Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
There's so much talk about WAP, but what is it actually? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers explaining the background of the underlying technology that makes advanced mobile services possible.
What is WAP?
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is the leading global open standard for applications over wireless networks. WAP provides a uniform technology platform with consistent content formats for delivering Internet and Intranet based information and services to digital mobile phones and other wireless devices.
What is the WAP Forum?
The WAP Forum is a nonprofit industry association open to all industry. It has published a global wireless protocol specification based on existing Internet standards such as XML and IP for all wireless networks. Founders of the WAP effort; Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola and Unwired Planet chartered the Forum and opened it to general membership in January 1998.
Why should I be interested in WAP?
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 compatible products.
What network does it work on?
The WAP Forum has drafted a global wireless protocol specification to work on all wireless networks.
Which devices can be used with it?
It accommodates handheld digital wireless devices such as mobile phones, pagers, smartphones and communicators.
How can I benefit from WAP?
Companies can offer end-users new mobile services 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.
What kinds of applications are possible with WAP?
Key WAP application categories include:
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.
Wireless access to Internet content: Consumers benefit from immediate interactive access to the information they need at that moment.
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.
Intelligent Telephony Services: Carriers can offer their customers secure access to their personal and other customer-related information now located in the carrier customer configuration, billing and other databases in the Intelligent Network.
How is interoperability ensured?
The WAP Forum helps the industry achieve complete interoperability of WAP-compliant products. The specifications evolve through constant development and contribution by the WAP Forum members.
When is it available?
The WAP version 1.0 specifications, which define the overall WAP architecture, are available at the WAP Forum site at www.wapforum.org/what/technical.htm
What is the future of WAP?
The protocol be 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.
More information on WAP can be found at www.wapforum.org
To view the Measuresoft WAP Demo pages click here .