Mobile Data Services and Platforms

Overview

Mobile technology is rapidly growing in scope and importance, providing extensive, seamless access to computer networks, including the Internet. The wireless Internet is already a reality in many places, and will pervade the lives of more and more people as increasingly capable mobile phones, two-way pagers, PDAs, and other devices make their way into the pockets. By 2010, Internet-enabled handheld devices will outnumber PCs, and the wireless Internet will become the dominant form of communication. This paper explores today's mobility map, categorizing mobile applications and application models, then describing the platforms one can use to develop such applications.