22.6 Arguments for WAP

WAP is efficient at coping with the limited bandwidth and connection-oriented nature of today's wireless networks due to its stripped-down protocol stack. ^[7] WAP works with all major wireless networks and can be built into any operating system, including Windows CE, PalmOS , Epoc, or JavaOS. WAP applications are available over second-generation Global System for Mobile (GSM) networks albeit only at 14.4 kbps. WAP services, however, also work on other platforms, including 2.5G (data-enhanced second generation) networks offering up to 128 kbps beginning in 2001. WAP low data rate services, already available in many European national markets, include SMS wireless e-mail, which can interconnect with the Internet. New products and services that use the WAP format provide instant access to personal financial data, flight schedules, news and weather reports, and countless shopping opportunities. Finally, WAP gateway's flexibility enables operators to introduce and bill for new services easily without having to make changes to existing billing systems.

^[7]Herman, J., The coming revolution in M-commerce, Business Communications Review, October 2000, pp. 24–24.