In its report, Cahners In-Stat Group examined a new class of outsourcer, Wireless-Enabling Application Service Provider, that has emerged to help companies put the pieces of the wireless puzzle together.

The research firm found that nearly seven percent of mobile workers today use mobile phones, but less than four percent wirelessly access e-mail or corporate intranets. Based on such findings, the authors of the report predict that WASPs will boost the number of wireless Internet subscribers as they help companies streamline and simplify the delivery of wireless applications.

The report, "W-ASPs: Enabling M-Services and Wireless Internet Applications," highlights four services that WASPs may provide.

• Translation Services, involves the porting or translating Web content to wireless networks including set-up and maintenance.
• Wireless Application Services, where data applications are delivered for a fee.
• M-Services Content, involves the translations of Internet content and delivery via a wireless network.
• Wireless Infrastructure Technology and Services, includes software, hardware, and consulting, and custom implementation delivered to the wireless carrier, content provider or WASP.

• An explanation of the WASP model, including pricing
• An analysis of the market opportunity
• Predictions of the growth of the outsourcing market
• An examination of relevant wireless technology
• Profiles of leading vendors