Wireless Application protocol (WAP) is a standard for wireless communications which makes it possible to access the Internet from mobile devices. It allows the retrieval of information using a WAP gateway from the Internet from websites which are written using WML, or converted to it, and relays it to the WAP mobile device and back.

The benefits of WAP include lower costs for operators, ease of creation and deployment of web pages for content providers and access to a variety of web based applications for the user. Although you may not realize it, the wireless application protocol is used every time you access news, email, stock quotes, even WAP ringtones for your mobile phone. In order learn about and integrate WAP into your business operations, do the following:

1. Learn about Wireless Application Protocol technology.

2. Discover how to create your own WAP website using online tools.

3. Study how to use a WAP emulator to ensure your website is displayed properly.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather information and learn about WAP technology

To implement any technology, basic knowledge will enable you to make informed choices for your business. Learning Wireless Application Protocol(WAP) basics will help you understand the different applications and options of WAP as well as how to best incorporate it into your business's website.

I recommend: The International Engineering Consortium provides an in depth description of WAP, its features and applications. You can also learn more about WAP and its structure and benefits at Telecom Space.

Create your own WAP website using online tools

Almost all websites are accessed by mobile devices with Internet capabilities but if the websites are not WAP compatible then they will show poorly on the user's wap browser. They will not fit on the small screen or be difficult to navigate, have large load times and spoil the user's experience. By converting your website into a WAP enabled site will ensure your website will be properly formatted and displayed on the mobile screen.

I recommend: Swift offers tools like Site Creation Wizard, image resizing, multimedia support and more to convert your website into a WAP friendly site in a matter of minutes. Wapple provides you with all the tools to create optimized WAP websites along with other services like mobile publishing, mobile adverts, commerce and more. You can also use the services of their experts who will convert your site into a WAP site for you.

Use a WAP emulator to ensure your website is displayed properly

After you convert your website into a WAP friendly site, you need to be sure that the changes are displayed appropriately in the mobile WAP browser. WAP emulators are designed to allow you to see exactly how your website will be presented on mobile devices without the need to access a mobile phone. This saves enormous time as you can tweak the features of your WAP sites and simultaneously check the changes in the WAP emulator.

I recommend: .mobi provides a WAP emulator which allows you to enter a website URL and see how it displays on a mobile screen. You can also download the WinWAP Smartphone Browser Emulator from Brother Soft.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Learn more about WAP and related wireless applications at the Open Mobile Alliance's website (openmobilealliance.org).