Nokia and Dutch operator, KPN, today demonstrate the use of Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP) 1.2 and WAP Identity Module (WIM) in mobile
e-commerce. The demonstration at CeBit shows how a secure encrypted session to a mobile
commerce server is established, using strong user and client authentication
enabled by WAP/WIM. In addition it also shows how mobile payments can be
done using a Visa card and Secure Electronic Transaction (SET).
Wireless Identity Module is a tamper-resistant device, for example a
smartcard providing certificate-based authentication and digital signature
applications for WAP services. WIM is included in WAP 1.2 specifications and
can be implemented on a GSM SIM card, thus making the operator card a
multi-application platform which can be co-branded for various mobile
e-commerce schemes.
"This great advancement in technology further strengthens Nokia's position
as a leading innovator of 3rd Generation applications, supporting open
platforms for technologies and WAP Identity Module supports this," said
Pekka Pohjakallio, Director, Mobile Internet, Nokia, "With WIM, Mobile
e-commerce transactions over WAP become more secure inspiring confidence in
the end-user. "
"For a telecom operator like KPN, WAP Identity Module will enable a range of
new business opportunities in the area of mobile e-commerce," said Luc Maas,
Marketing Director KPN Mobile the Netherlands. For the end-user this means
secure payments over the mobile network and will spur on the introduction of
new mobile e-commerce services and applications."
KPN is the leading telecommunications company in The Netherlands. It
supplies the whole range of telecommunications and Information and
Communication Technology services in its home country and, either
independently or in co-operation with partners, in other countries, mainly
in West and Central Europe. With the addition of the German operator E-Plus
the newly formed entity KPN Mobile becomes a major pan European mobile
operator with approximately 8 million customers.
Using a Nokia WAP Gateway, KPN launched minfo in November 1999 as one of the
first commercial WAP services in Europe. The minfo service resulted in a
nomination for most innovative operator at the GSM World Congress in Cannes.
Nokia can offer operators what few others in the industry can; a complete
end-to-end WAP solution, including WAP gateways, mobile terminals, browsers,
tools for WAP -based content creation and delivery, and systems integration
services. Nokia Artus MAX Server is part of this offering and complements
the Nokia Artus Messaging Platform by allowing operators to brand their WAP
services.