The Wireless Village aims to create standards that will allow users of any device--handset to personal computer--to message across any wireless or wireline network.
If the work is successful, third-party developers will be able to more easily obtain presence and availability information about users. Developers and users want to know how much data a phone can handle, if it is on or off, or if the user is on a call.
Invertix, Openwave Systems and TeleCommunications Systems, companies which already offer platforms that help collect and distribute wireless presence and availability information, agree a standard is a good idea. "It's positive for the industry if it's open and inclusive and results in an open [Internet Protocol] standard," says Mark Taguchi, director of strategic marketing at Openwave.
TCS is a member of the Presence and Availability Management Forum, which has been setting standards for collecting presence information for wireless instant messaging and other apps. "We're supportive of the effort, but in a broader approach like PAM is taking," says Tim Zenk, vice president of corporate communications.
The Mobile Village founders may be eager to try to control wireless instant messaging before PC instant messaging leaders invade the space. "It's reasonable to assume that the fact that [America Online] is expanding into mobile is on the minds of these folks," says Edward Bursk, chief marketing officer at Invertix.
