Why WAP isn't - as bad as people say

Written by Mike Street


Continued from page 1

One of our customers for our mobile email software reads his mail whilst shaving inrepparttar morning. He can find out what has been happening overnight without having to get his computer out, dial in and log on. Another browses whilst tending to his cows, miles from mains electricity. Yet another admits he reads his mail in board meetings. So far luckily no-one has noticed his mobile sitting onrepparttar 133522 desk in front of him.

And there is for WAP, most likely, no new device to buy, either. Nothing additional to weigh down your pockets or to find room for in your briefcase. And it isn't just good for email. You can also look up train timetables, get news & sports results, find medical information, find a restaurant and see what's onrepparttar 133523 TV tonight.

And you can do all this, withrepparttar 133524 one electronic device that most people have with them all ofrepparttar 133525 time - their mobile phone.

So - no new expensive devices are required, no high monthly charges are incurred and there is no waiting. No wonderrepparttar 133526 Mobile Operators aren't impressed!

Mike Street is Technical Director of Fast Communications Ltd (FastComm) in the UK. FastComm provides, installs, supports a variety of innovative communication products. For free downloads please visit http://www.fastcomm.net


A Privacy Treatise

Written by Kathleen Pierz


Continued from page 1

Today, for most types of personal and professional contact information, there are two options: listed and not listed. Many other communications points are “unlisted” inrepparttar sense that they are not easily available in a directory such as email or websites. These other communications methods are more likely to be considered permissions-based devices. Those communication methods that requirerepparttar 133521 subscriber to provide their specific contact information to those they wish to reach them.

Privacy is what your customer says it is Legal and regulatory definitions ultimately matter less than what your customer believes or expects. On most US wireless subscriber contracts today, text appears that states that upon signingrepparttar 133522 contractrepparttar 133523 subscriber grants their express permission for their number to be utilized for directory purposes. This does not mean that adding mobile numbers torepparttar 133524 DA/DQ database will be easy, or even go unchallenged. In fact very few consumers are aware ofrepparttar 133525 fact that their mobile numbers could, technically, be listed today. Consumers perceive their mobile numbers to be private independent of their current legal status consumers believe them to be private. Any across-the-board move to change this would likely meet with not only customer opposition but possible regulatory intervention.

This discussion extends beyondrepparttar 133526 introduction of wireless numbers inrepparttar 133527 US DA/DQ database. It will ultimately expand to includerepparttar 133528 range of possible ways in which one can be contacted. A viable model must be found and implemented that both provides for connectivity, but that also gives consumers control over who may contact them, when, where and how. This is especially true inrepparttar 133529 US market, givenrepparttar 133530 combination of over zealous telemarketing efforts and a general disregard for personal privacy (in contrast to Scandinavian countries where more than 90% of all phone numbers, including mobile phones, are listed). There is a huge upside (revenues from WDA are estimated at $3.4 Billion annually) and a huge downside (inability to launch WDA, erosion in fixed line database, inability to launch future services, increased regulation) ifrepparttar 133531 market fails to achieverepparttar 133532 precise mix of communications and control.

A New Model for Privacy AND Communication Providing greater consumer privacy and better connectivity atrepparttar 133533 same time are not mutually exclusive ends. This issue extends beyond wireless numbers to include a range of personal contact points. If directory providers are not providing it, regulators have a demonstrated zeal for stepping in and regulating privacy – which can ultimately be torepparttar 133534 detriment of all parties. Without a change, call volumes will decline, and we argue, out ability to communicate with one and other will be increasingly limited.

The Formula Carriers and DA/DQ providers who can integraterepparttar 133535 following five points, into their service and effectively communicating them to consumers will ultimately be successful at providing better services to their customers. 1. Consumers want control 2. Consumers will not tolerate abuse 3. Information must become individual-centric rather than location centric 4. Timing: Now isrepparttar 133536 time to act 5. Education: Consumers Need to Know

For a full text of this article visit http:www.pierzgroup.com



Ms. Pierz is one of the best known industry analysts in the directory assistance/enquiry space. Kathleen holds a Master's degree in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from The University of Colorado.


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