MExE (Mobile Station Application Execution Environment)

Sun's Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is a platform and an application environment. The Mobile Station Application Execution Environment (MExE) is, essentially, the incorporation of a Java virtual machine into a mobile phone. The purpose of MExE is to provide a framework on mobile phones for executing operator- or service provider-specific applications: it allows full application programming. The API integrates location services, sophisticated, intelligent customer menus, and a variety of interfaces including voice recognition. MExE will incorporate WAP, but also provides additional services exceeding the WAP functionality.

A WAP Competitor?

Potentially - this is a technology that's yet to have its day. However, it clearly needs processor capability in excess of that currently found in mobile phones, although that will not be long in coming. In many ways, MExE will be the next logical step after WAP, as the application environment is so rich.

In the end, though, I feel that it will be an additional - albeit very significant - technology found on mobile devices. Its focus remains on capabilities at the device, and consequently it is likely to run alongside WAP. It may supersede WAP as the application delivery mechanism to consumers, but it will still need to use the wireless network that WAP protocols provide.

What about Pocket PC and EPOC?

These two are worth mentioning in this context, not because they are direct competitors to WAP, but because they have a huge impact on the environment in which WAP has to operate, and consequently an indirect influence on WAP's future. They are both mobile device platforms, not solely about delivery of web-based content to mobile consumers, although of course that connectivity is central to the functionality offered to users of devices built on these platforms.

Symbian's EPOC32 is an operating system designed for small, portable computer-telephones with wireless access to phone and other information services. To earlier systems, EPOC adds wireless communication and architecture for adding application programs.

Pocket PC is the name of the latest version of Microsoft's Windows CE software (the MS operating system for small devices). Hewlett-Packard, Casio and Compaq make the hardware. Like the most advanced Palm devices, users can get e-mail, manage their calendars, and keep track of tasks. Unlike Palm, Pocket PC can also be used to read electronic books, play music, view video clips, access the Web, and download street maps directly into the organizer.

Microsoft Mobile Explorer is an HTML 3.2 compatible web browser that supports frames, JavaScript, SSL, and 128-bit encryption, but not ActiveX. It also supports WML v1.1.