Exercise 15 - Topic 10

1)What is meant by a location based service? Explain using the Web applications found on a late model mobile device.

A location based service (LBS) is one that is accessible via mobile devices and takes advantages of the user's location to provide services to the users. An example would be to find the nearest train station or a bank's branch through the mobile device. Another example would be advertising directly to users depending on the user's location or to provide weather report to the user based on the location.

2)Describe the purpose of the Open Mobile Alliance Initiative.

The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) is the body that develops open standards for the mobile phone industry. It's mission is to provide interoperable services across countries, operators and mobile terminals. The specifications from OMA are meant to work with any cellular network technology.

3)What are the main components of a mobile Web services framework?

Mobile Web Services framework or Mobile Service Oriented Architecture uses existing emerging standards and extends SOA to mobile devices.

Location Services: Finds information about the user locations and provides him information based on the location.

Voice Services: Call Controls and Rounting.

Data Services: Provides data to user using sms, email, mms.

Identity Services: Checks for the identity of the user.

3rd party Web Services: Web Services created by third party performing various services.

Billing and Payment Services: Provides security while making payment over the mobile device.

4)Visit an airline Web site and search for information on WAP or SMS or 3G mobile application access to booking airline services. The same services exist in banking. How do both industries compare?

Virgin Blue provides Virgin Blue Travel Application that can be installed in a Blackberry from AppWorld. The application provides options to check-in, check boarding passes, create and manage bookings, check airport guide, and provides different information like Velocity Rewards points program. While creating a booking, the app provides option to search for flights and make bookings.

Commonwealth bank does not provide any app on Blackberry, however, the site can be accessed via the Blackberry browser from http://netbank.com.au/mobile. It seemed slow compared to the Virgin Blue app. It had options to view accounts, transfer money and BPay.

Both industries provide different services but security, accuracy and realtime data are the most important concerns for both the industries since both the industries will need to process payments and charge correct fees when applicable.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Location-based_service

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Mobile_Alliance

http://developers.sun.com/learning/javaoneonline/2008/pdf/TS-5147.pdf