While many large operators get specific builds of S60 devices, it is easy to forget that smaller operators make up the bulk of the 200+ operators selling Symbian smartphones. For these operators the cost of factory customization can mean that the devices they sell are vanilla versions, no different from off-network, SIM free devices.

It is undoubtedly this market that Psiloc is hoping to capture with SoftVariant. Although SoftVariant could clearly be of use to any organization that wants to deliver devices with identical set-up to multiple users. Typically this may also include enterprises, SIM free retailers and distributors, or even marketing companies looking for a unique promotion opportunity on new devices.

Part service, part product, SoftVariant is designed to allow the easy customization of an S60 3rd Edition device from a package written to the in-box memory card. Psiloc claims that SoftVariant can customized almost any aspect of an S60 device, including:

• Themes (display colors, ringtones, highlights, and style icons) with immediate activation on installation.
• Installation of applications, both Java™ME and native Symbian.
• Creation of contact list and contact groups.
• Addition, activation, and personalization of device profiles.
• Creations of WLAN hotspot configurations.
• Setting of the Web Browser for S60 homepage and bookmarks.
• Creation of email and Internet account settings.
• The ability to exclude or limit access to some applications.
• Distribution of content such as videos, music, and images.

Psiloc provides a downloadable demonstration of SoftVariant on the product's dedicated Web site: http://softvariant.psiloc.com. Following the process, a case of performing a factory reset and storing the files in the demo download onto a suitable memory card, SoftVariant quickly customized a Nokia E61i with a theme and a copy of Psiloc's Font Magnifier. The process tool less than a minute.

The SoftVariant demo adds and activates a theme and installs Font Magnifier.

SoftVariant certainly helps maintain Psiloc's reputation for innovative Symbian software. The potential for the service is significant and the company could be onto a winner, with several hundred potential customers worldwide.