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Location-based Security for Wireless Apps
developerWorks writes "Studies by industry analysts forecast even greater demand for wireless and mobile devices, creating substantial opportunities for wireless device application and service providers. Faced with an increasingly difficult challenge in raising both average revenue per user (ARPU) and numbers of subscribers, wireless carriers and their partners are developing a host of new products, services, and business models based on data services. This article looks at location-based services, security, and how they boost both service and revenue."
Though it sounds a little bit "big-brothery" for my wireless device to know where I am at all times, I know that it is going to happen anyway. They can already triangulate the location of your cellphone. We might as well use it for location specific apps.
I can think of TONS of great apps that would be location specific. For instance, a GPS that would tell you where the nearest Pizza Hut is. A Or a two-way radio or other device that also told you WHERE the other person is. Paying tolls automatically is a good one too.
Developing business models a la myextremefuneral.com? I hope all the VCs learned their lesson during the last gold rush: the only viable business model consists of selling a product or service for a profit.
"I think all foreigners should stop interfering in the internal affairs of Iraq"
-- Paul Wolfowitz, 7/21/2003
Faced with an increasingly difficult challenge in raising both average revenue per user (ARPU) and numbers of subscribers,
whoa...hold the phone here. MUST it be both?
Why not:
(Good service + small fee per subscriber) * large # of subscribers = PROFIT.
Probably they just want to get as much as possible before the inevitable shredding party, SEC investigation, the jailing of the scape goats, the private island for the honchos, annd the abandonment of the public.
Screw long term growth. Get it now.
Finnish mobile phone manufacturer Benefon has had a really cool phone, ESC that combines GPS location, GSM and a map application -- and the phone is just not selling...
I starts to seem that the whole location based service concept is going to be the next WAP: over hyped and under utilized.
"There is a terrorist behind every bush"
Ahh, the free market at work =)
Location based services is one of the features the product my company has developed offers. The concept is the same as with GPS, or triangulation in general. However, one thing calculating location within the network offers over GPS is the ability to calculate position relative to other users and/or infrastructure. This has amazing implications for use in automobiles and other transportation apps. When the Firestone tires on your SUV blowout, your car could signal back to other cars raising an alarm perhaps, warning other drivers, slowing down traffic, etc. It might even be the first step towards "smart highways".
And of course, if you are as directionally deficient as I am, knowing where you are all the time would be a good start =). Location information coupled with real-time, up to date maps would make sure I never get lost again.