Patent Publication Number: US-8974544-B2

Title: Method and system for providing remote configuration of missing mobile devices

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Consumer adoption of mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, laptop computers, pagers, personal digital assistants, and the like, is increasing. These devices can be used for a diversity of purposes ranging from basic communications, to conducting business transactions, to managing entertainment media, and a host of other tasks. Additional enhancements, such as location-awareness features, e.g., global positioning system (GPS) tracking, also enable mobile device users to monitor their position and present their location via a local display. As such, mobile devices tend to store an abundant amount of personal or otherwise sensitive information. Unfortunately, the portability and size of these devices often leads to device misplacement, loss, and even theft, all of which translate into an inability to safeguard this personal information. In the event that a user&#39;s mobile device does go missing (for whatever the cause), the likelihood of locating and retrieving the missing device is slim to none. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an approach that can efficiently and effectively provide remote configuration services for missing mobile devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a system configured to provide remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are respective diagrams of a portal interface, an account information storage facility, and a network registration platform that are configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to various exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a mobile device configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a process for subscribing a user to remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a process for designating a mobile device as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a graphical user interface (GUI) for designating a mobile device as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a process for requesting remote configuration of a mobile device designated as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting a control message to a mobile device designated as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a process for performing at least one action specified in a control message, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to implement various exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A preferred apparatus, method, and software for providing remote configuration services for missing mobile devices are described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, that the preferred embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     Although various exemplary embodiments are described with respect to remotely configuring mobile devices, it is contemplated that various exemplary embodiments are also applicable to remotely configuring other devices, entities, facilities, systems, etc. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of a system configured to provide remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. For the purposes of illustration, system  100  for remotely configuring one or more mobile devices  101 , such as one or more cellular phones, that have been designated as missing is described with respect to portal interface  103 , account information storage facility  105 , and network registration platform  107 . In exemplary embodiments, users at client devices (e.g., computer device  109 , voice station  111 , or another mobile device (not shown)) may access portal interface  103  to provide indications corresponding to states of their mobile devices  101 , such as misplaced, lost, stolen, or recovered, when, for instance, their mobile devices  101  go missing or become found. Based on the provided indications of respective mobile devices  101 , portal interface  103  may determine one or more setting parameters for remotely configuring the respective mobile devices  101  and store these one or more setting parameters to a networked repository (e.g., settings parameters repository  113 ) via account information storage facility  105 . It is noted that the one or more setting parameters may specify at least one action to be respectively performed by mobile devices  101  to facilitate, for example, safeguarding information stored to mobile devices  101 , as well as preventing unauthorized use of mobile devices  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the one or more setting parameters may specify at least one action to be respectively performed by mobile devices  101  to facilitate, for instance, locating and/or retrieving mobile devices  101 . In response to storing the one or more setting parameters, account information storage facility  105  may generate requests for remotely configuring mobile devices  101  based on the one or more setting parameters and transmit the generated requests to network registration platform  107 . Accordingly, network registration platform  107  may, in response to receiving one or more requests, retrieve corresponding setting parameter(s) for respective mobile devices  101  from setting parameters repository  113  and generate one or more control messages specifying the setting parameter(s) for remotely configuring respective mobile devices  101 . It is noted that, in exemplary embodiments, network registration platform  107  may queue transmission of respective control messages to corresponding mobile devices  101  that network registration platform  107  determines to be powered off or otherwise unavailable to receive one or more of the control messages. As such, network registration platform  107  may remotely configure mobile devices  101  over one or more networks, such as one or more data networks  115 , service provider networks  117 , telephony networks  119 , and/or wireless networks  121 , via data channels (not shown) of one or more of the network(s), when the mobile devices become available. While specific reference will be made hereto, it is contemplated that system  100  may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components and facilities. 
     It is observed that portable device users who enjoy an increased level of mobility have to be mindful of their location, as well as keep a vigilant eye on their devices to ensure the devices and/or information stored thereto is not misplaced, lost, or stolen. Traditionally, when a portable device went missing, for whatever the cause, the use of conventional approaches to locate and recover the device has yielded little, if any, success. Moreover, most mobile device owners do not plan for situations when their portable devices go missing. With respect to those owners having the foresight to prepare for such randomly occurring events, it is noted that these owners generally rely on mere password and encryption techniques to protect valuable or otherwise sensitive information stored to their devices; however, even encrypted data, once in the hands of another, may be eventually decrypted. As a consequence, a void exists in the marketplace for effective and efficient techniques to remotely configure mobile devices that have gone missing without the users of these devices having adequately planned for such instances, such as techniques for safeguarding information stored to and preventing unauthorized use of the mobile devices, not to mention techniques for facilitating the process of locating and/or recovering the mobile devices. 
     Therefore, the approach of system  100 , according to certain exemplary embodiments, stems from the recognition that consumers can benefit from remote configuration services for mobile devices that have gone missing without an adequate plan in place, whereby subscribers (or users) of these mobile devices are given access to a portal interface for designating a missing state of their mobile devices and, subsequently, relying on the remote configuration services of system  100  to determine one or more actions to be performed by the missing mobile devices to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of the missing mobile devices, as well as to facilitate the process of locating and/or recovering the missing mobile devices. For instance, the one or more actions may “lock” a mobile device to prevent data disclosure, enable one or more communication limitations (e.g., limiting voice and messaging communications to certain designated directory addresses, disabling data communications, etc.) to prevent unauthorized use of the mobile device, image (or backup) a memory of the mobile device to prevent complete loss of information stored to the mobile device, format (or erase) a memory of the mobile device to purge the mobile device of personal or otherwise sensitive information, as well as other similar or suitable actions to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of the missing mobile devices. According to certain embodiments, these other suitable actions may include configuring a display screen presentation of the mobile device to ask for help in returning the mobile device to its rightful owner, defining one or more contact addresses for the rightful owner to be reached, configuring one or more audio, visual, and/or tactile alerts to bring attention to the mobile device, “bricking” the mobile device to prevent use of the mobile device and/or account activity, and the like. In this manner, the owners of these mobile devices may rely on the remote configuration services of system  100  to determine at least one setting parameter corresponding to ones of these actions and to generate at least one control message to effectuate the determined actions, as well as queue the control message(s) for transmission to the missing mobile devices when the missing mobile devices are determined to be powered off. As such, the owners can rest assured knowing that, even though they may have been unprepared for the loss of their mobile devices, the devices will be secured as soon as feasibly possible, as well as secured without the user having to perform any arduous or otherwise burdensome task beyond their technical capabilities, such as beyond informing a service provider of the remote configuration services of a “missing” state of their mobile devices. Moreover, a service provider can offer these services without exposing their backend access and control systems to undesirable infiltration, manipulation, data corruption, theft, and/or other security breaches or threats. 
     Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of system  100  facilitate remote configuration of mobile devices  101  that have gone missing by enabling subscribers (or users) to access portal interface  103  via one or more client devices (e.g., computing device  109 , voice station  111 , or another mobile device (not shown)) to register to the remote configuration services and to create, customize, and/or manage one or more user profiles stored to, for example, user profiles repository  123  or any other suitable storage location of (or accessible to) the components or facilities of system  100 . In this manner, subscribers may via, for example, a browser (or other networking application), such as browser  125 , access portal interface  103  over one or more of networks  115 - 121  to provide an indication corresponding to a state of their mobile device  101 , so as to designate their mobile device  101  as “missing.” As used herein, the term “missing” is intended to broadly encompass various degrees of mobile devices  101  being within the possession of respective owners (or users), such as being misplaced (e.g., an owner believes mobile device  101  to be generally in their possession, but they are unsure of exactly where the device might be), lost (e.g., an owner is unsure exactly where mobile device  101  is located, but at least knows, believes, or fears it is not in their general possession), stolen (e.g., an owner knows, believes, or at least fears that their mobile device may have been taken by another without authorization), and/or recovered (e.g., an owner has regained actual possession of their mobile device). 
