Service Description Ericsson IPX
Disclaimer Please be advised that the information included in this document is based on generic Operator integrations. This document does not constitute a commitment from Ericsson to deliver the exact IPX functionality described within these pages. There are several factors that affect the services and functionality actually available in any specific market. For a more detailed description of the functionality available for your specific market(s), please refer to your local Ericsson IPX market representative. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 2 (21)
Contents 1 IPX Internet Payment Exchange... 4 2 Payment... 5 2.1 SMS payment... 5 2.2 MMS payment... 7 2.3 Online payment... 9 3 Subscriber information... 12 3.1 Location... 12 3.2 Authentication... 13 3.3 Identification... 14 4 Messaging... 16 5 Customer services... 17 5.1 Reporting and settlement services... 17 5.2 Customer support... 18 6 Security... 20 7 Service Provider APIs... 20 8 Contact... 21 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 3 (21)
1 IPX Internet Payment Exchange Ericsson Internet Payment Exchange Service, IPX, provides reliable and costeffective ways for Service Providers to create, market and get paid for innovative services. IPX provides four kinds of services: payment, subscriber information, messaging and customer services. The Service Provider can choose to use them separately or in combination. Payment allows Consumers to purchase content and services offered by the Service Provider by using the mobile phone. The payment for the services is conducted by the Consumer s mobile phone bill via their Operator. Subscriber information allows the Service Provider to retrieve information regarding Consumers and mobile devices. This can be where the Consumer or a mobile device reside, or to which countries and Operators Consumers belong. IPX provides a global message delivery solution for SMS messages. IPX sends SMS messages to Consumers via Operators which are connected to IPX, enabling the Service Provider to reach a vast number of Consumers at a low cost. IPX offers Customer support for Service Providers, Operators and Consumers. Service Providers can also compile reports and statistics, ensuring that their services work at top performance. The IPX service is monitored 24/7. Security is guaranteed since sensitive information is encrypted. Service Providers connect to IPX via SOAP based APIs. IPX provides a Java client, which embeds the SOAP requests or responses respectively. SOAP is an independent script language and platform, thereby other languages and platforms are supported. For SMS payment and messaging, IPX also offers an SMPP interface. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 4 (21)
2 Payment Consumers can request and pay for services by using SMS messages, MMS messages, the browser of the mobile phone, an application in the mobile phone or on a website. The content offered by the Service Provider is charged to the mobile phone bill via the billing system of the Consumer's Operator. Instead of interfacing with each Operator individually, the Service Providers only need to interface with IPX. IPX interfaces with over 100 Operators in 26 different countries. 2.1 SMS payment SMS payment allows the Service Provider to interact with Consumers using SMS messages. The Service Provider advertises the service through communication channels such as magazines, posters, TV or radio. The Consumer responds by sending an SMS message to a short code, which usually consists of 4 to 6 digits. The short code can be unique for a single Service Provider, i.e. a dedicated short code, or shared with other Service Providers, i.e. a shared short code. A dedicated short code gives the Service Provider complete control over how the short code is advertised and which keywords are used. For a shared short code, on the other hand, the Service Provider can register up to five keywords with IPX. This keyword is the first word or digits in an SMS message. Those keywords identify the Service Provider. Should a Service Provider wish to have additional keywords for the shared short codes, in order to offer several services, this can be ordered from IPX support. Once the Consumer has ordered the service, the procedure is as follows: 1 IPX identifies the Service Provider, either based on the dedicated short code only, or a keyword on a shared short code. 2 IPX forwards the entire SMS message to the Service Provider. 3 The Service Provider replies with an SMS message. 4 If the Service Provider charges for the service, the charge is added to the Consumer s mobile phone bill or immediately deducted from the Consumer s pre-paid account. Depending on market regulations, IPX may hide the identity of the Consumer from a Service Provider. Instead, an alias is used for the return communication. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 5 (21)
Premium SMS When a Consumer orders content via a short code, the Service Provider can reply with a premium SMS. This premium SMS is connected to a tariff class, which ensures that the Consumer is being charged the corresponding amount. The charge is deducted from either the mobile phone bill or a pre-paid account. Some markets require IPX to ask for an additional opt-in from the Consumer before the premium SMS is delivered. This additional opt-in is typically only requested for tariff classes above a certain amount. Standard rate SMS Standard rate SMS allows the Service Provider to send an SMS message to the Consumer. This SMS message is charged to the Service Provider at market standard rate. The Consumer is not charged for receiving the SMS message. In the United States however, both the Consumer and the Service Provider are charged for the SMS message. Free to consumer SMS Free to consumer SMS allows the Consumer to send an SMS message to a short code, without being charged for the SMS message. The Service Provider can choose to reply with an SMS message to the Consumer. This SMS message is charged to the Service Provider at market standard rate. Premium SMS subscription A subscription lets the Consumer order a service once, while receiving the ordered content over a time period or for a defined number of times. IPX provides a user friendly interface, in order for the Service Provider to deliver and charge for subscription services. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 6 (21)
