Firmware Update Using OMA DM

  • Article

6/2/2010

Over-the-Air (OTA) Firmware Update is a mechanism for updating the firmware on a mobile device after manufacture.

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Overview

The following table lists the items used for implementing OTA Firmware Update:

Item Description

Image Update technology

Image Update is a model for updating the operating system (OS) and system software on Windows Mobile devices.

Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Device Management (DM) server

The server that holds the packages to be downloaded and initiates the update process.

The following OMA DM versions support OTA Firmware Update:

  • OMA DM version 1.1.2
    Windows Mobile Version 5.0 and later supports this version. This is the default setting for Windows Mobile Version 5.0.
  • OMA DM version 1.2
    Windows Mobile 6 supports this version. This is the default setting for Windows Mobile 6.

The OMA DM server may be known as the firmware update server.

Note:
Microsoft does not provide an OMA DM server. The OEM, Mobile Operator, or a third party must create its own server. For information about server requirements, see Server Requirements for OMA Device Management.

OMA DM client

The Windows Mobile device that contains the Image Update installer and Download Agent. It also contains Configuration Service Providers that execute configuration requests.

In Windows Mobile devices, ROM is segmented into packages rather than being a single firmware. This allows Microsoft or the OEM to create update packages that will update individual ROM packages during the firmware update process.

The manner in which the update is made available for download is based on the delivery channel established between the OEM and Mobile Operator.

Note

Applies to Windows Mobile 6 AKU 0.2 and later: Microsoft also creates update packages, such as for security patches.

The following list shows a high-level view of a common firmware update process:

  1. The Mobile Operator, OEM, or third party initially sets up an OMA DM server to deliver packages to the mobile devices.
  2. The OEM sends the update package directly to the Mobile Operator.
  3. The Mobile Operator puts the update on a Web site on the OMA DM server.
  4. The Mobile Operator uses the OMA DM server to initiate communication with devices so that the package can be downloaded.
  5. Applies to Windows Mobile 6: Update results may be sent in a final notification by using a generic alert.

OTA Firmware Update can be automated.

The following topics provide more information about the firmware update process: