Curious Networks
Server-based development gets interesting
OKAY. We all know that mobile devices are productive, useful, and
fast becoming critical to the mobilized workforce. But far too many
wireless developers take a device-centric approach when it comes to
building the necessary applications that funnel data from enterprise
server to handhelds and wireless cell phones. A more successful route
is to develop applications from a server base, so that the mobile systems
truly act as clients in the relationship. This approach also assures a
great deal more security when it comes to dispersing corporate data to
the four winds.
Although its name implies something out of Alice's Wonderland,
Curious Networks has adopted this server-based approach to applications
development with its flagship Continuum product.
The product actually uses a multi-channel interaction-oriented markup
language created by the company--called MAXML--that offers broader device
support, a more customized "look and feel" from each device, and a higher
degree of scalability for wireless applications, says a spokesman for the
firm. The idea is to build applications that users can access when, where,
and how they want by PCs, mobile (or standard) phones, personal digital
assistants, and other devices. The Curious Networks' platform is compatible
with all industry standards from HTML and XML to WML and VoiceXML.
The company was founded on the belief that most corporations looking
to support wireless will need compatibility with multiple devices and will
undergo a paradigm shift in work methods and practices. These same companies
will need an integrated approach to development, as well as a high degree of
management of that technology, says David Cutler, founder and CEO of the
Chicago-based firm.
The Continuum product is actually a mobile presentation server that
takes existing enterprise functions and makes them accessible via a variety
of different channels or devices. Applications are based on the common ways
people interact with information. For example, one method involves simple
lists of information, and branches out with a "drill down" approach to finding
the right data. That, says Cutler, is the whole idea behind MAXML, that
definition and functionality related to how a user interacts with it.
Curious Systems ties that user relationship into the existing applications
environment, actually sitting on top of existing application logic.
Developers can integrate and define the system into existing enterprise
systems. Since the system takes a modular approach, users can plug in new
devices and functionality as required.
Thus far, the company has been working primarily with sales force
automation and field force automation type clients. However, any enterprise
that depends on business critical information flowing from a server to a
remote device is fair game, says Cutler. His ideal client is one that has
absolutely no idea what device might be popular or in heavy use down the road,
which pretty much describes the whole current state of wireless and remote
devices at this point.
The software used by Curious Networks in its products is mostly Java-based,
so it can run on a variety of different platforms. It can also be tied into any
applications environment "out of the box," claims Cutler. In fact, the company
is now creating plug-ins that tie applications into existing enterprise resource
planning (ERP) programs from such heavyweights as Baan.
Curious Networks partners include Research In Motion, Inc. (RIM), Palm,
Nuance Communications, Speechworks, and Handspring.
Continuum is now in beta testing at a number of corporate sites and is
due to ship by the end of this month. To date, close to 500 companies have
signed up to learn more about the company and its products through a workshop
offered by Curious Networks.
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