A Consumer initiates the subscription by sending an SMS message to a short code. The Service Provider charges for the subscription on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, by sending the Consumer a premium SMS message. It is optional, or for some markets mandated by regulations, to reply with a confirmation SMS message, once the subscription is ordered. Some markets require IPX to ask for an additional opt-in from the Consumer before the subscription commences. Market regulations determine for how long a subscription can be valid, and/or the total amount which can be charged before the Consumer has to renew it. All markets have regulations which require the Service Provider to handle specific keywords, such as STOP and INFO. Those keywords are used to terminate or allow the Consumer to view the status of the subscription. In some markets, those keywords are controlled by IPX. In order to promote a safe and secure subscription service, IPX provides subscription management which monitors and controls the subscription. Terms of time, events and prices are included in the subscription management. Thus, Service Providers and Operators may rest assure that the subscription services follow regulations. 2.2 MMS payment MMS payment allows a Service Provider to communicate with Consumers using MMS messages. The Service Provider markets the services through communication channels such as magazines, posters, TV or radio. The Consumer reacts by sending an MMS message to a short code, usually consisting of 4 to 6 digits. Similar to SMS messages, the short code can be unique for a single Service Provider, i.e. a dedicated short code, or shared with other Service Providers, i.e. a shared short code. A dedicated short code gives the Service Provider complete control over how the short code is advertised and which keywords are used. For a shared short code, on the other hand, the Service Provider must register a keyword with IPX. This keyword identifies the Service Provider. Should a Service Provider wish to have additional keywords for the shared short codes, in order to give several services, this is ordered from and handled by IPX support. The keyword is entered by the Consumer either in the subject of the MMS message, or in the body of the MMS message. IPX checks for a matching keyword in both the subject and the body when receiving the MMS message, prior to forwarding it to the Service Provider. This is necessary since different phone models have different ways of allowing Consumers to input text in an MMS message. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 7 (21)
Once the Consumer has ordered the service by sending an MMS message, the procedure is as follows: 1 IPX identifies the Service Provider, either based on the dedicated short code only, or a keyword on a shared short code. 2 IPX forwards the entire MMS message to the Service Provider. 3 The Service Provider replies the Consumer with an MMS message. 4 If the Service Provider charges for the service, this charge is added to the Consumer s mobile phone bill or immediately deducted from the Consumer s pre-paid account. Depending on market regulations, IPX may hide the identity of the Consumer from a Service Provider. Instead, an alias is used for the return communication. Premium MMS When a Consumer orders content via a short code, the Service Provider can reply with a premium MMS. This premium MMS is connected to a tariff class, which ensures that the Consumer is being charged the corresponding amount. The charge is deducted from either the mobile phone bill or a pre-paid account. Some markets require IPX to ask for an additional opt-in from the Consumer before the premium MMS is delivered. This additional opt-in is typically requested for tariff classes above a certain amount. Standard rate MMS Standard rate MMS allows the Service Provider to send an MMS message to the Consumer. This MMS message is charged to the Service Provider at market standard rate. The Consumer is not charged for receiving the MMS message. However, in the United States, both the Consumer and the Service Provider are charged for the MMS message. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 8 (21)
2.3 Online payment Online payment allows the Service Provider to charge a Consumer who is browsing a web site, mobile web site or buying content in an application installed on the mobile phone. Online payment enjoys a higher pay out than premium SMS. The online payment methods allow Consumers to purchase services with a single click. This method ensures the highest possible purchase completion rate. Compared to credit cards, the completion rates are typically higher. Mobile web payment Mobile web payment enables a Service Provider to sell services on a mobile website with minimal Consumer interaction: 1 The Consumer initiates the purchase on the mobile web site of the Service Provider by clicking on a link. 2 A mobile web page is displayed to the Consumer. This mobile web page contains the name of the Service Provider as well as the name and price of the service. The mobile web page is handled by IPX or the Operator, and follows market regulations. 3 The charge is added to the Consumer s mobile phone bill or immediately deducted from the Consumer s pre-paid account. Branded mobile web payment Branded mobile web payment allows Consumers to purchase content with a low click through and high completion rate. To purchase services quickly and easily, the procedure is: 1 The Consumer initiates the purchase on the mobile web site of the Service Provider by clicking on a link. 2 A mobile web page is displayed to the Consumer. This mobile web page is branded by the Service Provider. 3 The Consumer is charged via the mobile phone bill. IPX and the Service Provider must cooperate in order to ensure that market regulations are followed. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 9 (21)