     In exemplary embodiments, portal interface  103  may, in response to one or more provided missing state indications, be configured to determine one or more setting parameters for remotely configuring mobile devices  101  based on the indications. It is noted that the determination of the one or more setting parameters may be based on a policy of a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 , such as a policy specifying one or more setting parameters to be effectuated in association with a particular state of mobile device  101 . Exemplary associations between particular states of mobile device  101  and one or more setting parameters to be implemented are described in more detail with  FIGS. 2A and 5 . At any rate, determined setting parameters may be transmitted to account information storage facility  105  for storage to, for example, setting parameters repository  113 . According to exemplary embodiments, the setting parameters may be transmitted to account information storage facility  105  in association with an identifier that uniquely identifies the particular mobile devices  101  that are intended to be remotely configured based on the setting parameter(s), such as unique directory addresses, electronic serial numbers, international mobile equipment identifiers, machine access control addresses, mobile directory numbers, mobile equipment identities, mobile identification numbers, internet protocol addresses port address, and/or any other suitable address or identifier. It is noted that portal interface  103  is more fully described with  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagram of a portal interface configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. Portal interface  201  may comprise computing hardware (such as described with respect to  FIG. 10 ), as well as include one or more components configured to execute the processes described herein to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . In one implementation, portal interface  201  includes authentication module  203 , communication interface  205 , controller (or processor)  207 , memory  209 , and user interface module  211 . Portal interface  201  may also communicate with one or more account storage facilities or repositories, such as account storage facility  105  and user profiles repository  123 . Users may access portal interface  201  (or the features and functionalities provided thereby) via client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111 . While specific reference will be made to this particular implementation, it is also contemplated that portal interface  201  may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components. For example, it is contemplated that the components of portal interface  201  may be combined, located in separate structures, or separate locations. 
     According to one embodiment, portal interface  201  embodies one or more application servers accessible to client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  over one or more networks  115 - 121 . Users (or subscribers) can access portal interface  201  to create, customize, and manage one or more user profiles (such as for the purpose of registering mobile devices  101  with the remote configuration services of system  100 ), as well as for designating one or more of their mobile devices  101  as missing. In certain instances, portal interface  201  may further allow users to customize one or more setting parameters utilized to effectuate the remote configuration services of system  100 . As such, portal interface  201  may provide one or more user interfaces, e.g., web portals or other networked applications, to permit users to access the features and functions of portal interface  201  via client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111 . According to certain embodiments, user interface module  211  may be configured for exchanging information between client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  and browser applications (e.g., browser  125 ) or other network-based applications or systems, such as voice browsers or interactive voice recognition systems. 
     In exemplary embodiments, portal interface  201  via, for instance, user interface module  211  may be configured to execute one or more graphical user interfaces (GUI) that are configured to provide users with one or more menus of options for creating, customizing, and managing user profiles, as well as engaging with the other features and functions of portal interface  201 , such as to provide indications corresponding to states of their mobile devices  101 , e.g., to designate ones of their mobile devices  101  as “missing.” As such, one or more of these GUIs may be configured to provide users with the ability to uniquely identify (or otherwise specify) which ones of their mobile devices  101  correspond to the specified indications. 
     According to certain exemplary embodiments, portal interface  201  may be configured to determine one or more setting parameters specifying one or more actions to be performed by missing mobile devices  101  based on received indications corresponding to states of the mobile devices  101 . That is, controller  207 , in conjunction with one or more instructions (or computer program code) stored to, for example, memory  209 , may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters associated with the designated states, such as a designated misplaced state, lost state, stolen state, or recovered state. In one implementation, portal interface  201  may determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by corresponding mobile devices  101 , are configuring to cause these devices to present one or more audio, visual, and/or tactile alerts when mobile devices  101  are designated as misplaced. 
     When, for instance, portal interface  201  receives indications that a mobile device  101  is lost, portal interface  201  may be configured to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to be “locked.” Additionally (or alternatively), these one or more setting parameters may, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to present a message asking for help in returning the device to its rightful owner and that by initiating a communication session via the device, e.g., by pressing a “SEND” button of, for instance, a keypad of the device, a reader of the message may initiate communications with the rightful owner. Still further, portal interface  201  may, in response to receiving an indication that mobile device  101  is “lost,” determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to impose one or more communication limitations, such as limiting voice and/or messaging communication session to certain designated directory addresses, disabling data communications, and the like. 
     According to various exemplary embodiments, portal interface  201  may also, in response to receiving an indication that a mobile device  101  is “stolen,” be configured to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to format a memory of the device and/or to “brick” the device to prevent subsequent use of the device, i.e., cause mobile device  101  to become inoperable. It is noted that the one or more setting parameters may initially cause mobile device  101  to image (or backup) a memory of mobile device  101  and upload the image to, for instance, user profiles repository  123  (or any other suitable storage location accessible to mobile device  101 ). In certain instances, portal interface  201  may be configured to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to determine and transmit spatial positioning information corresponding to a “current” location the device to, for instance, user profiles repository  123  or any other suitable destination. It is also noted that portal interface  201  may be configured to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by one or more components of system  100 , cause system  100  to terminate providing services to mobile device  101 , when mobile device  101  is designated as “misplaced,” “lost,” or “stolen.” 
     In still further embodiments, when portal interface  201  receives an indication that a mobile device  101  has been “recovered,” portal interface  201  may be configured to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to enter (or revert) to a fully functional or otherwise configured state, such as a functional or otherwise configured state of mobile device  101  before mobile device  101  was indicated as being “misplaced,” “lost,” and/or “stolen.” In certain instances, indications that mobile device  101  has been “recovered” may additionally (or alternatively) cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by one or more components of system  100 , cause system  100  to resume providing services to mobile device  101 . It is contemplated, however, that additional and/or other setting parameter(s) may be determined by portal interface  201  based on received indications corresponding to a state of mobile device  101 , such as the aforementioned “misplaced,” “lost,” “stolen,” and/or “recovered” states. 
     In those instances when one or more setting parameters require or are capable of user customization, portal interface  201  via, for instance, user interface module  211  may also be configured to provide users with one or more GUI interface elements for inputting such customization information. For instance, portal interface  103  may enable users customize one or more setting parameters to specify the message presented by mobile device  101 , select audible, visual, and/or tactile alerts to present, define contact information (e.g., email address, directory address, etc.) for forwarding initiation of communication sessions from mobile device  101  to the user (or owner) of mobile device  101 , specify what communication limitations are to be imposed, define alternate contact information for the user (or owner) of mobile device  101  so that initiation of communication sessions with mobile device  101  to the user may be transferred to one or more other client devices (e.g., client devices  109  and  111 ) associated with the alternatively defined contact information, and the like. 
     It is also noted that portal interface  201  may be configured to transmit the setting parameter(s) to account information storage facility  105  for storage to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113  and for requesting network registration platform  107  to remotely configure mobile device  101  based on the stored setting parameters. As such, portal interface  201  via, for example, communication interface  205  may transmit the setting parameter(s) to account information storage facility  105  in association with one or more unique identifiers or addressing information corresponding to particular mobile devices  101  designated as missing, such as one or more directory addresses, electronic serial numbers, international mobile equipment identifiers, machine access control addresses, mobile directory numbers, mobile equipment identities, and like. It is also noted that an exemplary process for designating a mobile device as missing is described in more detail in association with  FIG. 5 , whereas an illustrative GUI is more fully explained with  FIG. 6 . 
     In order to provide selective access to the features and functions of portal interface  201 , portal interface  201  may also include authentication module  203  for authenticating (or authorizing) users to portal interface  201 . It is contemplated that authentication module  203  may operate in concert with communication interface  205  and/or user interface module  211 . That is, authentication module  203  may verify user provided credential information acquired via communication interface  205  and/or user interface module  211  against corresponding credential information stored within a user profile of, for instance, user profiles repository  123 . By way of example, the credential information may include “log on” information corresponding to a user name, password, coded key, or other unique identification parameter, such a personal identification number (PIN). In other instances, the credential information may include any one or combination of a birth date, an account number (e.g., bank, credit card, billing code, etc.), a social security number (SSN), an address (e.g., work, home, internet protocol (IP), media access control (MAC), port, etc.), or telephone listing (e.g., work, home, cellular, etc.), as well as any other form of uniquely identifiable datum, e.g., bearer tag identifier, biometric code, voice print, etc. Subscribers may provide this information via client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111 , such as by spoken utterances, dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals, packetized transmission, etc. It is contemplated that unobtrusive security may be provided by positively identifying and screening users based on one or more of the aforementioned credentials which may be seamlessly provided when client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  communicate with portal interface  201 , such as a unique IP or MAC address. Other unobtrusive measures can be made available via voice prints, etc. 
