Case Study: T-Traffic NaviGate                                                      

Project Type: Complex Porting
Customer: T-Mobile
Technologies: Porting from Windows CE to Series 60 and UIQ 2, Symbian OS

Product Overview

T-Mobile’s T-Traffic service takes satellite navigation to the next level, updating car drivers with the latest traffic information in real-time. Drivers are instructed on the best route to their destination, avoiding traffic problems, via on-screen directions and voice prompts.

The NaviGate application uses the data capabilities of the user’s mobile device to connect to T-Mobile’s central servers and cross-references traffic information with its location. This is supplied by a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit connected to the mobile device via Bluetooth.

The Challenge

Sales of T-Mobile’s product were limited because the NaviGate application was only available for devices using the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system (OS). These are generally aimed at the business market, and are more expensive than devices based on the popular Symbian OS. In 2005 there were more than twice as many devices shipped with the Symbian OS (34 million) as with Windows Mobile.

To expand its market, T-Mobile needed an easy-to-use version of the NaviGate software for the Symbian OS. With customers paying per route, the interface needed to encourage them to use the service as often as possible. T-Mobile also needed to be assured that the application would be robust enough to operate on the move.

Objectives
- Maximise the value of the existing code while keeping T-Mobile’s intellectual property secure
- Create a new interface to encourage people to use the service
- Satisfy T-Mobile’s stringent quality controls

Method Deployed

Like many such technologies, the NaviGate application has a portable technology core. Working around this core, Penrillian did not need to see or interfere with T-Mobile’s valuable intellectual property. Penrillian created a new user interface and re-implemented all of the external communications with the GPS device and the Internet. This included complex code to deal with loss of signal from the mobile network, such as when the car passed under a bridge. Penrillian used its own automated test framework to ensure a very high reliability product.

Results

The new application has been well received by users and the media. T-Mobile NaviGate has won multiple awards from technology and motoring magazines in Germany such as ‘Car and Motorsport’, and was awarded “Product of the Year” by ‘Connect’ magazine.

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