EMERGING STANDARDS
Wireless started with analog 1G networks, this evolved to digital
2G networks to meet the growing demand for traffic that started to
include some data along with voice. Then 2G networks evolved to 2.5G
by including GPRS packet switching protocols that made it capable
of giving higher data transmission rates of up to 200 kbps. 3G networks
converging into CDMA promised next generation services such as multimedia
applications and transmission rates of up to 2-3 Mbps. The Fourth
Generation (4G) Mobile Communication System aims to push the data
rates further up to 100 Mbps, which is almost twice that of the current
fastest WLANs (54 Mbps).
Bluetooth is a short-range, always-on radio hookup
on a chip. It was initially developed by Ericsson but now a large
number of companies are involved in development of Bluetooth as a
standard for low-power short-range communication. Bluetooth is about
the ability to communicate, to access the internet, email and information
services anywhere at anytime. It has been adopted by both the mobile
handset and portable computer industries as a means of exchanging
data wirelessly.
MOBILE APPLICATIONS
The development of GSM Networks and terminals to support more advanced
data bearer technologies has allowed for the introduction of new exciting
data services. These technologies allow for a greater bandwidth and
more capable execution environment, so permitting for the development
of mobile applications.
The initial developments in mobile applications were basic, running
on the GSM SIM Card using SIM Tool Kit interfacing through capable
terminals and using SMS to communicate with the application infrastructure.
These were followed by the introduction of browsers utilizing special
mobile protocols (WAP, HDML, etc) and the basic data capabilities
of the GSM terminals of the time. These allow the user to use their
mobile terminal to access basic text format content such as news,
sport, entertainment, information, etc.
The introduction of higher bandwidth capability allows
for richer applications, and the packet switched nature of GPRS networks
allows for more efficient applications. They will facilitate the introduction
of true multimedia services such as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
that will allow the user to send and receive messaging containing
pictures, images, sound and text.
The applications could be broadly divided into 4 major categories
namely Mobile Entertainment, Mobile commerce, Location based services
& Mobile Internet.
A3TL & MOBILE APPLICATIONS
A3TL was one of the first companies to be started in India with a
focus on developing wireless and SMS based applications.
A3TL has developed and implemented application across
the entire spectrum of Mobile applications. We are now in the process
of developing a gateway for transmitting data / MMS / Video content
via 3G. We envisage the use of these applications across verticals,
from the entertainment industry to the business world. These systems
could be used for remote wireless surveillance, Insurance claims processing,
remotely controlling appliances, etc.
A3TL is also on the path towards developing Bluetooth based applications.
These applications rely on the existing Bluetooth capabilities built
in within the next mobile phones, enabling them to turn a mobile phone
into a 'wireless modem'. The Bluetooth based applications could be
ideally used to migrate a users mobile phone from being just his phone
to being an ID card. A user could use his Bluetooth enabled cell phone
as a close proximity information system that would alert the user
with information within his close proximity.
