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Wireless Application Protocol

Wireless Application Protocol or WAP is a global specification that allows mobile users with wireless devices (such as mobile phones and PDAs) to easily access and use information and services. It has been developed by WAP Forum, an organisation consisting of some of the biggest Internet and telecom companies - including Phone.com, Ericsson, Nokia and others.

These organisations decided to establish a common format by which Internet information could be transferred to mobile phones and similar hand-held devices, without the need for customising the Internet pages for the varying display on each device. WAP was a result of their joining hands.

Hand-held digital wireless devices such as mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios, smart phones and communicators have to be WAP-enabled to access information and services from the Internet. The advantage such devices have over the PC is their privacy, instant access and highly personal nature.