Logica application offers rival to WAP

NEWS Logica is taking on WAP with the release of a new software application, M-WorldGate, which will allow mobile operators to offer internet access based on HTML programming. Wireless applications based on HTML - the standard programming language of the internet -make it easier for content providers to adapt their sites for mobile access, and allow users to download colour and graphic files. The current WAP format requires that HTML websites are converted into a special WML language. This technology has recently been criticised for low quality of service and technical faults. Logica's move to HTML-based software follows the success of NTT DoCoMo's HTML-based i-mode service, which has gained twice as many users in Japan as rival WAP technology. Logica will continue to offer WAP technology as well as the new application.