Mobile aware multimedia applications for UMTS: the ACTS On The Move project

The ACTS On The Move project is investigating mobile multimedia applications and services for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). A Mobile Application Support Environment (MASE) is being designed and implemented. This middleware enables personalised access to multimedia applications which will be available to users irrespective of the mobile hardware, user location and wireless network characteristics. A Mobile Application Programming Interface (Mobile-API) is being developed which provides access to MASE facilities. The Mobile-API is being used to develop new, mobile aware, multimedia applications. MASE functionality is being demonstrated through the implementation of a mobile aware multimedia business information system which forms the basis of a series of field trials. The project began in September 1995 and lasts for three years. This paper introduces the background and rationale behind the On The Move project. An overview of MASE functionality and the Mobile-API is given. The mobile aware business information system "Infomotion" and its evolution through the field trial programme is described.