     Additionally, portal interface  201  may include one or more controllers (or processors)  207  for effectuating the aforementioned features and functions, as well as one or more memories  205  for permanent and/or temporary storage of one or more of the aforementioned variables, parameters, information, signals, messages, identifiers, etc. In this manner, the features and functions of portal interface  201  may be executed by portal interface  201 , such as in response to controller(s)  207  (or other components of portal interface  201 ) executing computer program code (or other instructions) stored to one or more memories  209 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , account information storage facility  105  may be configured to receive one or more setting parameters from portal interface  103 . According to exemplary embodiments, the setting parameters are received from portal interface  103  in association with, for example, one or more unique identifiers or addressing information corresponding to the particular mobile device  101  to be remotely configured based on the setting parameters. As such, account information storage facility  105  may be configured to store the setting parameter(s) to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113  according to one or more structured models, such as according to a relational database model. For instance, the at least one setting parameter may be stored in association with one or more attributes of mobile device  101 , such as in association with the unique identifier or address received from portal interface  103 . It is noted that the setting parameters may be stored to any other suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) account information storage facility  105 . In this manner, the setting parameters may be stored to particular locations that may be uniquely identified based on, for instance, one or more extensible resource identifiers (XRI), internet protocol (IP) addresses, uniform resource identifiers (URI), uniform resource locators (URL), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) addresses, or other suitable addresses, identifiers, or locators. 
     In response to storing the one or more setting parameters, account information storage facility  105  may generate requests for remotely configuring mobile devices  101  based on the one or more stored setting parameters. Alternatively, account information storage facility  105  may generate requests in response to receiving setting parameter(s) from portal interface  103  or any other suitable trigger, such as based on a policy of a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 . According to exemplary embodiments, the requests may generated to include (or otherwise specify) one or more addresses, identifiers, or locators for retrieving the setting parameter(s) from, for instance, setting parameters repository  113 . In this manner, generated requests may be transmitted to network registration platform  107  for generating one or more control messages that, when received by mobile devices  101 , are configured to cause mobile devices  101  to be remotely configured, such as remotely configured to performed one or more actions, e.g., one or more of the aforementioned actions. It is noted that account information storage facility  105  is described in more detail in association with  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 2B  is a diagram of an account information storage facility configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. Account information storage facility (or facility)  241  may comprise computing hardware (such as described with respect to  FIG. 10 ), as well as include one or more components configured to execute the processes described herein to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . In one implementation, facility  241  includes communication interface  243 , controller (or processor)  245 , memory  247 , request module  249 , and storage module  251 . Facility  241  may also communicate with one or more interfaces, platforms, or repositories, such as portal interface  103 , network registration platform  107 , setting parameters repository  113 , and user profiles repository  123 . While specific reference will be made to this particular implementation, it is also contemplated that facility  241  may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components. For example, it is contemplated that the components of facility  241  may be combined, located in separate structures, or separate locations. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, facility  241  may be configured to receive one or more setting parameters from portal interface  103  via, for example, communication interface  243  over, for instance, service provider network  117 . Received setting parameters may be ported to storage module  251  for storage to any suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) facility  241 , such as setting parameters repository  113 , memory  247 , etc. As previously mentioned, received setting parameters may be received in association with one or more addresses or identifiers uniquely identifying mobile device(s)  101  to be configured based on the setting parameters and, therefore, may be stored via, for example, storage module  251  in association with the corresponding addresses and/or identifiers of mobile devices  101 . Further, storage module  251  may be configured to store the setting parameters in association with a unique XRI, IP address, URI, URL, HTTP address, or other suitable address, identifier, or locator, to uniquely identify a location at which the setting parameters may be retrieved. 
     In response to storing the one or more setting parameters, request module  249  may be configured to generate requests for remotely configuring mobile devices  101  based on the one or more stored setting parameters and associated mobile device addresses or identifiers. It is noted, however, that request module  249  may generate the request(s) in response to receiving the setting parameter(s) from portal interface  103  or based on any other suitable trigger, such as based on a policy of a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 . According to exemplary embodiments, the requests may generated by request module  249  to include (or otherwise specify) one or more addresses, identifiers, or locators associated with setting parameters repository  113  that, for example, network registration platform  107  may utilize to retrieve the setting parameter(s). It is noted that an exemplary process for storing setting parameters and requesting remote configuration of a mobile device that has been designated as missing is described in more detail with  FIG. 7 . 
     Additionally, facility  241  may include one or more controllers (or processors)  245  for effectuating the aforementioned features and functions of facility  241 , as well as one or more memories  247  for permanent and/or temporary storage of one or more of the aforementioned variables, parameters, information, signals, messages, identifiers, addresses, etc. In this manner, the features and functions of facility  241  may be executed by facility  241 , such as in response to controller(s)  245  (or other components of facility  241 ) executing computer program code (or other instructions) stored to one or more memories  247 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , network registration platform  107  may be configured to receive requests from account information storage facility  105  over, for instance, service provider network  117  to remotely configure one or more mobile devices  101  based on one or more setting parameters stored to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113 . In response to receiving the requests, network registration platform  107  may retrieve corresponding setting parameter(s) for respective mobile devices  101  based on one or more addresses, identifiers, or locators uniquely identifying locations at which the setting parameter(s) may be retrieved. According to exemplary embodiments, network registration platform  107  may generate one or more control messages specifying the corresponding setting parameter(s) for remotely configuring respective mobile devices  101 . It is noted that mobile devices  101  may, in exemplary embodiments, include one or more programmable interfaces  127 , such as a set of programmable interfaces included within, for example, a binary runtime environment for wireless (BREW) platform, for receiving control messages from network registration platform  107  and, thereby, for being remotely configured, monitored, tracked, etc. Additionally (or alternatively), one or more other programmable interfaces may be utilized, such as one or more programmable interfaces written in accordance with one or more programming languages, such as C, C++, J2ME, Java, etc. As such, control messages generated by network registration platform  107  may be generated for direction to one or more of these programmable interfaces  127 . 
     According to exemplary embodiments, network registration platform  107  may be configured to transmit generated control messages to mobile devices  101  over data channels of one or more of networks  115 - 121 , such as an existing data channel of wireless network  121  conventionally utilized by a service provider of system  100  to distribute software updates to corresponding mobile devices  101 . As such, network registration platform  107  may be configured to transmit control messages to mobile devices  101  via any suitable bearer or medium, such as one or more attention (AT) commands, menu traversal paths, function codes, voice data, dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals, scripts, strings, parameters, object variables, and the like, that are configured to cause mobile devices  101  to perform one or more actions specified by the control messages. It is noted that these control messages may be used in lieu of “software code,” and therefore, may be directly integrated into the control logic of mobile devices  101 . In this manner, execution of certain ones of these control messages may require less processing than execution of conventional coded instructions. It is contemplated, however, that such conventional coded instructions may also be utilized. As such, these control messages may be utilized by programmable interfaces  127  to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . 
     As previously mentioned, mobile devices  101  often go missing when the devices are configured in one or more unavailable states, such as in a powered off state. In other instances, mobile devices  101  may enter an unavailable state when, for instance, service signal strength to mobile devices  101  diminish below acceptable levels or the devices enter one or more locations unfavorable to receiving control messages. As such, network registration platform  107  may be configured to queue transmission of respective control messages to corresponding mobile devices  101  that network registration platform  107  determines to be powered off or otherwise unavailable to receive control messages. Thus, when these corresponding mobile devices  101  become available, network registration platform  107  may remote the control messages from the queue(s) and, thereby, transmit the respective control messages to mobile devices  101  when they become available to receive control messages. It is noted that network registration platform  107  is described in more detail with  FIG. 2C . 
