April/May 2003

Never mind just logging on to the Internet via a wireless WiFi "hotspot" (m.logistics, last issue). In future the network may also be able to identify you and deliver information exclusive to you.

This fusion of location-based services (see page 12) and WiFi networks is being promoted strongly by Appear Networks, which describes itself as a European leader in "proximity-triggered application platforms for the task-specific mobile workforce".

Chief executive Ann-Louise Palm emphasises: "I'm not talking about PDA users being bombarded with advertising as they walk into shops." She says the approach is to offer targeted data to select users or user-groups as they enter a WiFi zone, and cites the example of engineers or field service staff.

To achieve this connectivity, the hotspot has to be equipped with added intelligence to recognise individual users as they log on, and the user devices must be set up to identify themselves. Appear says its Provisioning Server is the first platform designed to deploy wireless applications on WLAN hotspot networks, and adds that its Click 'n Run software enables any mobile device connected to a wireless IP network to discover, download and run location-specific applications in one single click.