HDML (Handheld Device Markup Language): Used by web enabled phones in the U.S.  Requires sites to either rewrite content, duplicate content or use a reformatting tool.

HTML: Standard language for PC web sites that is also used by some phone browsers to enable wireless web access. Although it does require reformatting, a tool such as SqueezeNet is still required to trim the information for efficient access.

WML (Wireless Markup Language): Used by web enabled phones in Europe.  Requires sites to either rewrite content, duplicate content or use a reformatting tool.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol): The low level technology that enables wireless web access.  A WAP enabled phone uses either HTML, HDML, or WML as its language to create web pages.

PQA or Web Clippings: Proprietary technology used for the Palm VII to enable wireless access to the web.  A PQA front-end must be created, downloaded and installed for each and every web site.

Web Channels: Off-line batch mode technology to enable viewing of information on the web. Usually more suited for static content rather than dynamic real-time information. Pendragon Browser is one of the better tools available (it's also free).

WirelessTalk

Hopeless Confusion Over Tangle of Wireless Technologies

If you thought it was difficult to keep up with the fast paced introduction of Internet technologies, just wait for the onslaught that wireless technologies will bring.  Already, we have been deluged with terminologies such as WAP, HDML, WML, XML, CDMA, GSM, CDPD . . . you get the picture.

It's one thing to have to absorb all of this new information if it's your area of expertise.  However, what if all you want is a simple way to connect to the web wirelessly?  

Although it has become much easier to select wireless devices and the services that support them, there is still plenty of room for improvement.  The main reason it's still challenging to get a packaged solution for your wireless needs is because the entire wireless industry is still in its infancy.  

Like any other industry in its early stage of growth, there are often conflicting standards and limited availability of products and services.  So does that mean you should sit on the sidelines while the wireless players duke it out?

On one hand, if you wait long enough, it will be easier to get the technology you need at a lower cost.  However, on the other hand, you may lose out on the benefits you could have derived from utilizing wireless technologies.  Depending on your situation, there are immediate benefits of accessing web sites from a wireless device. 

At a personal level, it can be something as simple as avoiding that two hour delay in traffic because you're able to look the information up at a traffic site through your wireless device.  It may also be a means of keeping track of your kids though a wireless tracking service. 

At a professional level, it can be something as simple as getting real time information from your corporate web site.  Accessing  real time information from one of the thousands of business related web sites can also be a major benefit for professionals on the road.

Therefore, it's up to you to examine the benefits of having wireless web capabilities and then deciding if it's worth the trouble and cost of setting yourself up for wireless web access.  If it's something that you need, be happy that there are more and more wireless choices being made available every day. 

One thing nice about the challenging aspects of setting yourself up with wireless web access:  once you go through the process, you'll be one of the few and proud able to brag about your new found wireless powers.