       FIG. 2C  is a diagram of a network registration platform configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. Network registration platform (or platform)  281  may comprise computing hardware (such as described with respect to  FIG. 10 ), as well as include one or more components configured to execute the processes described herein to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . In one implementation, platform  281  includes communication interface  283 , control message generation module  285 , controller (or processor)  287 , memory  289 , presence service module  291 , query module  293 , and queue module  295 . Platform  281  may also communicate with one or more facilities or repositories, such as account information storage facility  105  and setting parameters repository  113 . Furthermore, platform  281  is also configured to transmit control messages to missing mobile devices, such as mobile devices  101 . While specific reference will be made to this particular implementation, it is contemplated that platform  281  may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components. For example, it is contemplated that the components of platform  281  may be combined, located in separate structures, or separate locations. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, platform  281  may be configured to receive via, for example, communication interface  283 , one or more requests from account information storage facility  105  over, for instance, service provider network  117  to remotely configure one or more mobile devices  101  based on one or more setting parameters stored to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113 . It is noted that the setting parameter(s) may specify at least one action to be performed by respective mobile devices  101  that have been designated as missing. In certain embodiments, requests to remotely configure mobile devices  101  designated as missing may additionally include (or otherwise specify) one or more unique XRIs, IP addresses, URIs, URLs, HTTP addresses, or other suitable addresses, identifiers, or locators, to uniquely identify one or more location at which the setting parameter(s) may be retrieved. As such, communication interface  283  may be configured to port received requests to query module  293  for extraction of the addresses, identifiers, locators, etc., and, thereby, to retrieve corresponding setting parameter(s) from, for instance, setting parameters repository  113  at the specified addresses, identifiers, locators, etc. In addition to retrieving the setting parameters, query module  293  may also be configured to retrieve one or more mobile device addresses or identifiers corresponding to the requests, such as one or more directory addresses, electronic serial numbers, international mobile equipment identifiers, machine access control addresses, mobile directory numbers, mobile equipment identities, mobile identification numbers, internet protocol addresses, port addresses, and/or the like. It is noted that, in alternative embodiments, these addresses or identifiers may be additionally (or alternatively) specified by the received requests. As such, the addresses or identifiers may be parsed from the requests. 
     In exemplary embodiments, query module  293  may port the setting parameter(s) and mobile device address(es)/identifier(s) to control message generation module  285  for generation of one or more control messages specifying the corresponding setting parameter(s) for remotely configuring mobile devices  101  corresponding to the mobile device address(es)/identifier(s). It is noted that the generation of control messages by control message generation module  285  may be performed so as to direct the control messages to one or more programmable interfaces  127  of mobile devices  101 , such as a set of programmable interfaces included within, for example, a BREW platform configured for receiving control messages. Additionally (or alternatively), the control message(s) may be generated for direction to one or more other programmable interfaces  127  of mobile device  101 , such as one or more programmable interfaces written in accordance with one or more programming languages, such as C, C++, J2ME, Java, etc. In this manner, generated control messages may be transmitted to mobile devices  101  designated missing via, for example, communication interface  283 . Transmission of control messages may occur over, for example, a data channel of one or more of networks  115 - 117 , such as an existing access and control data channel of wireless network  121  conventionally utilized by a service provider of system  100  to distribute software updates to corresponding mobile devices  101 . 
     Platform  281  may also include presence service module  291  for determining one or more conditions affecting the ability (or availability) of mobile devices  101  to receive one or more generated control messages. That is, presence service module  291  may be configured to determine presence information related to, for example, whether or not mobile devices  101  are network accessible (e.g., powered on) or network inaccessible (e.g., powered off). Additionally (or alternatively), presence service module  291  may be configured to determine other presence information, such as mobile device signal strength, spatial positioning information, and the like. It is noted that these forms of presence information may be received from corresponding mobile devices  101  and, thereby, tracked via presence service module  291  or presence service module  291  may “poll” mobile devices  101  for the presence information. An exemplary model for presence determination is detailed in Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request for Comment (RFC) 2778, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to certain embodiments, the presence or availability of mobile devices  101  may be utilized to determine whether control messages may be transmitted to mobile devices  101 . 
     It is noted that, in those instances when mobile devices  101  are not “present” to receive generated control messages, platform  281  may queue the control messages via queue module  295 . For instance, a particular mobile device  101  may be powered off, spatially positioned in a location unsuitable to receiving control messages, or unable to receive sufficient signal strength. As such, platform  281  may queue control messages for the particular mobile device  101  in one or more queues (not shown) of queue module  295 . It is noted that queued control messages may be queued for transmission until the particular mobile devices  101  are determined by, for instance, presence service module  291  to be available, e.g., powered on, suitably positioned, and receiving sufficient signal strength. In this manner, queued control messages may be removed from a corresponding queue of queue module  295  and transmitted to corresponding mobile devices  101  when the mobile devices  101  become available. It is noted that queued control messages may also be removed from a queue after a predetermined time period based on a policy of a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 , so as to prevent queues of queue module  295  from being inundated with control messages that may never be transmitted. An exemplary process for transmitting a control message to a mobile device designated missing, is described in more detail with  FIG. 8 . 
     Additionally, platform  281  may include one or more controllers (or processors)  287  for effectuating the aforementioned features and functions of platform  281 , as well as one or more memories  289  for permanent and/or temporary storage of one or more of the aforementioned variables, parameters, information, signals, messages, identifiers, addresses, locators, etc. In this manner, the features and functions of platform  281  may be executed by platform  281 , such as in response to controller(s)  287  (or other components of platform  281 ) executing computer program code (or other instructions) stored to one or more memories  289 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , service provider network  117  enables client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  to access the features and functions of portal interface  103  via one or more of networks  115 ,  119 , and  121 . Networks  115 - 121  may be any suitable wireline and/or wireless network. For example, telephony network  119  may include a circuit-switched network, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a private branch exchange (PBX), or other like network. Wireless network  121  may employ various technologies including, for example, code division multiple access (CDMA), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), mobile ad hoc network (MANET), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like. Meanwhile, data network  115  may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, such as a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network. 
     Although depicted as separate entities, networks  115 - 121  may be completely or partially contained within one another, or may embody one or more of the aforementioned infrastructures. For instance, service provider network  117  may embody circuit-switched and/or packet-switched networks that include facilities to provide for transport of circuit-switched and/or packet-based communications. It is further contemplated that networks  115 - 121  may include components and facilities to provide for signaling and/or bearer communications between the various components or facilities of system  100 . In this manner, networks  115 - 121  may embody or include portions of a signaling system 7 (SS7) network, or other suitable infrastructure to support control and signaling functions. As such, the conjunction of networks  115 - 121  may be adapted to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . 
     It is noted that system  100  may also include satellite positioning system (SPS) technology, such as GPS technology; however, any other suitable navigational or location determination technology may be utilized, such as advanced forward link trilateration (A-FLT), assisted-GPS (A-GPS), enhanced cellular identification (CELL-ID), wireless area network (WLAN) positioning, etc. According to exemplary embodiments, the SPS technology of system  100  may be configured to utilize a constellation  129  of satellites that transmit signals to receivers (not shown) of, for example, one or more mobile devices  101 , so that the receivers may determine corresponding spatial positioning information (or locations), speeds, directions, and/or timing for mobile devices  101 . As such, mobile devices  101  may be configured to report this spatial positioning information to, for instance, presence service module  291  to facilitate presence determinations and/or carrying out one or more actions specified by a control message. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  may include any customer premise equipment (CPE) capable of sending and/or receiving information over one or more of networks  115 - 121 . For instance, voice terminal  111  may be any suitable plain old telephone service (POTS) device, facsimile machine, etc., whereas mobile terminal  101  may be any cellular phone, radiophone, satellite phone, smart phone, wireless phone, or any other suitable mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket personal computer, tablet, customized hardware, etc. Further, computing device  109  may be any suitable computing device, such as a VoIP phone, skinny client control protocol (SCCP) phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, IP phone, personal computer, softphone, workstation, terminal, server, etc. Even though only a limited number of user devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  are illustrated, it is contemplated that system  100  can support a plurality of user devices  101 ,  109 , and  111 . 
     As previously mentioned, system  100  includes user profiles repository  123  for storing subscriber information, such as billing information, contact information, demographic information, location information, mobile device configurations, subscription parameters, and the like. User profiles repository  123  may also be utilized to store data relating to authorized users of the remote configuration services of system  100 , as well as associated authorization information corresponding to the users. Setting parameters repository  113  may be configured to store one or more setting parameters specifying actions to be performed by mobile devices  101  that have been designated as missing. These setting parameters may relate to any suitably configurable aspect of mobile devices  101  to cause mobile devices  101  to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of mobile devices  101 , as well as to facilitate the process of locating and/or recovering mobile devices  101 . 
