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News
Issue #2002 - 24
(June 2002)
(Updated June
26, 2002)
TECHNOLOGY
Industry Comes Together Under Open
Mobile Alliance
When the creation of the
Open Mobile Alliance was announced, the most common remark from
industry observers was, "Does the industry need yet another
organization?"
But supporters of the Alliance say that with over 200 companies
as well as other industry groups committed to removing the barriers
to interoperability and to implementing open standards, the industry
is slowing changing course: moving away from a propriety paradigm
toward a more collaborative and inclusive one.
"The industry is currently fragmented, and the user’s
mobile experience has been compromised as a result," Allan Cox,
head of Internet technologies at Vodafone, told Wireless NewsFactor.
For example, the leading cell phone equipment standards CDMA and
GSM are not interoperable, which could hinder the widespread
adoption of wireless data services, especially in North America.
Then there are competing operating systems for smartphones such
as Palm, PocketPC and Symbian, which further fragment the industry.
As reflected in its mandate, the Alliance hopes to eliminate the
need for so many different standards and operating systems.
- Deliver products and services based on open standards and
specifications.
- Establish centers of excellence for best practices and conduct
interoperability testing, including multi-standard
interoperability to ensure seamless user experience.
- Create and promote a common industry view on an architectural
framework.
- Be a catalyst for the consolidation of standards organizations
and work in conjunction with other existing standards
organizations and groups.
To date the Open Mobile Architecture Initiative and WAP Forum
have joined the Alliance, and others such as the Location
Interoperability Forum, MMS Interoperability Group, SynchML
Initiative Ltd. and Wireless Village have each signed a Memorandum
of Understanding with the intention of consolidating with the
Alliance.
However, some analysts like Yankee Group senior analyst Linda
Barrabee still remain skeptical. "The motives of the group are
justifiable; the industry needs to bridge the gaps among all the
players. But the proof is in the pudding, and we will have to wait
and see what comes out of this" Barrabee told Wireless
NewsFactor.
For more information: http://www.openmobiealliance.org
(Additional Sources Wireless NewFactor and CNET)
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory:
This is a noble effort on paper and from public relations point of
view, a great idea. OMA has well-intentioned objectives. Will the major
players truly cooperate at the expense of their own proprietary
implementations? It will take a lot of arm-twisting, we think. If, on the
other hand, it was driven by enterprise users with cheque book in their
pockets, it will be a different matter.
Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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