Wireless Data Forum Launches New Initiative in
Wireless E-Commerce
Monday, January 11, 1999
Washington, D.C. - The Wireless Data Forum (WDF), the leading trade
association for wireless data, is developing a multi-pronged program for its
members, the wireless community and the computer industry in the emerging
wireless e-commerce arena. The WDF has contracted with Wireless Internet &
Mobile Computing, a leading consulting firm in Chevy Chase, Md., to create the
Wireless E-Commerce Initiative.
The Wireless E-Commerce Initiative will focus on two major areas: helping the
wireless industry use the Internet to sell existing products and services and
helping to spark the development new products and services. The venture will
include briefings during mobile communications conferences and a full-day
wireless e-commerce track during the WDF's annual meeting in Monterey, Calif.,
May 3-5. The WDF is establishing a section within its current Web site to provide
detailed information on wireless e-commerce. In addition, the WDF is pursuing
potential alliances with other wireless and computing organizations in the United
States and abroad to help the growth of wireless e-commerce.
It's crucial that the wireless industry around the world, including network
operators, manufacturers, software developers and distributors, learn how to sell
existing products and services via the Internet, the Wireless Data Forum says.
Many Wireless Data Forum's members are already using the Internet to sell their
products and services. "Through our briefings, conferences and Web content, we
aim to help our members enhance their Internet sales," says Mark Desautels,
managing director of the WDF.
"One of our most important efforts will be to bring together the wireless
community with experts in e-commerce from the computer industry," Desautels
continues. "A significant part of the future of the multi-billion-dollar global wireless
industry will be based upon creating enhanced products and services, and the
Internet is a terrific way to sell these products," he says.
Although many wireless companies are already creating e-commerce efforts - in
North America, Europe and Asia - it's just the beginning, says the WDF.
"The Wireless E-Commerce Initiative is unique and the timing is exactly right,"
says Alan A. Reiter, president of Wireless Internet & Mobile Computing. "When
you look at what's available right now - in terms of applications on the Internet
and the capabilities of wireless networks - there's simply no doubt that wireless
e-commerce will become a significant part of both the computer and wireless
communities."
New services that could be applicable to wireless e-commerce efforts include
highly-targeted competitive information, a wide range of financial products such
as banking and stock trading, and a wealth of travel-related services such as
making reservations, purchasing tickets and receiving schedule alerts.
"We believe 1999 will be a watershed year for the launch of commercial efforts
and pilot programs to test to different aspects of wireless e-commerce," says
Desautels. "These efforts will likely include a range of free information services
as well as advertiser-supported and paid services," he says.
About the Wireless Data Forum
The Wireless Data Forum is an independent, technology-neutral trade group
dedicated to promoting the wireless data industry. WDF's members include
wireless operators and equipment providers, application developers and
information technology companies working to advance wireless and mobile data
products and services.
About Wireless Internet & Mobile Computing
Wireless Internet & Mobile Computing focuses on jump-starting enhanced
products and services in wireless communications, specializing in the integration
of the Internet with wireless networks, including the development of wireless
e-commerce and "smart" wireless devices and applications.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
January 11, 1998
Contact: Mark Desautels, WDF
mdesautels@wirelessdata.org
202.736.3218
or
Alan Reiter, Wireless Internet & Mobile Computing
reiter@wirelessinternet.com
301.951.0385 |