     According to exemplary embodiments, repositories  113  and  123  may be maintained by a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100  or may be maintained by any suitable third-party. It is contemplated that the physical implementation of repositories  113  and  123  may take on many forms, including, for example, portions of existing repositories of a service provider, new repositories of a service provider, third-party repositories, and/or shared-repositories. As such, repositories  113  and  123  may be configured for communication over system  100  through any suitable messaging protocol, such as lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP), extensible markup language (XML), open database connectivity (ODBC), structured query language (SQL), and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In those instances when repositories  113  and  123  are provided in distributed fashions, information and content available via repositories  113  and  123  may be located utilizing any suitable querying technique, such as electronic number matching, distributed universal number discovery (DUNDi), uniform resource identifiers (URI), etc. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of a mobile device configured to facilitate remote configuration services for missing mobile devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. Mobile device  300  may comprise computing hardware (such as described with respect to  FIG. 10 ), as well as include one or more components configured to execute the processes described herein for facilitating the remote configuration services of system  100 . In this example, mobile device  300  includes communications circuitry  301 , programming interfaces  303   a - 303   n , and user interface  305 . While specific reference will be made hereto, it is contemplated that mobile device  300  may embody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, user interface  305  may include one or more displays  307 , keypads  309 , microphones  311 , and/or speakers  313 . Display  307  provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that permits a user of mobile device  300  to view dialed digits, call status, menu options, and other service information. The GUI may include icons and menus, as well as other text and symbols. Keypad  309  includes an alphanumeric keypad and may represent other input controls, such as one or more button controls, dials, joysticks, touch panels, etc. As such, a user may utilize one or more components of user interface  305  to construct user profiles, enter commands, initialize applications, input remote addresses, select options from menu systems, and the like. In this manner, it is noted that microphone  311  coverts spoken utterances of a user (or other auditory sounds, e.g., environmental sounds) into electronic audio signals, whereas speaker  313  converts audio signals into audible sounds. 
     Communications circuitry  301  may include audio processing circuitry  315 , controller  317 , location module  319  (such as a GPS receiver) coupled to antenna  321 , memory  323 , messaging module  325 , transceiver  327  coupled to antenna  329 , and wireless controller  331  coupled to antenna  333 . Memory  323  may represent a hierarchy of memory, which may include both random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Computer program instructions and corresponding data for operation can be stored in non-volatile memory, such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory. Memory  323  may be implemented as one or more discrete devices, stacked devices, or integrated with controller  317 . Memory  323  may store information, such as one or more user profiles, one or more user defined policies, one or more contact lists, personal information, sensitive information, work related information, configurable setting parameters, and the like. 
     Even though not illustrated, it is contemplated that mobile device  300  may also include one or more applications and, thereby, may store (via memory  323 ) data (and/or setting parameters) associated with these applications for providing users with browsing functions, business functions, calendar functions, communication functions, contact managing functions, data editing (e.g., database, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) functions, financial functions, gaming functions, imaging functions, location determination functions, messaging (e.g., electronic mail, instant messaging, enhanced messaging, multimedia messaging, short messaging, etc.) functions, multimedia functions, service functions, storage functions, synchronization functions, task managing functions, querying functions, and the like. As such, control messages received by mobile device  300  from, for example, network registration platform  107  may be utilized by one or more of programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  and/or controller  317  to facilitate remote configuration, modification, and/or utilization of one or more features, options, settings, etc., of these applications. It is also contemplated that these (or other) control messages may be utilized by controller  317  to facilitate remotely backing up and/or erasing data associated with these applications. In other instances, the control messages may cause mobile device  300  to become completely or partially deactivated or otherwise inoperable. 
     Accordingly, controller  317  may be configured to control the operation of mobile device  300 , such as in response to commands received from programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  and/or data stored to memory  323 . Control functions may be implemented in a single controller or via multiple controllers. Suitable controllers  317  may include, for example, both general purpose and special purpose controllers and digital signal processors. Controller  317  may interface with audio processing circuitry  315 , which provides basic analog output signals to speaker  313  and receives analog audio inputs from microphone  311 . In exemplary embodiments, controller  317  may be controlled by programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  in order to “lock” access to memory  323  and, thereby, prevent data disclosure therefrom, enable one or more communication limitations (e.g., limiting voice and messaging communications via messaging module  325  and transceiver  327  to certain designated directory addresses, disabling data communication functions of controller  317 , etc.) to prevent unauthorized use of mobile device  300 , image (or backup) memory  323  to prevent complete loss of information stored to memory  323 , format (or erase) memory  323  to purge mobile device  300  of personal or otherwise sensitive information, as well as perform other similar or suitable actions to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of mobile device  300 . For example, other suitable actions may include configuring presentations of display  307  to ask for help in returning mobile device  300  to its rightful owner, defining one or more contact addresses within memory  323  for the rightful owner to be reached, configuring one or more audio, visual, and/or tactile alerts to be presented via display  307 , speaker  313 , and/or other user interface components of mobile device  300  so as to bring attention to mobile device  300 , “bricking” mobile device  300  to prevent subsequent use of mobile device  300 , causing location module  319  to determine spatial positioning information corresponding to a location of mobile device  300 , and the like. It is noted that, in certain embodiments, the control messages may be utilized to transmit spatial positioning information, memory images, etc., to one or more destinations via transceiver  327  and/or wireless controller  331 . In this manner, controller  317  and/or one or more of programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  may be remotely configured and/or controlled via received control messages that cause mobile device  300  to perform one or more specified actions. 
     It is noted that real time spatial positioning information may be obtained or determined via location module  319  using, for instance, satellite positioning system technology, such as GPS technology. In this way, location module  319  can behave as (or substantially similar to) a GPS receiver. Thus, mobile device  300  employs location module  319  to communicate with constellation  129  of satellites. These satellites  129  transmit very low power interference and jamming resistant signals received by GPS receivers  319  via, for example, antennas  321 . At any point on Earth, GPS receiver  319  can receive signals from multiple satellites, such as six to eleven. Specifically, GPS receiver  319  may determine three-dimensional geolocation (or spatial positioning information) from signals obtained from at least four satellites. Measurements from strategically positioned satellite tracking and monitoring stations are incorporated into orbital models for each satellite to compute precise orbital or clock data. Accordingly, GPS signals may be transmitted over two spread spectrum microwave carrier signals that can be shared by GPS satellites  129 . Thus, if mobile device  300  is able to identify signals from at least four satellites  129 , receivers  319  may decode the ephemeris and clock data, determine the pseudo range for each satellite  129  and, thereby, compute the spatial positioning of a receiving antenna  321 . With GPS technology, mobile device  300  can determine its spatial position with great accuracy and convenience. It is contemplated, however, that location module  319  may utilize one or more other location determination technologies, such as advanced forward link triangulation (AFLT), angle of arrival (AOA), assisted GPS (A-GPS), cell identification (cell ID), observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA), enhanced observed time of difference (E-OTD), enhanced forward link trilateration (EFLT), network multipath analysis, and the like. 
     Mobile device  300  also includes messaging module  325  that is configured to receive, transmit, and/or process messages (e.g., EMS messages, SMS messages, MMS messages, IM messages, electronic mail messages, and/or any other suitable message) received from (or transmitted to) any suitable component or facility of system  100 , as well as from (or to) one or more other mobile devices (not shown) or destinations. As previously mentioned, network registration platform  107  may transmit control messages to mobile device  300  in the form of one or more programmable interface directed messages, e.g., one or more BREW directed control messages. As such, messaging module  325  and/or controller  317  may be configured to identify such control messages, as well as activate and/or configure one or more of programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n , in response thereto. Furthermore, messaging module  325  may be further configured to parse setting parameters from these control messages and, thereby, port parsed setting parameters to corresponding components of mobile device  300 , such as programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n , controller  317 , location module  319 , memory  323 , transceiver  327 , wireless controller  331 , display  307 , speaker  313 , etc., for implementation. Accordingly, programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  (once activated) may be configured to effectuate one or more actions specified by received setting parameters, such as for remotely controlling, configuring, monitoring, tracking, etc., mobile device  300 . 
     It is also noted that mobile device  300  can be equipped with wireless controller  331  to communicate with a wireless headset (not shown) or other wireless network. The headset can employ any number of standard radio technologies to communicate with wireless controller  331 ; for example, the headset can be BLUETOOTH enabled. It is contemplated that other equivalent short range radio technology and protocols can be utilized. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a process for subscribing a user to remote configuration services, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process is described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is noted that the steps of the process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated in any suitable manner. At step  401 , portal interface  201  subscribes a user associated with one or more mobile devices (e.g., mobile device  101 ) to the remote configuration services of system  100 . According to one embodiment, the user may subscribe utilizing any suitable client device capable of processing and transmitting information over one or more of networks  115 - 121 , such as computing device  109 . Namely, the user may interact with an input interface (e.g., a keyboard, interactive voice response (IVR) interface, etc.) of, for example, computing device  109  to activate software resident on device  109 , such as a GUI or other networked application, that interfaces with (or is implemented by) portal interface  201 . Alternatively, the user may interact with a voice portal (not shown) interfacing with (or implemented by) portal interface  201 , wherein speech synthesis and voice recognition techniques are utilized to prompt the user for various information and to reduce spoken utterances of the user and/or other signals (e.g., dual tone multi-frequency signals) associated with the user to one or more corresponding inputs. As such, the user can register as a new subscriber to the remote configuration services and may obtain sufficient authentication information for establishing future sessions with portal interface  201 . 
     According to certain embodiments, registration procedures may prompt the user to identify mobile devices  101  and/or other client devices, e.g., client devices  109  and  111 , that the user may wish to remotely configure when, for instance, such devices become misplaced, lost, stolen, and/or recovered, as well as those client devices  109 ,  111 , and/or other mobile devices (not shown) that the user may utilize to access the features and functions of the remote configuration services of system  100 . In this manner, the user may uniquely identify these devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  by entering appropriate device information (or identifiers), such as one or more device types, serial numbers, registration numbers, MAC addresses, directory addresses, communications links, etc., corresponding to devices  101 ,  109 , and  111 . In certain exemplary embodiments, portal interface  201  may obtain corresponding configuration and/or interfacing information relating to these devices from, for example, one or more manufacturers or other third-party suppliers over, for instance, data network  115 . It is noted that this configuration and/or interfacing information may be utilized by portal interface  201  and/or network registration platform  107  to facilitate the remote configuration services of system  100 . Furthermore, the configuration and/or interfacing information may be stored to any suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) system  100 , such as repositories  113  and  123 . 
     Once registered (or as part of the registration process), portal interface  201  enables the user, per step  403 , to generate and/or customize a user profile. The user profile may include addressing information (e.g., directory number, electronic serial number, international mobile equipment identifier, machine access control address, mobile directory number, mobile equipment identity, mobile identification number, internet protocol address, port address, and/or any other suitable address) corresponding to identified client devices  101 ,  109 , and  111  that the user desires to register with the remote configuration services of system  100 , as well as include other personal and/or service related information, parameters, polices, variables, etc., such as configuration and/or interfacing information, and the like. At step  405 , portal interface  201  stores the user to a list of subscribers to the remote configuration services of system  100 , as well as stores the generated user profile, authentication information, device identifiers, etc., to, for example, user profiles repository  123 . It is noted that portal interface  201  may additionally (or alternatively) store or synchronize this user profile information to any suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) portal interface  201 . According to other embodiments, portal interface  201  may provide this information to account storage facility  105  for storage to, for example, user profiles repository  123  or any other suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) portal interface  201 . Further, it is contemplated that users may directly interact with profiles repository  123 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a process for designating a mobile device as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process is described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is noted that the process involves, for example, mobile device  101  having gone missing (or alternatively, having been found), such as mobile device  101  having been misplaced, lost, stolen, or recovered. It is also assumed that a user (or owner) associated with mobile device  101  has subscribed to the remote configuration services of system  100 . Still further, it is noted that the steps of the process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated in any suitable manner. At step  501 , portal interface  201  receives via, for example, communication interface  205 , an indication corresponding to a state of mobile device  101 , such as a missing state of mobile device  101 . That is, a subscriber via, for example, computing device  109  establishes a communication session with portal interface  201 , such as by “logging on” to a networked user interface provided by, for instance, user interface module  211  and, thereby, accessed via browser  125 . It is noted that before gaining access, the subscriber may be required to provide credential information, such as a username and password combination for authentication (or authorization) purposes, which may be effectuated via authentication module  203 . Once “logged on,” user interface module  211  may present the user with one or more GUIs, menus, options, selections, etc., enabling the subscriber to provide the indication, as well as to uniquely identify (or otherwise specify) the mobile device  101  to which the indication applies. It is noted that an exemplary user interface for designating a mobile device as missing is described in more detail with  FIG. 6 . 
     In step  503 , portal interface  201  determines one or more setting parameters specifying one or more actions to be performed by mobile device  101  based on the received indication. That is, controller  207 , in conjunction with one or more instructions (or computer program code) stored to memory  209 , may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters associated with the designated missing state. In exemplary embodiments, indicating that mobile device  101  is “misplaced” may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , are configuring to cause mobile device  101  to present one or more audio, visual, and/or tactile alerts, such as to bring attention to mobile device  101 . Indicating that mobile device  101  is “lost” may cause portal interface  103  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to be “locked” and, thereby, prevent data disclosure and to configure a presentation of a display of mobile device  101  to present a message asking for help in returning the device to its rightful owner and that by initiating a communication session, e.g., by pressing a “SEND” button of, for instance, a keypad of mobile device  101 , a reader of the message may initiate communications with the rightful owner. Additionally (or alternatively), indicating that mobile device  101  is “lost” may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to impose one or more communication limitations, such as limiting voice and/or messaging communication sessions to certain designated directory addresses, disabling data communications, and the like, so as to prevent unauthorized use of the mobile device. 
     Still further, indicating that mobile device  101  is “stolen” may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to format a memory of mobile device  101  so as to purge mobile device  101  of personal or otherwise sensitive information and/or to “brick” mobile device  101  so as to prevent subsequent use of the device  101 , i.e., cause mobile device  101  to become inoperable. It is noted that the one or more setting parameters may initially cause mobile device  101  to image (or backup) a memory of mobile device  101  and upload the image to, for instance, user profiles repository  123  (or any other suitable storage location accessible to mobile device  101 ), so as to prevent complete loss of the information stored to the memory before the memory is formatted. Indicating that mobile device  101  is “stolen” may cause portal interface  201  to additionally (or alternatively) determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to determine and transmit spatial positioning information corresponding to a “current” location of the device to, for instance, user profiles repository  123  or any other suitable destination. For instance, the spatial positioning information may be transmitted to another device associated with the user, such as computing device  109 , voice station  111 , or another mobile device (not shown). Still further, the spatial positioning information may be conveyed by mobile device  101  to the user via electronic mail, short messaging service message, enhanced messaging service message, multimedia messaging service message, facsimile, page, voice call, etc. It is also noted that indicating mobile device  101  as being “misplaced,” “lost,” and/or “stolen, may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by one or more components of system  100 , cause system  100  to terminate providing services to mobile device  101 . 
     According to other exemplary embodiments, indicating that mobile device  101  has been “recovered” may cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by mobile device  101 , cause mobile device  101  to enter (or revert) to a fully functional or otherwise configured state, such as a functional or otherwise configured state of mobile device  101  before mobile device  101  was indicated as being “misplaced,” “lost,” and/or “stolen.” In certain instances, indicating that mobile device  101  has been “recovered” may additionally (or alternatively) cause portal interface  201  to determine one or more setting parameters that, when received by one or more components of system  100 , cause system  100  to resume providing services to mobile device  101 . It is contemplated, however, that additional and/or other setting parameter(s) may be determined by portal interface  201  based on the received indication corresponding to a state of mobile device  101 , such as the aforementioned “misplaced,” “lost,” “stolen,” and/or “recovered” states. 
