CHICAGO PRNewswire -- November 15, 2000 -- Curious Networks turns up the power on multi-channel applications development with the introduction of MAXML (multi-channel access XML). This is the first language designed specifically for the development of multi-channel applications. This patent-pending, XML-based language helps take the time and difficulty out of writing code for wireless and non-wireless Internet access devices. Using MAXML, developers no longer have to write separate code for each device. They simply write in MAXML once and the application is instantly accessible across all devices-regardless of the varying standards.
Through focus groups and product testing, Curious Networks found that developers face many challenges programming in the new wireless landscape. Moving into the wireless space has been a tedious process for programmers. With a variety of mobile and alternative access devices, and unique standards and presentations associated with each, developers had to painstakingly code an application for each device, which required them to learn numerous current and emerging markup languages such as WML, HDML, Voice XML, WAP and Palm's PQA.
Now with a single development effort, programmers can specify and write code once in MAXML, enabling them to deploy that application across all devices, including PDAs, text pagers, WAP phones, interactive TV, and standard phones using voice recognition. Without any alteration to the existing MAXML, developers can support additional devices as they emerge, eliminating the concern over ever-changing standards and technologies. Because MAXML uses fewer lines of code, developers also save valuable time.
"As more businesses go mobile, MAXML is going to be very important," says Dwight Taylor, Webmaster consultant and developer, who participated in Curious Networks' focus groups and product testing. "Most major corporations do not have WAP-enabled or voice-XML-enabled applications. They are strictly using HTML. They don't have applications that can go across devices, so there is definitely a benefit there with MAXML. It's a language developers will soon be looking to use."
Businesses no longer have to worry about recruiting and retraining developers on codes that may soon be obsolete. "Companies are spending millions to ramp up on current standards that may not last. Curious Networks provides a robust solution that eliminates the risks associated with deploying mobile applications," says Francesca Mabarak, senior analyst with the Wireless Mobile Technologies division at Yankee Group.
Unlike traditional development processes based on presentation, MAXML is founded on a human-information interaction model that explains the relationships between data and how users interact with that data.
The beta version of MAXML and Curious Networks' flagship product, Continuum, will be available on the Web at. Curious Networks Workshop will, for the first time, let interested individuals explore and evaluate the inner-workings of true multi-channel development, allowing developers to build and deploy their own test applications using MAXML. Curious Networks' enterprise version of Continuum is currently in beta testing with select customers and will be commercially available in early first quarter 2001.
