14.1 Applications and Services


So is there a difference when we speak of applications and services? From an end- user perspective, applications and services can be defined as follows :

An application is a piece of software that enables a service. For example, Instant Messaging is a service. Application software, which includes the underlying protocols, middleware, and user interface, is combined to deliver a service. The service may require multiple network elements to work together cohesively. Network operators who view the network as a system are more interested in the services that can be offered to end users that generate revenue. The end user sees an application on the mobile terminal or device.

Applications and services can be classified into four main categories, namely:

  • Infotainment: Information content, which includes news, maps, weather, financial data, local guides, shopping, and entertainment services such as streaming music, video on demand, and games .

  • Personal and group communication: These include services such as messaging, e-mail, and voice calls.

  • Lifestyle management: Applications such as calendars and appointments, address books, and information organizers.

  • Business services: Access to the Intranet and mobile office applications.

Services can also be classified into push and pull services. Push services are those that are delivered to the user without the user actively requesting them. Weather or flight updates, stock quotes, and news could be types of content that can be delivered via push services. Advertisements can also be classified as push services. The network has to be designed to support push services. User profiles would specify the type of services that the user has subscribed to or is capable of accessing. Pull services are typically the ones where the user initiates a request and obtains the content or sets up a session as a result. Web browsing is a typical pull service where the user requests information from some URL.

The types of services and applications that are offered and used by subscribers depend on whether the mobile service is used for business reasons or for personal use. Corporate and enterprise users are generally heavy users of mobile services and hence are normally targeted by the operators when launching new services.



IP in Wireless Networks
IP in Wireless Networks
ISBN: 0130666483
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 164

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