A component-based architecture for the development and deployment of WAP-compliant transactional services

The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is an open, global specification that empowers mobile users with wireless devices (such as mobile phones) to easily access and interact with information and services on the Internet. Although some components of the WAP suite have been developed, it lacks a complete general architecture integrating software components of both the Internet and wireless contexts in a transparent way. This paper presents a general architectural framework to develop and deploy portable applications and services accessible by WAP-compliant mobile terminals, extending end-to-end services between terminal and business applications. Different implementation strategies for the application logic are presented, allowing either fast prototyping or the realisation of robust, portable, complex applications and transactional services. Moreover, a technique to handle terminal disconnection is presented.