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Wireless Reference Architecture - An Overview of the Online Guide for IT Professionals Brought to You by AT&T

10 Dec 2007CPOL5 min read 19.2K   6  
Wireless Reference Architecture is an in-depth strategic and technical guide to help developers and IT professionals enable a wireless enterprise infrastructure. Learn how to navigate the key issues that affect developing and deploying mobile applications specifically for AT&T's wireless network.

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Introduction

IT architects, developers, and managers increasingly face difficult challenges and complexity in the wireless space. Yet there has been little architectural guidance and best practices information available for creating custom mobile applications or securing data accessed via wireless applications. Now, however, you have an online resource to help you maximize the potential of mobile technology—the AT&T Wireless Reference Architecture guide.

Your Guide to Platforms, Networks, Security, and More

Wireless Reference Architecture contains information on all aspects of wireless functionality, including operating systems, applications, and virtual machines—all vital areas related to mobile application development. You’ll also find key information about wireless and legacy networks, data network technologies, and AT&T Commercial Connectivity Service, which helps companies succeed by taking full advantage of the improvements in network bandwidth. Because wireless security is a critical component in the success of any mobile application, it is discussed in detail within Wireless Reference Architecture. The guide begins with information on lifecycle services, including best practices for formulating a wireless strategy as well as solution design, development, deployment, and maintenance.

Linking Enterprise Applications with the Needs of the Mobile User

When developing wireless applications, developers need to consider many factors—but it all begins with users’ needs. Because users often equate wireless services with the devices that they use to consume those services, developers must also carefully consider form-factor selection, ergonomics, and related device concerns. That’s why AT&T created Wireless Reference Architecture. It guides IT pros through the process of designing and developing online applications, helping developers overcome the common barriers. In each of the ten sections, you’ll find valuable insights, tools, and instructions to guide your decision making from project planning through delivery and lifestyle management.

A Comprehensive Online Resource for Developers

Wireless Reference Architecture, brought to you by AT&T, includes ten sections, covering the design, development, and management of wireless solutions and critical issues throughout the application lifecycle.

Section 1: Introduction

  • Explains the purpose of and audience for this guide and outlines its contents.
  • Describes how the guide helps developers and IT managers.
  • Provides a description of each section of the guide.

Section 2: Application Lifecycle Management

  • Offers a step-by-step look at the process of creating wireless applications and managing them throughout their lifecycle.
  • Discusses how to formulate a wireless strategy, application requirements, and functional specifications.
  • Describes best practices for deployment—including how to conduct a pilot—along with post-deployment needs such as service and support, ordering, billing, and related processes.

Section 3: Security

Screenshot - security.JPG
  • Addresses protecting data on wireless devices and during transmission.
  • Discusses tools and procedures to manage and enforce security policy, including the roles and responsibility of AT&T and your enterprise.
  • Examines the types of security threats and the elements of wireless security architecture.

Section 4: Users and Devices

  • Talks about the needs and expectations of users as they work with your applications on particular devices.
  • Explains what developers need to consider about user requirements and satisfaction.
  • Compares devices and discusses related development issues.

Section 5: Wireless Networks

Screenshot - networksmall.JPG
  • Looks in detail at the technologies and architectures that define the wireless networks of past, present, and upcoming generations.
  • Provides extensive background on legacy wireless networks, data network technologies, and AT&T Commercial Connectivity Service.
  • Discusses emerging innovations and how they will lead to new wireless applications and services.

Section 6: Compression, Synchronization, and WAP

Screenshot - gateway.JPG
  • Provides an in-depth look at several wireless network technologies, including compression and synchronization services and current commercial solutions.
  • Covers wireless gateways and how they bridge various wireless and wired networks to provide connections to Web servers and application servers.
  • Examines the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) environment and explains how it enables wireless devices to gain efficient access to Internet servers.

Section 7: Enabling the Wireless Infrastructure

  • Looks at the business services that help enterprises build and make the most of their wireless environments.
  • Offers helpful information about process management and work flow.
  • Includes issues related to monitoring and management and application services.

Section 8: Developer Resources from AT&T’s devCentral

  • Covers AT&T’s extensive resources on the AT&T developer portal that help developers create innovative applications.
  • Provides an overview of development tools and resources.
  • Explains important benefits of AT&T’s devCentral and how to put it to work for you.

Section 9: Related Links

  • Lists resources related both to topics covered in the preceding sections and to information not covered in the guide.
  • Offers more in-depth information with links to devCentral topics.
  • Draws on a wealth of external resources from tool vendors, device makers, and other experts to provide links to more resources for developers and business and IT managers.

Section 10: Disaster Recovery Planning

and Crisis Management
  • Explains why wireless technology should be a critical component of your enterprise’s business continuity plans—and how AT&T can help your enterprise improve your ability to recover from a disaster.
  • Explains how continuity and crisis management work at AT&T—and gives real-world case studies.
  • Discusses how you can enhance your enterprise’s disaster recovery plan with wireless technology.

WIRELESS REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE

For access to the entire Wireless Reference Architecture click here and login with your account information. For more information on devCentral, including the easy sign-up for a FREE membership, please go to the devCentral Homepage. Once you create your free devCentral membership you will have access to this, as well as other white papers and resources.

Upcoming Webcast!

Please join us for a Webcast on Wireless Reference Architecture

Thursday, December 13th
10 – 11 AM (PST)
Registration is required, so sign-up today!

Access instructions will be sent to registered attendees prior to the start of the Webcast.

Contact Information

Email any comments or questions via devCentral AT&T Developer Program.

License

This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)


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