14 DAY TRIAL // Mobile operator NTT DoCoMo has announced it will begin marketing its 3G FOMA handset, F903iBSC, that targets business users and enables companies to address security issues like information leaks and the use of mobile phones from work for non-work-related issues.
To solve this problem and avoid information leakage, the phone comes without a camera, external memory, USB or IrDA. The Osaifu-Keitai e-wallet service is not available yet and the phonebook is limited to 101 contacts.
Basically, it's stripped down of any feature that could lead to information leaks or distract the user from work. At the request of the customer, NTT DoCoMo will remotely reset the phonebook, email, scheduler, data box, call records or screen memos on the handset. This can prove to be very useful in case the handset is lost or stolen.
The service requires an optional subscription and will be available starting April this year. There is also a tool that automatically locks all functions when the handset is shut and unlocking the handset will be possible through biometric fingerprint authorization or password.
The handset was designed to fit business users' needs only and doesn't come with any multimedia/entertaining features like a music player of Java based applications. It features a 2.4 inch 262k color screen with a QVGA resolution, measures 102 x 50 x 24 mm and weighs 131 grams. It will last for just about 160 minutes of talk time or up to 540 hours on standby.
NTT DoCoMo will start selling this handset on the 19th of March. It is a Japan-only phone and will be sold exclusively through DoCoMo's corporate business divisions, which means it won't be available at DoCoMo shops.