Choices range from specialists in wireless Web access, corporate Intranets, or wireless hosting services to full-blown systems integrators that custom build applications, buy the handheld devices, and set up wireless accounts, network connections, and everything else. Key players in the market include Broadbeam, Geoworks, Air2Web, Aether Systems, and iAnywhere. Each service offering varies slightly. N.J.-based Broadbeam is the oldest player in the market, offering more of a variety of solutions than the other players. These companies allow in-house developers to double check their wireless programs.
Companies can either sign up for a consultant or for full-fledged hosting services.
Additionally, both companies provide the tools needed to design, develop, and deploy interactive mobile applications. Pricing plans vary, but in most cases corporate customers pay a monthly fee, and often there is an initial one-time payment to cover setup, equipment purchases, and other support services. For an optimal wireless ASP relationship, before meeting with a WASP, determine the needs of your company, specific devices to be used, geographic coverage required, and security concerns. Future improvements When implementing a wireless program, be aware that the biggest challenge for wireless networks today is speed. Transmission speeds run between 14.4Kbps and 19.2Kbps, depending on the network technology.