Microsoft and IDEMIA Discuss the Benefits of eSIM Functionality

Microsoft and IDEMIA have shed some light on the partnership between the two companies and the future of eSIM technology. According to a recent interview with Microsoft’s Shai Guday and IDEMIA’s Emir Aboulhosn, eSIM tech is already poised to transform the smartphone market, with Aboulhosn forecasting that every major phone manufacturer will deploy eSIM technology within the next two years.

Extending eSIM technology to PCs could have an even bigger impact on the workplace. With constant connectivity, employees would be able to access any files stored in the company cloud at any time from anywhere in the world. It would also simplify the IT process by empowering IT managers to handle any connectivity issues from a single point of access instead of navigating multiple wireless portals depending on the locations of various users.

“PC users will no longer need to connect to unsecured, public Wi-Fi,” said Aboulhosn. “From an IT manager perspective this is the icing on the cake.”

The eSIM profile can we wiped remotely in the case of a stolen device to add an additional layer of security. The biggest challenge will be overcoming inertia and generating infrastructural support for eSIM technology. 

“The eSIM standards for consumer devices have originally been defined from the perspective of smartphones and the UX paradigm does not always translate well to a PC,” explained Guday.

With that in mind, Microsoft has been adding eSIM functionality to its Windows Operating System, and expects the technology to play a crucial role during the rollout of 5G networks. The support also paves the way for IDEMIA as it expands its eSIM business, which already includes forays into smartwatches in Thailand and Korea, as well as an eSIM consultancy in Hong Kong.