W

W3C

See also World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

WAN

See also Wide Area Network (WAN).

WAP

See also Wireless Access Protocol (WAP).

Web Services Description Language (WSDL)

A method for describing a Web-based application that is accessible through an Internet connection, also known as a service. The file associated with this description contains the service description, port type, interface description, individual method names , and parameter types. A WSDL relies on namespace support to provide descriptions of common elements such as data types. Most WSDL files include references to two or more resources maintained by standards organizations to ensure compatibility across implementations .

Wide Area Network (WAN)

An extension of the Local Area Network (LAN), a WAN connects two or more LANs together using a variety of methods . A WAN usually encompasses more than one physical site, such as a building. Most WANs rely on microwave communications, fiber optic connections, or leased telephone lines to provide the internetwork connections to keep all nodes in the network talking with each other.

Wireless Access Protocol (WAP)

A method of providing secure access for mobile devices of all types to Web-based application content through a gateway. The underlying technology works much like Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), but using standardized and secure access techniques. This technology supports most mobile networks including Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). Supported mobile device operating systems include PalmOS, EPOC, Windows CE, FLEXOS, OS/9, and JavaOS. The technology can support pages in either Wireless Markup Language (WML) or HyperText Markup Language (HTML) format; however, WML is preferred because it better supports mobile device requirements.

Wireless Markup Language (WML)

An XML-based language used to communicate with Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) devices such as cellular telephones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Most cellular telephones provide support for WML. The pages are served in a manner similar to that used by the Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML).

WML

See also Wireless Markup Language (WML).

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

A standards organization essentially devoted to Internet security issues, but also involved in other issues such as the special <OBJECT> tag required by Microsoft to implement ActiveX technology. The W3C also defines a wealth of other HTML and XML standards. The W3C first appeared on the scene in December 1994, when it endorsed SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). In February 1995, it also endorsed application-level security for the Internet. Its current project is the Digital Signatures Initiative ”W3C presented it in May 1996 in Paris.

WSDL

See also Web Services Description Language (WSDL).