Real-time costs a real lot and some companies aren't betting the bank on it yet. Gargantuan ISP America Online doesn't plan to get mired in the wired world. Take a look at its mobile aspirations and find out whether it has what it takes to play in the m-commerce world. Prepaid wireless and disposable phones are certain to become part of every carrier's strategy. Anything to get that dough out of your pocket faster is a dream come true for m-commerce types.
Mobile wallets appear to be a likely part of the overall payment systems architecture.
The catch is that consumers have to be in the mood to spend first, and then convinced that using a mobile device is a decent way to do it. Right now, the cart is giving the horse whiplash. Soon Analysts are predicting that a wireless data boom is imminent. Wireless financial services are sure to follow, but not until some serious technological and perceptual obstacles have been overcome. There is an easier way, as long as you're looking for consumer product information.