Secure Advanced Messaging Service (SAMS)
Broca’s Secure Advanced Message Service is unique, introducing a new secure protocol standard for the protection of everyone wishing to use the mobile phone channel, from network operators, financial institutions or other service enterprises, right through to the mobile phone user. It is the enabling technology not only to make m-commerce a reality but has the true potential to secure a growing number of mobile applications. These include m-wallets, banking transactions, electoral voting and solutions to ensure age verification and the protection of minors.
The Secure Advanced Messaging Service is offered to enterprises as a component in consumer mobile applications. It offers an evolutionary step change in mobile communications and has the potential to change the face of the mobile messaging industry, opening up a diverse array of new opportunities for revenue generation. These include premiums for secure person-to-person messaging and m-commerce transactions; and new revenue streams for the provision of secure mobile services.
The Technology
Broca’s Secure Advanced Message Service consists of three core modules. Working together, they deliver the secure, robust and high-performance end-to-end messaging solution, regardless of the number or types of networks involved.
Secure messaging protocol – this underpins Broca’s technology and is capable of operating over the existing mobile network infrastructure. As a lightweight protocol, it can co-exist with other protocols, including TCP/IP, Bluetooth and RFID.
Secure messaging and data management platform –highly resilient and infinitely scaleable to provide the message routing and encryption capabilities required to support secure end-to-end communications. The platform is capable of routing messages between different networks and protocols, such as SMS to Email or Internet Instant Messaging, or XML Web services to MMS.
Thin handset applications - are easily embedded into any mobile device or delivered via the mobile network following device registration. Broca provides an extremely simple to use form-based applet which offers the flexibility to operate with multiple input or output forms.
Today’s mobile phones support several communication protocols. Although initially optimised to work with SMS and WAP, the flexible nature of the design allows for the easy inclusion of additional protocols. Broca delivers consistent levels of security across multiple communication channels.
Secure Advanced Message Service is designed with ease of use firmly in mind. It conforms to published mobile phone software development best practice and proven quality standards.
Key Features
The technology is easy to implement and is compatible with most current mobile phones:
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Simple user interface requiring minimal key-presses
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Easy configuration with version management over the air
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Supports all major mobile communications protocols
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Provides mechanisms to upgrade forms
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High security standards to prevent fraudulent use
How it works
Broca’s Secure Advanced Message Service 'sits on top' of other network protocols, typically SMS and MMS or TCP/IP, HTTP and WAP. All transactions are completed in just two messages, one in to the service and one out. All messages are encrypted at source allowing messages to be carried over different networks, or even multiple networks, with minimal risk.
Messages managed by Broca are similar to a conventional SMS. Authentication is available for both platform and handset originated messages, taking the form of a PIN number, password, or any other security question. This ensures that the message is only available to the intended recipient, minimising the possibility of fraud. It prevents inadvertent access to personal information or access codes, as messages are not stored on mobile phones.
The Secure Advanced Message Service is designed to ensure the encryption of data to facilitate the secure transmission of information between multiple parties. The protocol also provides for the identification and audit logging of the communicating parties which will reduce instances of repudiation of any transaction.