WAP -> Background

WAP is an open global standard for communication between a mobile handset and the Internet or other computer applications, defined by the WAP forum (http://www.wapforum.org). WAP-based technology enables the design of advanced, interactive and real-time mobile services, such as mobile banking or Internet based news services, which can be used in digital mobile phones or other mobile devices. The WAP specification enables solutions from various suppliers to work consistently for end-users on the digital networks.

WAP creates new business opportunities for corporations by providing a new channel for existing services and the possibility for totally new services that can reach customers 24 hours a day wherever they are. Since WAP is an open protocol for wireless messaging, it provides the same technology to all vendors regardless of the network system. This means that there will be WAP compliant terminals from several manufacturers. Also the server technology is open, so operators and companies can select from a wide range of products. The common standard offers economies of scale, encouraging manufacturers, application developers and content providers to invest in developing WAP compatible products.

Companies can benefit from WAP by offering end-users new mobile services that make everyday life much more convenient and are

easily accessed by a mobile phone. The telecommunications industry avoids overlapping costs and investments thanks to the common, open platform and tool for wireless messaging. Operators can differentiate themselves by launching new and intriguing services. Developers and content providers are able to access all protocols and carriers with one product.

Key WAP application categories include:

Wireless access to personal information: Wireless device users can access their e-mail, calendars, 'to do' lists, and even screen text headers for their voice mail messages.
Wireless access to Internet content: Consumers benefit from immediate interactive access to the information they need at that moment.
Wireless access to Corporate IT-systems (origin servers) and Extranets. Corporations can offer new channels for their services and also create totally new services for their mobile customers.
Intelligent Telephony Services: Carriers can offer their customers secure access to their personal and other customer-related information.

The WAP protocol is being developed into WAP version 2.0, enhanced further by the increasing number of new WAP Forum members. WAP will be based on the latest existing technologies and the protocol aims to support them as quickly as possible. Market feedback will heavily influence future development.


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