on-board, to a remote PC or mobile platform. For our customers who are deploying many thousands of end-points, this centralized approach is critical to the sustainable operation of their install base. Our management middleware solutions not only help with one-off configuration and management, but now provide a network wide overview, complete operator panel, and mobile install and troubleshooting tools."

The demo was based on the uC53281 product platform from Arcturus using a 240MHz Freescale MPU. The software was comprised of Arcturus management, voice and media middleware, built on an embedded Linux platform.

The solution is portable across architectures and is suitable for MCU devices that have limited memory resources for graphic intensive user interfaces. Off-loading the user experience to a PC or mobile application reduces overall system cost and complexity at the embedded end-point node, while retaining the ability to have a powerful management tool.

The solution is currently under evaluation by a select group of Arcturus customers and is scheduled for general availability in the Spring 2012 release. The release will be available for download by qualified customers from the Arcturus support sites.