In-application payment In-application payment allows Service Providers to include payment in an application store or to sell additional content inside an application in the mobile phone. The in-application payment is directly integrated with the application store. The Consumer can browse the application store to buy new and additional content. Web payment Web payment allows the Consumer to buy content from the Service Provider on a web site. IPX offers different payment alternatives, depending on the markets. Web payment use different methods to execute the payment depending on the market: Web payment; payment with a one-time PIN code via the Operator bill, which is the default in most markets. Payforit in the United Kingdom; payment via the Operator bill. Alipay in China; payment through the Alipay Payment Gateway. IPX ensures that the payment is safe and secure, regardless of the method used. Mobile web subscription Similar to mobile web payment, IPX offers the possibility for the Service Provider to set up a subscription for the Consumer on a mobile web site. The subscription is billed with a premium SMS to the Consumer on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. A subscription lets the Consumer order the service once, while receiving the ordered content over a time period or for a defined number of times. IPX provides a user friendly interface, in order to deliver and charge for subscription services. To sign up for a mobile web subscription: 1 The Consumer browses the mobile website of the Service Provider. 2 Should the Consumer wish to initiate the subscription, this is done by clicking on a link, which will take the Consumer to a confirmation page. This confirmation page may in some markets be branded by the Service Provider, in others hosted by the Operator. 3 The Service Provider charges for the subscription on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, by sending the Consumer a premium SMS message. It is optional, or for some markets mandated by regulations, to reply with a confirmation SMS message, once the subscription is ordered. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 10 (21)
4 The Consumer is charged for the subscription via the mobile bill or a prepaid account. The mobile web subscription commences according to the routine of the premium SMS subscription. Web PIN opt-in Web PIN opt-in is an alternative to mobile web subscription. The information for mobile web subscription is applicable, with one exception: Should the Consumer wish to order a subscription via the web or a mobile phone connected over Wi-Fi, the mobile number cannot be retrieved. Thus, IPX sends out a one-time PIN code via SMS to the Consumer. The Service Provider asks the Consumer to state this PIN-code on their website. The mobile web subscription commences according to the routine of the premium SMS subscription. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 11 (21)
3 Subscriber information Subscriber information enables the Service Provider to retrieve information about the Consumer. It covers location of mobile devices, authentication and identification of Consumers. 3.1 Location Active network positioning Active network positioning allows the Service Provider to build a service which tracks a mobile device or uses the location of a Consumer to deliver a service. The service is executed as follows after the Service Provider has received consent from the Consumer or verified that their mobile device may be tracked: 1 The Service Provider requests the position of a mobile number. 2 IPX requests the position of the mobile number from the respective Operator. 3 IPX returns the longitude, latitude and accuracy of the mobile number to the Service Provider. The accuracy is limited to an enclosed circle of approximately 300 metres in cities and 2 km in rural areas. Active network positioning is charged on a per request basis, and is limited to the home network of the mobile device or Consumer. For example, a Swedish mobile device can only be located when in Sweden. In order to build a service using active network positioning, the Service Provider is obliged to get the consent of the Consumer that their mobile device is allowed to be located. For Consumer consent, any of the below mentioned methods are applicable: The Consumer gives consent by sending an SMS message to a predefined short code and keyword. Marketing material must follow regulations. The Consumer gives consent by calling an IVR number. Marketing material and information given by IVR must follow regulations. The Consumer approves when browsing a mobile web site, which must state clearly that the Consumer is being located according to regulations. The Consumer inputs their mobile phone number on a web site and receives a one-time PIN-code in an SMS message from IPX. The Consumer must then input the PIN code on the web site. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 12 (21)
