May started with the news of Microsoft joining the WAP forum. With Microsoft joining the forum, the probability of a success of WAP is increasing. WAP is now supported by a large number of wireless vendors, operators, software developers including Microsoft.
Another interesting news for may was that Lucent is moving into the portal business, based on a technical solution from Netscape. Lucent will use the portal to demonstrate technologies from Lucent and partners. A lot of companies are now moving into the portal business, with wireless portals as the newest trends.
Psion hade to post a profit warning during May. The investment into the Symbian venture is costly for a small company like Psion, and this investment is giving a negative impact on the short term profit. Later in May, Matsushita entered as a partner in Symbian.
During May Microsoft had strong moves both into cable (AT&T deal) and wireless with an agreement with Nextel communications. With this move, Microsoft is starting a trend with vertical integration between independent service providers (MSN) and access networks (cable and wireless). Technology and deregulation has split access service from independent service providers based on internet technologies. Microsoft is now trying to make a new vertical integration, by bying a small share of the airtime provider. Microsoft already has stakes into cable companies in Europe. When will we see a move into wireless in Europe?
Nokia released its vision for ip mobility by mid may. In the future there will be different wireless networks, using different protocols, By using a software controlled radio, the same terminal can be used on different networks, and the software on the terminal can be updated when the user moves to a new network. This is confirming the trend towards a future with a separation between airtime and services. Services must be available to the user accross different wireless and fixed networks.
There were new bluetooth news this month to, with Ericsson announcing bluetooth products by yearend. Get prepared to see handsfree solutions without a wire.
Finally Palm were implementing its long ago move into wireless by launching the Palm VII, which can access services on the internet using the Palm webclipping technology. Get prepared to see more wireless solutions from Palm.
Nokia and VISA announced a project to develop payment systems utilizing new wireless technologies like WAP and bluetooth. This, and other activities, will within a short time give generic payment mechanisms enabling the user to do electronic commerce on the move. In a few years, mobile commerce will be a natural part of our daily life.
This was only a selection of the news in May. Each moth brings more news, and the number of players entering wireless is increasing each day.
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