LastMile is focused on delivering “information at the speed of need.” With LastMile products the internet experience has never been closer. Accessing real-time information such as full motion video at one’s fingertips can be less expensive for consumers and for service providers.

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The LastMile platform provides a scalable architecture enabling fast, accurate and secure delivery of content to wireless devices. Its WDirect™ node with proprietary patented cache system allows information to be stored and processed at the edge of the network, rather than at the centre as with most conventional networks. This reduces the need for unnecessary network traffic and the accompanying latency of delivery by putting processing and information within the pico-cell access points, and delivers this content to the user at the full speed of the local wireless interface. WDirect™ nodes are linked to a distributed managing server layer, via standard communications infrastructure, where each managing server is in a one-to-many relationship with a group of nodes. Servers owned by LastMile distribute updated local content and advertising to the WDirect™ 1000 Information Nodes and act as a gateway to the central server, the Internet, distributed content and application servers.

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Individual consumers will enjoy selected free services, personalized information and an easy to use interface, providing them with relevant local information. They will also have access to value-added, premium services, as well as information for pedestrian and vehicular systems as the LastMile Communications network of nodes expands, partnerships develop and communications technology improves.

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LastMile will support a wide variety and range of mobile devices, including smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Sony® PSPs™ and laptops which are WiFi-enabled today. Following will be a variety of other wireless communications technologies. LastMile’s software will also be capable of running on a broad range of mobile operating systems including the popular Windows Mobile and Symbian platforms.

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Users with a WiFi-enabled device will be able to access a WDirect™ 1000 Information Node with a standard Internet browser or via LastMile MagicBook® Harvester™ client. The latter will enable end-users to pre-select the categories and types of information they would like to receive. A professional version of the MagicBook® Harvester™ will be able to be made available for business applications.

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LastMile’s WDirect™ 1000 Information Node hardware is a wireless transceiver that contains an upgradeable memory component in a rugged industrial housing. The current WDirect™ 1000 Information Node runs a standard mains power source and can store up to 4GB of pre-loaded, relevant, location-specific information in its cache memory. Each node can be located almost anywhere, attached to a building, behind roadside signage, discreetly mounted inside a building, etc. WDirect™ 1000 Information Nodes are backhaul agnostic and compatible with multiple telecommunications technologies such as ADSL, cable modems, and fiber or wireless broadband Ethernet. End-users will be able communicate wirelessly with the nodes with off-the-shelf devices using WiFi b/g. The WDirect™ 1000 Information Nodes can be remotely managed and controlled via proprietary protection and control circuit, initially available using GPRS, and later for other secondary connection technologies.

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LastMile is developing a user-friendly software suite called MagicBook® that will complement LastMile’s hardware. MagicBook® is being developed as a software platform comprised of an end-user software client that will run on mobile or handheld devices, an interface for content publishers (e.g. enterprises, media companies or advertisers) to publish their content and a managing or administrative server. Some of the components of the MagicBook® software platform has been developed under contract with IBM’s jStart Program based on open standards. The system can, based upon the make and model of the wireless device, provide content appropriately formatted for the end-user viewing experience. The simple end-user configurable interface will allow for easy profile creation, information retrieval and transactions. When a user with a WiFi-enabled handset is within a node zone, an alert of the information or product offering, which has been specified in the unique user profile, will be delivered. Thus, end users will receive information such as maps, information about local businesses and other content where they want it and have total control over information they receive.

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LastMile’s node delivery system with proprietary patented cache offers several advantages over existing wireless network delivery systems:

• Provides scalable and robust architecture necessary for faster delivery of content

• Can incorporate a variety of radio ID tag readers, meter readers or sensors

• Can provide an in-the-city information storage area network that securely caches data at the point of access or consumption and allows users to use or view relevant local information or content

• Will encompass a sophisticated network infrastructure with authentication and authorization functionalities at the edge of the network, which delivers local content (e.g. advertising and rich media) and can enable access to streaming services such as locally stored streaming video content or Voice over IP (VoIP)

WDirect™ 1000 Information Nodes can be deployed with relevant local information and can be remotely managed. 

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