When giving Consumer consent, the Consumer approves one of the following types of services: 1 Being located for a personal need, for example to find something within the area where the Consumer resides. 2 Being located multiple times during a fixed period of time, for example a Friend finder service. 3 Being located whenever a specific event occurs, for example when the Consumer uses their credit card. When giving mobile device consent, one of the below mentioned are applicable when allowing a mobile device to be tracked over a set period of time: The Service Provider requests IPX to register a mobile device. IPX sends a one-time PIN-code in an SMS message. The Service Provider must retrieve the PIN-code and use it to setup the service through IPX. The Service Provider registers a list of mobile phone numbers with IPX, which have agreed to be located. Please note that market regulations may apply. 3.2 Authentication Age verification Age verification allows a Service Provider to verify the age of a Consumer who receives content or services. This allows a Service Provider to adhere to local regulation. Age verification is typically done in relation to sending a premium SMS, setting up a subscription or performing an online payment transaction. The method used by IPX to verify the age of the Consumer can vary depending on the Consumer s Operator. The following methods are applicable: IPX uses data from the CRM system of the Operator to verify the Consumer s age. IPX integrates with a third party database, which verifies the Consumer s age. Please note that for age verification, market regulations are applicable. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 13 (21)
3.3 Identification Mobile IP lookup Mobile IP lookup allows the Service Provider to find a Consumer s home Operator and country, based on the Consumer s IP-address. Should the Consumer be abroad when the mobile IP lookup is performed, the response will still refer to the country and Operator of the Consumer s home Operator. Mobile IP lookup is particularly useful for: Gathering statistics on who accesses a Service Provider mobile web site. Adapting and personalizing a mobile web site depending on the origin of the Consumer. Determining if a Consumer is connected over Wi-Fi or through an Operator Internet gateway. Mobile IP lookup does not require that the Consumer be re-directed to IPX. The process for using Mobile IP lookup is as follows: 1 The Consumer visits a mobile website. 2 The Service Provider retrieves the Consumer s IP-address. 3 The Service Provider relays the IP-address to IPX. 4 IPX returns to the Service Provider which Operator and country the Consumer is registered with. Hence, statistics based on visitors can be compiled and the mobile web site adapted accordingly. Mobile user identification Mobile user identification allows the Service Provider to retrieve the mobile phone number, Operator and country of a Consumer visiting the mobile web site of the Service Provider. The information is gathered when the Consumer visits a mobile web site, without any information being entered actively by the Consumer. This is useful when a Consumer has subscribed to a service and returns to retrieve additional items such as news or game credits. To identify a Consumer, the process is as follows: 1 The Service Provider initiates a session towards IPX and redirects the Consumer to IPX. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 14 (21)
2 IPX identifies the Consumer by connecting to an identification platform of the Consumer s operator. 3 IPX redirects the Consumer to the Service Provider. 4 IPX returns the Consumer s mobile phone number, Operator and country to the Service Provider. Depending on market regulations, IPX may hide the identity of the Consumer from a Service Provider. Instead, an alias is used for the return communication. In some markets, IPX may be regulated to show a dialogue to the Consumer, which informs that their mobile phone number is being retrieved. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 15 (21)
4 Messaging IPX provides a global message delivery solution for SMS messages. IPX sends SMS messages to Consumers via Operators which are connected to IPX. Messages are routed according to a lowest cost routing mechanism. The Service Provider can thereby reach a vast number of Consumers at a low cost. For destination market prices and further information on IPX messaging, please turn to the IPX market representative. BusinessConnect BusinessConnect is a cost efficient messaging solution which delivers SMS messages from the Service Provider to the Consumer. It guarantees efficient and secure delivery of SMS messages, which are sent via designated servers. The solution is reliable and suited for time critical and sensitive information. PrimeConnect PrimeConnect is an exclusive messaging solution. For special needs, tailored solutions are available. Virtual long number Virtual long number enables a Consumer using any Operator to send an SMS message to a Service Provider. Virtual long number is available globally, as opposed to the short code, which requires one short code per market. A virtual long number looks like a regular mobile phone number to the Consumer. For information on which country prefixes are supported, please turn to the IPX market representative. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 16 (21)
