Developers can enhance the value of EMES by creating applications for mobile phones that interact with enterprise voice and data servers. Developers are encouraged to create device-management systems for enterprises and user-friendly mobile-extension applications for a range of mobile devices.

EMES consists of a number of components, such as the Ericsson PBX (private branch exchange) MD 110 with its mobile extension feature. Mobile extension is deployed on the premises of the enterprise. EMES also includes either the MEINS (mobile-extension integrated solutions) product or MSC/HLR (mobile-service switching center/home-location register) data configurations on the mobile operator premises.

Göran Norlin, from Ericsson Enterprise, says: "We'd like to see device-management applications for mobile phones, such as with the Sony Ericsson P900. When you connect the mobile phone to your PC to synchronize the calendar, for example, it also connects to the LAN and retrieves all software updates automatically. This ensures updates without putting the responsibility on individual users."

He offers another example. "If an enterprise wants to send a short video to phones, only those phones with MMS capability can receive them. It may mean a client update is necessary, and with such an application the user could be prompted to update when connected to the LAN."

With Ericsson Mobile Extension, enterprises can use the same GSM phones that they use today, while adding telephony services available in the office. However, usability is greatly enhanced with many applications for voice services, such as the Ericsson Personal Assistant. The solution is integral in allowing enterprise employees to have one phone, one number and one mailbox, reducing costs while retaining advanced voice services.

Some mobile phones, such as the Sony Ericsson P900, can be fully customized using skins, creating a unique look for enterprises. Just a click of an icon starts different applications, such as mail, voice activated assistant, unified messaging and the phone service. A good example of this is Ericsson's Personal Assistant application.

Norlin says there is a demand for user-friendly mobile-extension applications, such as Ericsson's Personal Assistant application. He says: "These include applications for enterprises or mobile vendors using Ericsson's mobile telephone platform. We'd like to see developers use skin development to create something similar to or even better than our Personal Assistant." Read more about developing skins.

The market potential for mobile-extension solutions is greatest where there is an already-large volume of installed PBX systems, such as the medium and large enterprise segment. And Norlin notes that Ericsson is the leading supplier to offer mobile extension solutions for all PBXs, not just its own.