WIRELESS:10 hottest wireless applications for 2004

MMS is sort of like hot apps 1 through 5. The kids in Asia and Europe are all over it. To the U.S., messaging is the initial application, but get ready for more. Comverse and LogicaCMG can tell you all about it.
 

It's the phenom of education and healthcare, where it's deployed for utility. In the enterprise, it could soon be deployed for cost (or lack thereof). SpectraLink, Vocera, Telesym and Symbol Technologies are good sources for what'll happen next.
 

Small town newspapers and municipalities providing content over mobile devices? Ask content syndicator ClearSky Mobile if you don't believe.
 

Where mass-messaging really gets interesting and/or frightening is when major movie studios and record labels are blasting movie trailers and music clips to the masses. InfoSpace Mobile, Upoc and others are standing by.
 

Less than 5% of Nextel's customers use this feature, but new platforms with easier single-number setup will boost its potential. Kodiak Networks might have figured it out.
 

An oldie but a goodie—especially when you add secure, seamless Wi-Fi roaming to the mix. Virtual network operator iPass is on the case, as well as VPN vendors like Columbitech.
 

Sounds funny, but think about: That laser printer in the chilly computer room is the only thing that still has you chained to the desktop. Search for 3Com and Troy Systems if you don't believe us.
 

Creates minutes of use and, with MMS, more data ARPU. Also, it could wreak havoc on traditional carrier marketing. Ever heard of Upoc? Ericsson is also plugged into this unplugged trend.
 

This is mobile blogging and more, like online dating. And if you can't use your mobile phone to line up a new date after the first one fizzled, then what good is it? For more info on the MCS revolution, look up a company called Trilibis.
 

Sounds boring, but making wireless a better productivity tool is what this industry is all about. Protocol integration (think Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) is improving both factory and field service applications. Check out what Symbol Technologies and Willtek are doing.