5 Customer services IPX offers customer services for Service Providers, Operators and Consumers. For Service Providers, the reporting and settlement service enables reports and statistics to be compiled. 5.1 Reporting and settlement services Reporting and statistics Reporting and statistics is based on a business intelligence system. The advantage of using a business intelligence system is that it enables the Service Provider to compile reports, view them as graphic images and break them down to details. By using reporting and statistics, standard reports can be compiled, trends analyzed and statistics for SMS message traffic and payments viewed. All reports can be basic or drilled down to details such as year, month and day for different countries. Reporting and statistics enables a Service Provider to collect data from different areas of the IPX system, process this data and view it in near real-time. Reporting and statistics can be used to view data for the following IPX services: SMS payment, MMS payment, on-line payment, location, identification and messaging. IPX offers a number of pre-configured transaction reports: Payment and subscriber information report shows payment and subscriber-related transactions. Messaging report gives the Service Provider an update of messaging traffic volumes. Should the Service Provider have different accounts, the traffic can be viewed and compared to each account respectively. Short code report compiles traffic from SMS and MMS related to different short codes. Invaluable insight into whether a campaign is successful or not is gained instantly. Failed transactions report allows the Service Provider to break down and view transactions which were not successfully delivered or charged. The information is grouped according to the error codes, which enable the Service Provider to act accordingly. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 17 (21)
5.2 Customer support Customer support includes 24/7 monitoring and support for Service Providers, Operators and Consumers. 24/7 monitoring The IPX 24/7 monitoring covers: Traffic, which is based on statistics and defined traffic intervals. Should the amount of traffic deviate from what is expected, an alert is triggered to the IPX monitoring team. Database, in order to cover resource usage and disc volumes. Hardware, network and system resource monitoring covers the infrastructure on both hardware level as well as operating system level, using triggers and lowlevel scripting. Application alarm, used for the IPX application, which is monitored on a subsystem level. The information is relayed in aggregated views. The monitoring is conducted and analyzed by IPX. Should there be any service affecting impact, a notification email is sent out to the Service Provider. Update notifications are sent out frequently, and when the matter is resolved, closing notifications are delivered. The notifications are based on templates which include perceived impact, progress and possible resolution. Thereby, the Service Provider is given information about the progress of solving the problem. Support (local office hours) Support is offered to every Service Provider during local office hours. Every Service Provider is given the email addresses and phone numbers for contacting the service desk function. 24/7 extended support Should a Service Provider wish to have support around the clock, 24/7 extended support is a service which is available upon request. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 18 (21)
Consumer support IPX offers Consumer support, a service which is designated for supporting Consumers who have been directed to IPX by their Operator or are using services on a shared short code. The Consumer support handles issues regarding for example invoices and transactions related to IPX. Each country provides native language support. Consulting services With local presence and expertise in over 26 markets, IPX embraces both market regulations and the different types of services available from the respective Operators. IPX offers this expertise as consulting services, in order for Service Providers to reduce the time it takes to market services and content. The consulting services cover: Helping the Service Providers to ensure that their services conform to market regulations. Providing technical expertise when determining how a certain service can be adapted to the functionality offered by Operators in the respective markets. Test the services before each launch. Build applications, which are specifically tailored to the need of the Service Provider, and integrate these with IPX. For further information, please contact an IPX market representative for a customized offer. 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 19 (21)
6 Security For the connections towards operators and Service Providers, a combination of SSL, VPN, SSH and PGP amongst others is used. The security combinations depend on the type of connections. All connections in operator networks are managed in a secure way, using local market GSM security for identification and authorization, as well as coding on the radio link. 7 Service Provider APIs The interaction between the Service Provider and IPX is conducted via SOAP. SOAP is independent of the platform, such as Java,.Net or Python used by the Service Provider. The Service Provider can therefore choose any programming language and computer platform. A WSDL file is available for integrating to the SOAP APIs. IPX also provides precompiled Java JAR-files for easy integration. The Service Provider needs to have an application server running, for example Apache Tomcat, JBoss or IIS. For SMS messaging, IPX also offers an SMPP API. This is mainly for Service Providers with an existing SMPP implementation. Additional information about the APIs and implementation guides can be found at: www.ericsson.com/solutions/ipx/ 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 20 (21)
8 Contact For further information about the IPX solution, do not hesitate to contact the local Ericsson IPX office or send an e-mail to the IPX headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail: ipx.info@ericsson.com Visit the Ericsson IPX website at: www.ericsson.com/solutions/ipx/ 3/221 02-FGC 101 0169 Rev C 2010-04-22 Ericsson IPX AB 2004-2010 21 (21)
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