5.2 Evolution of applications

Some of the most interesting wireless applications are clearly applications that have been developed specifically to take advantage of some of their mobile features. Over time, we will probably see many programs that fall into this category. But that is not where we should look to get started with wireless. The implementation of the technology is better represented as a phased approach, beginning with our current environment and ending in optimized, value-added wireless applications, as follows:

1. Enable legacy applications.

2. Develop applications catering to mobile users.

3. Add functionality specific to mobility.

4. Extend into the high-bandwidth streaming applications.

There are already many legacy applications that can be enabled for mobile access today. They may not necessarily be especially suited for wireless networks, but they have the great advantage that they are already deployed and have demonstrated value to their users.

Some of the applications that fall into this category include Web access, e-mail, and PIM tools. Some less-common tools include sales-force automation and access to corporate databases. This software is mature and does not need additional functionality to be valuable. But it can increase its value tremendously by being available wherever the user is.

As the current set of applications is extended to wireless users, many new types of applications will begin to appear that are written with wireless networks and mobile devices in mind. Later they will even begin to take advantage of wireless technology to add additional value. Some of the factors that can be leveraged...