WAP Evolution

Look both ways before you cross WAP.

With the media hubbub surrounding WAP these days, the marginally informed may think the standard is a flash in the pan. After all, some industry representatives are claiming that WAP isn't the right solution or that it won't be around once 3G begins kicking. To them, I say, let's try a little perspective here.

Although everyone wants the ultimate solution right this instant, it can't happen because technology doesn't develop in a vacuum. Technology by its very nature requires that you use the tools available today. Sure, you also keep an eye trained on future horizons and expect some Moorsian influence. At the same time, other technologies and developments propel you. However, there's no way to know what other technologies will be doing in the next decade. With wireless, who knows what to expect in terms of infrastructure, handsets or spectrum?

Although many of this industry's brilliant minds border on superhuman, they can't and shouldn't be expected to have all of the answers today for tomorrow's technology.

If you look back in history, virtually all major achievements have taken a few tentative steps before breaking into a full run. And in order to go the distance, they needed an abiding consumer demand.

For example, at the turn of the 20th century, my grandparents would have thought the telephone-answering machine was a ridiculous device even though the technology was soon to be available. The few people who owned and used the telephone knew no one was home when the call went unanswered. They simply would call back. Who would have ever predicted that people would want a babysitter for their landline telephones? But looking back from where I am today, I couldn't survive without my voice mailboxes.

To all those who are critical of WAP, I encourage them to be patient with necessary evolution. The early refrigerator that kept food cold with the addition of a block of ice took time to develop into today's efficient, state-of-the-art marvel. But the refrigerator needed to evolve with technology, electricity and consumer wants to rise to today's level. (Even today, it's not as advanced as it will become with the addition of wireless-data monitoring.)

Using a more recent example, consider Windows software. After all the years of my Windows-driven existence, how in heaven's name did I remember all of those word commands in my XyWrite days? Certainly, if I had a vision of what would come post-XyWrite, I wouldn't have tolerated all of those keystrokes.

If I had any idea how small and functional wireless phones ultimately would become, I certainly would have tossed my first Nokia brick phone after the first call in 1984.

Keep in mind, all of these developments were single industries moving forward in their usual evolutionary rhythm. The difference with WAP is not only is it evolving with today's wireless industry, it's also merging with a wired world that in this particular area has evolved ahead of it. And consumers already know about the wired Internet's power.

It would be great to have Samantha Stephens' bewitching talent of wiggling our noses and making all of the capabilities of the Internet available on the wireless phone. However, we are mere mortals, and evolution takes time. Wireless-service providers are scrambling to get bandwidth, voice-to-data networks and network support. Handset manufacturers are racing to make the familiar voice device also capable of handling data and multimedia comfortably. Simultaneously, the wireless industry is working feverishly to bridge the gap between the wireless world and the Internet data world. All of this should be accomplished without sacrificing any current capabilities while still packing in some fire power for future growth.

In 10 years, WAP may not look like it does today. In fact, it may not even be called WAP anymore. But WAP is thenecessary and right step toward bridging our wireless and Internet worlds today and into tomorrow.

But as long as we are looking, who's to say the wired Internet will be around in 10 years or so?

For your thoughts on this commentary, e-mail rhonda_wickham@intertec.com.

WAP Review is a supplement to Wireless Review, 9800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212. Visit us at www.wirelessreview.com.