Overview

The focus of this book has been primarily design and engineering techniques for Web- and Internet-based global e-commerce. The described medium for access of the Web and for transacting global e-commerce is reasonably common and standardized (the personal computer). Currently, consumer Web access is primarily done using a personal computer and a modem. The monitors attached to these personal computers can display significant amounts of data, and navigation within a Web site or between Web sites is done by simply clicking on embedded links or entering a URL in an address bar of a browser. Although connection speeds are dependent upon the local infrastructure (e.g., telephone, cable, DSL, ISDN, etc.) and the service provider, performance is generally reasonable. As you might have come to expect, the described scenario is quite familiar.

However, over the past few years, a new method of Web browsing and conducting e-commerce has come to light: mobile e-commerce. With the evolution of cellular telephones and personal digital assistants, many consumers are beginning to access the Web from wireless devices. Considering the home Web user, wireless networks are also on the rise (e.g., 802.11 wireless networks that are readily available from most computer stores). Within range of a wireless network, the consumer can log onto the Internet from their wireless device and, depending upon the service provider and attachment to the Internet, can achieve speed and throughput that begins to approach broadband.

The ability to transact business on the Web without the restriction of physical attachment...