The OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform) has announced the alpha launch of a new initiative designed to ease the roll out of compelling new web services on mobile devices.
Acording to the OMTP, the launch of the BONDI Reference Implementation (RI), part of the BONDI Open Source Project, is the first time that the mobile and Internet communities will be able to effectively collaborate on key web interfaces that will enable the speedy roll out of compelling new services on mobile devices. The organisation says the move will unite expertise from the mobile and web industries and is expected to accelerate the mass market roll out of web services enhanced by the mobile experience
The RI will play a key role in further developing the web on mobile by avoiding fragmentation caused by different incompatible implementations. A common agreed code base which expresses the way in which web services access mobile devices and the protection of the user from malicious attack will provide the basic toolbox from which the browsers, widget frameworks, devices and platforms will provide consistent web access.
Focussed on the next generation of mobile browser architecture, the initiative involves some of the worlds largest mobile operators, vendors and developers, ready to help to ensure that the take up of the solution will be consistent and widespread. The initial implementation is based on Microsoft Windows Mobile, but the OMTP says it is intended to deliver on several other platforms over coming months.
The RI will build upon the OMTPs existing requirements which have been evolving over the past six months, and will include not only web-based development, collaboration and specification tools, but also, downloadable components and Software Development Kits so that developers and other stakeholders can actively engage. The requirements and RI will form key inputs to the ongoing W3C standardisation work, which is essential in ensuring consistency.
Enabling consistent implementations of the web on mobile will ensure that users can have access to the best possible service, regardless of the type of phone they use, the platform upon which it is based or the operator they use, says OMTP CTO, Nick Allot.