     It is noted that one or more of the aforementioned setting parameters may require or provide for one or more optional inputs or customizations. For instance, portal interface  201  may enable the user to customize the one or more setting parameters to specify the message presented by mobile device  101 , select audible, visual, and/or tactile alerts, define contact information (e.g., email address, directory address, etc.) for forwarding initiation of communication sessions from mobile device  101  to the user (or owner) of mobile device  101 , specify what communication limitations are to be imposed, define alternate contact information for the user (or owner) of mobile device  101  so that initiation of communication sessions with mobile device  101  to the user may be transferred to one or more other client devices  101 ,  109 ,  111  associated with the alternatively defined contact information, and the like. As such, portal interface  201  may determine (at step  505 ) whether at least one setting parameter requires or offers user customization. If customization is required or offered, then portal interface  103 , per step  507 , presents via, for example, user interface module  211 , one or more setting parameter fields configured to receive customized input(s). In step  509 , portal interface  103  receives one or more customized inputs via, for example, user interface module  211  and communication interface  205 . 
     Accordingly, portal interface  103  may modify the one or more determined setting parameters based on the customized input(s), per step  511 . For the sake of simplicity, reference to the setting parameter(s) may refer to the originally determined setting parameter(s) and/or the modified setting parameter(s). Thus, in step  513 , portal interface  201  transmits the setting parameter(s) to account information storage facility  105  for storage to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113  and for requesting network registration platform  107  to remotely configure mobile device  101  based on the stored setting parameters. It is noted that portal interface  201  may transmit the setting parameter(s) to account information storage facility  105  in association with one or more unique identifiers or addressing information corresponding to mobile device  101 , such as one or more directory numbers, electronic serial numbers, international mobile equipment identifiers, machine access control addresses, mobile directory numbers, mobile equipment identities, and the like. 
       FIG. 6  is a graphical user interface for designating a mobile device as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that GUI  600  is provided to a user (or subscriber) of the remote configuration services of system  100  by portal interface  201  via, for instance, user interface module  211 . It is also assumed that the subscriber is associated with one or more mobile devices, such as mobile device  101 . Hence, GUI  600  includes a plurality of “tabs” (or interactive interface elements)  601   a - 601   n  corresponding to registered mobile devices  101  of (or associated with) the subscriber. A plurality of other tabs, e.g., “MISSING DEVICE” tab  603 , “TRACKING” tab  605 , and “USER PROFILE” tab  607  provide the subscriber with various functions. For instance, tab  603  enables the subscriber to provide an indication corresponding to a state of one or more of their associated mobile devices  101 , such as one or more “missing” states, whereas tab  605  enables subscribers to request and/or receive spatial positioning information corresponding to a location of one or more of their associated mobile devices  101 . Tab  607  enables subscribers to modify corresponding user profile information, such as to register new mobile devices  101  to the remote configuration services of system  100 , update personal information, and the like. 
     Accordingly, selection of (or any other suitable interaction with) tab  603  toggles region  609  to an “active” state indication region  609 , that enables the subscriber to specify (or otherwise indicate) a “missing” state for at least one of their associated mobile devices  101 . In this respect, selection of (or other suitable interaction with) one or more of tabs  601   a - 601   n  causes state indications provided via state indication region  609  to govern the applicable state of corresponding mobile devices  101  associated with those ones of tabs  601   a - 601   n  that have been selected. To specify a mobile device state, state indication region  609  may include one or more selectable state identifiers (or other suitable interactive interface elements), such as “MISPLACED” state identifier  611 , “LOST” state identifier  613 , “STOLEN” state identifier  615 , and “RECOVERED” state identifier  617 . As such, interaction with a particular one of state identifiers  611 - 617  designates those mobile devices associated with tabs  601   a - 601   n  that have been selected as being in a state corresponding to the particularly selected state indicator. In other embodiments, state indication region  609  may include one or more navigation trees, expandable table of contents, or, for example, FlashMedia presentations of selectable state identifiers, as well as other equivalent listings, menus, options, etc., for providing indications of a “missing” state of mobile devices  101 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, interaction with a particular one of state identifiers  611 - 617 , toggles region  619  to an “active” remote configuration region  619  that describes one or more remote configurations that may be performed in association with the indicated state. In those instances when one or more setting parameters require or offer customization, region  619  may further provide one or more input fields, selectable entries, pull down menus, radio buttons, etc., to enable the user to provide customized inputs. 
     One or more navigational elements/fields, such as scrollbars  621  and  623 , may be provided and configured to indicate the existence of additional information, entries, fields, buttons, menus, etc., not displayed, but navigably available, as well as facilitate interface usability. Accordingly, the subscriber may browse to additional information, entries, fields, etc., via, for instance, an input interface of a suitable client device (e.g., computing device  109 ), e.g., a cursor control. One or more fixed focus states (e.g., borders  625 ,  627 , and  629 ) and/or distinctive magnification features, e.g., color, brightness, bolding, font type, text size, etc., may be used to convey the device(s) being designated as missing and to be remotely configured, as well as provide an indication of those features, functions, or states being “currently” employed. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6 , state indicator  613  has been interacted with, which is denoted by fixed focus state  629 . Accordingly, remote configuration region  619  may be configured to provide one or more menus, options, instructions, buttons, etc., for effectuating or describing one or more setting parameters that are determined by portal interface  201  to correspond to state indicator  613  and potentially implemented if the designated state is applied. For instance, region  619  provides an instruction region  631  informing the subscriber of the potential implications of designating their mobile device as “lost.” In this example, instruction region  631  provides a warning statement informing the subscriber that in lost mode, their mobile device will only be capable of displaying a home screen message asking for help in returning the device. It is noted, however, that other instructions, warnings, inputs, selections, etc., may be provided depending on those setting parameters determined by portal interface  201  to be imposed in association with the indication provided by way of state indication region  609 . As such, interaction with interactive element  633  may be configured to carry out the described scenario, customized inputs, etc., whereas interaction with interactive element  635  may be configured to cancel the designation provided via state indication region  609 . Corresponding instruction regions, interactive elements, input fields, pull down menus, etc., may be provided based on interaction with state indicators  611 ,  615 , and  617 . 
     According to additional exemplary embodiments, GUI  600  may include various other regions, such as a user name region  639  and a password region  641  for enabling subscribers to “log on” and obtain access to the features and functions of GUI  600 . In alternative embodiments, regions  639  and  641  may be configured to correspond to other associated authentication information. It is noted that a “WELCOME, USERNAME” message may be presented to authenticated subscribers once sufficient authentication (or authorization) information is input to regions  639  and/or  641 . Still further, GUI  600  may include a service provider logo region  643  to illustrate (or otherwise present) the subscriber with a logo of the service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 , as well as include other suitable (or equivalent) regions, such as advertisement region  645 , etc. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a process for requesting remote configuration of a mobile device designated as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process is described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is also noted that the process involves, for example, mobile device  101  having been designated as missing via, for instance, portal interface  201 . Further, the steps of the process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated in any suitable manner. At step  701 , account information storage facility  241  receives via, for instance, communication interface  243 , at least one setting parameter specifying at least one action to be performed by mobile device  101  that has been designated as being missing. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one setting parameter is received from portal interface  201  in association with, for example, one or more unique identifiers or addressing information corresponding to the mobile device  101 , such as one or more directory numbers, electronic serial numbers, international mobile equipment identifiers, machine access control addresses, mobile directory numbers, mobile equipment identities, mobile identification numbers, internet protocol addresses, port addresses, and/or the like. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, account information storage facility  241  stores via, storage module  251  and/or communication interface  243 , the at least one setting parameter to, for example, setting parameters repository  113 , per step  703 . It is noted that the at least one setting parameter may be, additionally (or alternatively), stored to any other suitable storage location or memory of (or accessible to) account information storage facility  241 , such as memory  247 . It is also noted that the at least one setting parameter may be stored to setting parameters repository  113  according to one or more structured models, such as according to a relational database model. For instance, the at least one setting parameter may be stored in association with one or more attributes of mobile device  101 , such as in association with the unique identifier or address received from portal interface  103 . 
