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Newsletters
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From The Editor
January 15, 2000
Welcome Aboard!
I'm pleased to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the Wireless Developer Network (scheduled to officially kick off
on February 1, 2000). As the editor, I thought I'd take this opportunity to introduce you to the site, let you know where
we're headed, then request your feedback if you don't mind.
The Wireless Developer Network was founded by a group of technologists interested in creating a community for information
technology professionals interested in mobile computing and communications. Essentially, we have a few beliefs that led
to the creation of this site. We believe that:
- The migration of data and applications to mobile, handheld computing devices is inevitable and coming very soon.
- Although it is already happening in parts of the world (in parts of Europe and Scandinavia), the general public
will continue to be increasingly interested in the possibilities of mobile computing. When that demand becomes an uproar,
commercial business and information portals need to be prepared.
- An entirely new set of technical demands will be placed on network and database administrators, software developers,
and managers as decision-makers and mobile workers begin to demand access to enterprise data. Handheld and wireless development
presents a host of new challenges and technologies that need to be understood in order to successfully deliver these
types of applications.
- Existing application paradigms cannot necessarily be applied to the wireless world. Much like the changes brought
about by the advent of the Web, expect to see entirely new classes of applications brought up by ubiquitous communications
and pervasive computing.
- Last, but not least, wireless technologies are cool and we like using them and writing about them.
Our coverage will primarily be devoted to software topics such as programming, databases, and ecommerce. We'll also regularly
cover important hardware trends (such as wireless LANs, Bluetooth, and new handheld devices). Finally, we plan to provide news,
reports from industry conferences, and interviews with movers-and-shakers such as Microsoft, Nokia, Symbian, and Palm to keep
you informed on the latest happenings.
Where We're Going
In the coming months, look for articles on wireless middleware, ISPs, modems, LANs, handheld databases, enterprise
integration, and security. Interviews that I think you'll find interesting are currently underway with a number of major corporations.
Our Training section will continue to expand to provide excellent
introductions to mobile computing technologies. From the outset, let me say that we are vendor- and technology-neutral so take
any criticisms and praise of companies or technologies at face value.
What We Need
At this time, we're looking for you, kind reader, to drive the direction this site moves in. For instance, the message boards
currently require a login but we're considering dropping this requirement and allowing either "anonymous" postings to predefined
forums or a Slashdot format where anyone can start a new threaded discussion for all to see.
Also, we're interested in knowing what you think we should cover. Have an idea for an article or want to write one yourself?
Contact us!
If you work on a new product or service that you feel our readers would be interested in learning more about, let us know
and we'll work it into the editorial calendar.
We're looking forward to hearing from you!
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