The World Wide Web is creating an expectation, in terms of information delivery, that cannot be met by today's slow and often cumbersome wireless data networking solutions. At the same time, the attributes of the Internet offer the means to drastically reduce the cost and complexity of wireless data integration. By cascading the two technologies, it may be possible to break the logjam that has stifled wireless mobile data in the form of underutilized networks, low revenue and lack of applications, she says. Several things will need to happen to boost the market. Moving applications that have found widespread acceptance on landline networks to the Internet could accelerate growth as well.
Facsimile technology is a prime example.
Dataquest's study shows a strong demand for Internet fax products and services that save companies money on their fax charges. Given the importance of faxes and the value of facsimiles to mobile workers, this could be another factor in increasing the demand for wireless Internet access. Yet, Internet access via fully mobile systems is plagued by relatively slow data throughput speeds. Such networks let users access the Internet while they are in the coverage area, using a laptop or palmtop computer, and a small wireless modem. In other words, if a user tries to access the Internet while in a moving car, the connection will drop.