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Application-based services such as Turn-by-Turn Navigation, People-Finder, and Asset-Tracking through wireless carrier
subscriptions and contracts with wireless device/“platform” companies
.
For our applications with location-based services
(“LBS”), the user device’s precise location (its “X/Y” coordinates) is extracted and used for E9-1-1 call routing, navigation
directions, identifying points of interest locations near the user (such as gas stations, restaurants, or hotels), and locating other
network subscribers near the user’s current position. We provide high volume software applications that incorporate real-time
location-sensitive data such as traffic, and enable the delivery of optimized travel directions, device-appropriate maps, and
search for nearby points of interest. Through wireless carriers, we sell subscriptions to services using our client software as a
“white label” vendor to the operators. For device and platform companies, we have engineered software development kits and
application program interfaces that enable location-based functionality involving the device.
Short Message Service Center and Related Text Messaging Solutions.
Our Short Message Service Center software has been
used by wireless carrier subscribers to send and receive text or data messages to and from wireless devices since 1997. More
recently we have been engaged to work with major carriers for enabling the use of text messaging to communicate with 9-1-1
public safety answering points. For our installed base of systems in use by customers, we provide ongoing operational support,
including administration of system components, system optimization, and configuration management. Maintenance services
include tracking customer support issues, trouble shooting, and developing and installing maintenance releases. We typically
provide maintenance services for an annual or quarterly fee paid in advance.
Professional Services and Solutions for Telematics.
We provide custom software development and professional services, using
our core geo-services platform, to customers engaged in telematics, which is the use of mobile communications technology and
related data for application within vehicles on the move. Automotive navigation systems are a form of telematics that involve
GPS technology, electronic maps and related spatial data for local searches.
Commercial Segment Market Opportunities and Strategy.
Our company is a leader in public safety communications technology
for delivery of 9-1-1 calls. We continue to develop software and engineered systems which we deliver through deployment in
customer wireless networks, through hosted and subscription business models, and fee for service contracts. Our engineers design
solutions to optimize the balance of functionality between the device and the hosted network components, or “cloud.” We are
continuing to make development investments focused on the delivery of location information, internet and corporate network data, and
other enhanced data-communication services to and from wireless devices, with emphasis on data and network security.
Trends and our strategy for our products and services include:
9-1-1 Mandate and Technology Advances.
A key to enhancing personal safety through a cell phone is the availability of E9-1-1
wireless capabilities. We are one of the two leading providers of E9-1-1 service to wireless and VoIP service providers in the
U.S., and to state and county governments for Next Generation, or NextGen, 9-1-1. In 1996, the Federal Communications
Commission (“FCC”) mandated the adoption of E9-1-1 technology by wireless carriers, and in 2005, the FCC ordered providers
of interconnected VoIP service to provide E9-1-1 services to all of their customers as a standard feature of the service. We are
actively pursuing Next Generation 9-1-1 business and have deployed solutions in six states. We now have distribution to state
and local governments as well as federal agencies for NextGen solutions through relationships with AT&T, CenturyLink, and
Cincinnati Bell.
Expanded Penetration of Wireless and VoIP Network Operator Customer base
.
TCS does business with about 60 wireless and
VoIP service providers in 13 countries. We intend to expand our domestic and international carrier base through channels and by
re-deploying our direct sales and field support organizations. Mobile operators are investing in high-speed data fourth generation
networks whose data rates surpass residential wireline rates, and our infrastructure components are subject to inclusion in that
investment. Our location-based technology and applications incorporating map graphics take advantage of these network
enhancements. We will continue to develop network software for wireless carriers and cable operators that operate on all major
types of networks.
Adaptation of our Technology for Device Platform and Other Non-carrier Customers.
Our applications software has been
developed in a modular fashion which enables collaborations with hardware customers on solutions using our software
development kits and application program interfaces. We intend to expand our penetration of such customers.
Growing Use of Commercial Location-Based Wireless Services.
A driver of wireless communication subscriber revenue
growth is the delivery of timely, highly specialized, interactive and location-specific information. Technology incorporated in
networks and handsets enables determination of the handset’s location with sufficient precision to allow useful applications
beyond E9-1-1. Wireless users benefit from the ability to receive highly customized location-specific information in response to
their queries or via targeted opt-in content delivered to the wireless device. Enterprises benefit from wireless location technology
for routing and tracking their mobile field forces.
Text Messaging (SMS) Trend.
While we expect our revenue from messaging to continue declining, text messaging continues to
be the most popular type of messaging for mobile users. We have applied our expertise in SMS to enable text to 9-1-1 service,
and have developed a hosted messaging service.
