Configuring the Registry OTA Example

4/8/2010

A mobile operator can configure registry settings for Windows Mobile devices over the air by using XML packages. Configuring the registry settings over the air gives the mobile operator flexibility for managing services. For example, applications that were previously installed on the device can be activated by changing registry settings.

Security Note:
Configuration data is not encrypted when sent over the air (OTA). Be aware of this potential security risk when sending sensitive configuration data, such as passwords.

The following example illustrates activating an application that a mobile operator previously installed on the device. Following the diagram are the steps for activating an application.

The following steps describe the process of activating a previously installed application:

1. XML package sent
   The XML package is sent to the device over the air. The following is an XML code example:

   <wap-provisioningdoc>
      <characteristic type="Registry">
         <characteristic 
         type="Registry\HKLM\Software\Operator\MyApplication">
            <parm name="Activate" value="1" datatype="boolean"/>
         </characteristic>
      </characteristic>
   </wap-provisioningdoc>
   

   For information about the provisioning file syntax for different OMA Client Provisioning versions, see OMA Client Provisioning Files.

2. XML package accepted
   The Push Router accepts the XML package, identifies it as a configuration package, and sends it to Configuration Manager.

3. XML parsed
   Configuration Manager parses the XML and sends it to the appropriate Configuration Service Provider — in this case, the Registry Configuration Service Provider.
   Configuration Manager also ensures that the XML document has sufficient permission to change the specified registry key. Security roles are checked and enforced.

4. Registry changed
   The Registry Configuration Service Provider enforces the change in the registry, provided that role and signature requirements were met.

5. Application activated
   In the preceding diagram, My Application is activated due to the change of the corresponding registry entry.

6. Success/failure message sent
   The Registry Configuration Service Provider sends a response to Configuration Manager that indicates the success or failure of the transaction.

See Also

Reference

Registry Configuration Service Provider

Concepts

Configuration Manager

Other Resources

Security Roles