[It runs the Nokia WAP Server over NT, and you can have it for "around US$13,500". ]

LONDON, ENGLAND, By Steve Gold -- "Hewlett-Packard [NYSE:HWP] has unveiled what it says is the industry's first PC-based Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) server.

"As reported previously, WAP is an underlying protocol designed to allow mobile devices, including cellular phones, remote access to e-mail and Internet-based data.

"Because mobile phones only have a limited bandwidth and graphics capability, users need to access Web-based information using an intermediary server, which is usually attached to the mobile phone network.

"This server takes in selected HTML (hypertext markup language) format pages and transmits them on to the WAP-enabled device using the HDML (handheld markup language) page format.

"HP says its Windows NT-based NetServer runs Nokia's WAP Server software, offering carriers and other interested parties a relatively low-cost entry point into the microbrowser market.

"One of the first companies to trial the new WAP server is Barclays Stockbrokers, the stockbroking division of the Barclays Group and the UK's largest retail execution-only stockbroker.

"The company will be piloting WAP technology in order to deliver personalized market information to over 300,000 clients, enabling them to make real-time decisions on deals.

"Phillip Bungey, the bank division's e-commerce director, said that the WAP technology will enable information to find the client, as opposed to the other way round, and will make transactions possible while on the move.

"Alberto Bozzo, HP's European NetServer marketing manager, said that the development of the server follows the September linkup between the company and Nokia. That linkup has allowed HP to market its NT-based servers running Nokia's WAP server software.

"An HP NetServer with Nokia WAP Server 1.0 sells for around $13,500 and is available through HP's sales channels immediately.

HP's Web site is at http://www.hp.com .

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com .

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