     At step  705 , account information storage facility  241  via, for instance, request module  249  generates a request for remote configuration of mobile device  101 . It is noted that the generation of the request may be triggered in response to account information storage facility  241  storing the at least one setting parameter to setting parameters repository  113  or may be triggered in response to other indicia, such as account information storage facility  241  receiving the at least one setting parameter or based on one or more predefined policies of a service provider of the remote configuration services of system  100 . According to exemplary embodiments, the request specifies the at least one setting parameter that, in turn, specifies one or more actions to be performed by mobile device  101 . The request may also specify one or more of the attributes corresponding to mobile device  101 , e.g., the unique identifier or address, and/or one or more location identifiers, e.g., URIs, URLs, etc., corresponding to where the at least one setting parameter may be retrieved for generation of at least one control message. Accordingly, the generated request may be transmitted via, for instance, request module  249  and/or communication interface  243 , to network registration platform  281  via, for instance, service provider network  117 , per step  707 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a process for transmitting a control message to a mobile device designated as missing, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process is described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is also noted that the process involves, for example, mobile device  101  having been indicated as being missing and account information storage facility  241  storing one or more setting parameters to, for instance, setting parameters repository  113 . Further, the steps of the process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated in any suitable manner. At step  801 , network registration platform  281  receives via, for example, communication interface  283 , a request from, for example, account information storage facility  241 , to remotely configure mobile device  101  that has been designated as missing. In exemplary embodiments, the request may specify addressing information (e.g., directory number, electronic serial number, international mobile equipment identifier, machine access control address, mobile directory number, mobile equipment identity, mobile identification number, internet protocol address, port address, and/or any other suitable address) identifying mobile device  101  for remote configuration, as well as include one or more location identifiers, e.g., XRIs, IP addresses, HTTP addresses, URIs, URLs, etc., corresponding to one or more locations at which one or more setting parameters are stored and, thereby, may be retrieved for remotely configuring mobile device  101 . In step  803 , network registration platform  281  retrieves via, for example, query module  293  and the one or more location identifiers, the one or more setting parameters that, in exemplary embodiments, are stored to setting parameters repository  113 . It is noted that the retrieved setting parameter(s) specify at least one action to be performed by mobile device  101 , such as one or more actions to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of mobile device  101  and/or one or more actions to facilitate locating and recovering mobile device  101 . 
     Accordingly, query module  293  may port the retrieved setting parameters to control message generation module  285  to generate (per step  805 ) one or more control messages to remotely configure mobile device  101 . It is noted that the control message(s) specify the retrieved setting parameter(s). Further, it is noted that the messages may be generated for implementation via one or more programmable interfaces  127  of mobile device  101  and, as such, may be directed to programmable interface(s)  127  via one or more BREW-directed or other suitable type of directed control messages. In step  807 , network registration platform  281  may determine whether mobile device  101  is capable of receiving the generated control message(s) via, for instance, presence service module  291 . For example, network registration platform  281  may determine whether mobile device  101  is network accessible, as in step  809 . Additionally or alternatively, network registration platform  281  may utilize other presence information associated with mobile device  101 , such as receiving signal strength, spatial positioning information, etc., to determine the capability (or availability) of mobile device  101  to receive control message(s). If mobile device  101  is not capable of receiving control messages, e.g., mobile device  101  is determined to be powered off (network inaccessible), network registration platform  281  via, for example, queue module  295  queues (in step  811 ) the control message(s) until mobile device  101  is determined to be capable of receiving the generated control message(s), e.g., until mobile device  101  is determined to be powered on and/or otherwise available to receive the control messages. Accordingly, if and when mobile device  101  is determined to be capable of receiving the generated control messages(s), e.g., when mobile device  101  is determined to be network accessible (e.g., powered on), network registration platform  107  via, for example, communication interface  283  transmits the generated control message(s) to mobile device  101  (as in step  813 ) over, for example, a data channel of one or more of networks  115 - 117 , such as an existing access and control data channel of wireless network  121  conventionally utilized by a service provider of system  100  to distribute software updates to corresponding mobile devices  101 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a process for performing at least one action specified in a control message, according to an exemplary embodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process is described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 . It is also noted that the process involves, for example, mobile device  300  having been indicated as being missing and determined by, for example, network registration platform  107  as being available to receive one or more control messages. Further, the steps of the process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated in any suitable manner. At step  901 , mobile device  300  (via, for instance, transceiver  327 ) receives one or more control messages over a data channel of, for example, wireless network  121 . The one or more control messages may specify one or more setting parameters that, in turn, specify one or more actions to be performed by mobile device  300 , such as one or more actions to “lock” the device to prevent data disclosure, enable one or more communication limitations (e.g., limiting voice and messaging communications to certain designated directory addresses, disabling data communications, etc.) to prevent unauthorized use of the device, image (or backup) a memory of the device and upload the image to a corresponding user profile associated with the device to prevent complete loss of information stored to the device  300 , format (or erase) a memory of the device to purge the device of personal or otherwise sensitive information, and/or one or more other similar or suitable actions to safeguard information stored to and prevent unauthorized use of the device. For example, the actions may cause mobile device  300  to configure a presentation of display  307  to present a message asking for help in returning the device to its rightful owner and that by initiating a communication session, e.g., by pressing a “SEND” button of, for instance, keypad  309 , a reader of the message may initiate communications with the rightful owner. In other instances, the one or more actions may remotely configure one or more audio, visual, and/or tactile alerts of mobile device  300  for presentation to bring attention to the device, or may “brick” mobile device  300  to prevent subsequent use of the device. The data channel may be an existing control and access data channel conventionally utilized by a service provider to distribute software updates to corresponding mobile devices  300 . Accordingly, transceiver  333  may port received control messages to messaging module  325  and/or controller  317  to identify the control messages as control messages and extracting (or otherwise parsing) the one or more setting parameters from the one or more control messages, per step  903 . At step  905 , programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  (or other suitable component of mobile device  300 ) performs the one or more specified actions based on the extracted setting parameter(s). For example, controller  317  may implement (or otherwise apply) the one or more setting parameters to the one or more programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  and, as such, the one or more programmable interfaces  303   a - 303   n  may perform or otherwise execute the specified action(s). 
     The processes described herein for providing remote configuration services for missing mobile devices may be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates computing hardware (e.g., computer system)  1000  upon which exemplary embodiments can be implemented. The computer system  1000  includes a bus  1001  or other communication mechanism for communicating information and a processor  1003  coupled to the bus  1001  for processing information. The computer system  1000  also includes main memory  1005 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus  1001  for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor  1003 . Main memory  1005  can also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor  1003 . The computer system  1000  may further include a read only memory (ROM)  1007  or other static storage device coupled to the bus  1001  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  1003 . A storage device  1009 , such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to the bus  1001  for persistently storing information and instructions. 
     The computer system  1000  may be coupled via the bus  1001  to a display  1011 , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, active matrix display, or plasma display, for displaying information to a computer user. An input device  1013 , such as a keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus  1001  for communicating information and command selections to the processor  1003 . Another type of user input device is a cursor control  1015 , such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor  1003  and for controlling cursor movement on the display  1011 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the processes described herein are performed by the computer system  1000 , in response to the processor  1003  executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory  1005 . Such instructions can be read into main memory  1005  from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device  1009 . Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory  1005  causes the processor  1003  to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory  1005 . In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement exemplary embodiments. Thus, exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. 
     The computer system  1000  also includes a communication interface  1017  coupled to bus  1001 . The communication interface  1017  provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link  1019  connected to a local network  1021 . For example, the communication interface  1017  may be a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication interface to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communication line. As another example, communication interface  1017  may be a local area network (LAN) card (e.g. for Ethernet™ or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM) network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface  1017  sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. Further, the communication interface  1017  can include peripheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) interface, etc. Although a single communication interface  1017  is depicted in  FIG. 10 , multiple communication interfaces can also be employed. 
     The network link  1019  typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link  1019  may provide a connection through local network  1021  to a host computer  1023 , which has connectivity to a network  1025  (e.g. a wide area network (WAN) or the global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”) or to data equipment operated by a service provider. The local network  1021  and the network  1025  both use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information and instructions. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link  1019  and through the communication interface  1017 , which communicate digital data with the computer system  1000 , are exemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the information and instructions. 
     The computer system  1000  can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link  1019 , and the communication interface  1017 . In the Internet example, a server (not shown) might transmit requested code belonging to an application program for implementing an exemplary embodiment through the network  1025 , the local network  1021  and the communication interface  1017 . The processor  1003  may execute the transmitted code while being received and/or store the code in the storage device  1009 , or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, the computer system  1000  may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave. 
     The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor  1003  for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device  1009 . Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory  1005 . Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus  1001 . Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructions for carrying out at least part of the exemplary embodiments may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector on the portable computing device receives the information and instructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus. The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device either before or after execution by processor. 
     While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.