Wireless Web services set to Ignite WCIT 2002 - News - Business

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Wireless Web services set to Ignite WCIT 2002

By Jeanne-Vida Douglas, ZDNet Australia
February 21, 2002
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/soa/Wireless-Web-services-set-to-Ignite-WCIT-2002/0,139023166,120263607,00.htm

While much has been made of the speakers attending next week's World Congress on IT 2002, the event will also offer delegates the opportunity to get a taste of the world of wireless Web services.

Using Compaq iPac portable PCs, and connecting wirelessly to the Internet via the first 3G cellular network to go live in the southern hemisphere, delegates can manage their schedule and contacts through the 'my congress' link on the WCIT 2002 Web site.

Developed by Adelaide-based company Ignition, the Web site allows delegates to access information regarding the business areas of other attendees, flag-specific people and schedule meetings, or flag information across to other delegates.

Ignition director Tod Pedler said the technology has already been developed into a full-scale knowledge management system, and was designed specifically with broad Web-based integration in mind.

-It uses a lot of XML, so any information gathered by the 'my congress' site can be archived and downloaded into Outlook when the delegates return home," Pedler explained. -There is also a lot of Web interface involved with the site, there is a full booking system and e-commerce payment gateway, which provides a direct interface with the ANZ Bank."

Developed using a beta version of Microsoft's .NET software platform, Pedler believes the my congress Web site will provide delegates with a tangible understanding of the way Web services will change the way business is conducted.

-Our vision was to deliver an example of what a digital lifestyle will be like," Pedler said. -We are presenting a series of functionalities that are meaningful and business focussed."

Having already caught the attention of the organisers of the WCIT 2004, which will be held in Athens, Pedler is enthusiastic about the opportunities provided by the event.

-It is like the Olympics of the IT industry, the level of exposure has accelerated our growth," he said.