Exercise 15: M-commerce: Innovation and mobile devices

1. What is meant by a location based service? Explain using the Web applications found on a late model mobile device?

As Wikipedia (2010) says, LBS (Local Based Service) is an information and entertainment service, accessible with mobile devices through the mobile network and utilizing the ability via mobile devices through mobile network and utilizing the ability to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device.

There are many areas where LBS can be useful. Nowadays we can see LBS in many web applications like navigation services (like GPS), traffic alerts, hospital alerts, local businesses alert, location based mobile advertising etc.

References

Wikipedia (2010). Location based service. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Location-based_service

2. Describe the purpose of the Open Mobile Alliance Initiative?

Open Mobile Alliance Initiative is a project which develops open standards for mobile phone industry. As per Wikipedia (2010) the purpose of OMA is to raise the bazaar for the whole mobile industry after removing or reducing the obstructions for users to implement on international level after making sure that seamless application interoperability while allowing businesses to compete through innovation and differentiation (Palowireless, n.d).

References

PaloWireless (n.d). The Open Mobile Alliance. Retrieved from http://www.palowireless.com/wap/oma.asp

Wikipedia (2010). Open Mobile Alliance. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Mobile_Alliance

3. What are the main components of a mobile Web services framework?

The main components of mobile Web services framework are guideline by ESA (2004) which are as follow:

Mobile Server

The Mobile Server is a mobile remote computer; linked to the Internet via an Inmarsat Regional Broadband Global Area Network (RBGAN) User Terminal (UT) The mobile web services are active on this server. The mobile Server could be used as a server or as a client PC and it just accept requests from the Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper

The Gatekeeper is placed on the terrestrial Internet, and acts as the sole gateway to the Mobile Server. It is used to perform authentication and authorization of requests before sending them to the Mobile Server. Moreover, the Gatekeeper store buffered data, so it will enable more economic usage of the satellite link.

RBGAN UT / Thuraya Satellite/ RBGAN SAS

The physical connection between the remote web server and the Gatekeeper is established using a Satellite Access Station, a Telecommunications Satellite and a satellite modem.

GPS / Data Acquisition system / Web cam

The mobile Server is connected to a set of peripherals, such as a GPS device, a web cam or a Data Acquisition system. From these devices, data is collected by the web service.

Application server / Client PC

The Gatekeeper handles requests from clients over the Internet. A client can be a PC with a web browser, or another application using a http Simple Object Application Protocol – SOAP request.

References

ESA (2004). Mobile Web Services Framework Features. Retrieved from http://telecom.esa.int/telecom/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=12854

 4. Visit an Airline Web site and search information on WAP or SMS or 3G mobile application access to booking airline services. The same services exist in banking. How do both industries compare?

I am using this type of services in commonwealth bank as I am currently account holder of this bank and so in Singapore airlines some time as many of my friends and relatives use SIA for their travel.

What is WAP?

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is a leading global open standard for wireless services over phone networks. It allows you to access Internet content via wireless devices such as your mobile phone or PDA. You can then access information even while on the go.

What are GPRS and 3G?

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet-data technology that allows mobile users to connect to the Internet at up to 115kbps. GPRS is a vital step in the evolution to third-generation (3G) mobile services. With 3G mobile networks, broadband multimedia communication will soon be realised.

In Singapore airlines you can access the following mobile services:

• Real-time flight information
• Our worldwide office addresses, telephone/fax numbers and email addresses
• Flight alerts to be sent to your mobile/pager/email address
• KrisFlyer Redemption and Accrual Calculators
• Exclusive KrisFlyer Promotions & Events Listings

In Commonwealth Bank you can register your mobile number in the section of net bank security code send to you by commbank server to your mobile phone device as a SMS. Commonwealth bank Australia is using WAP technology to send information about stock prices once or twice a day to registered customers with the help of Optus and Telstra.

References

Singapore Airlines. (n.d.). Mobile Services: before you fly FAQ - Mobile Services. Retrieved may 25, 2010, from Singapore AIR: http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/travelfaq/mobileservices.jsp