Known as Device Independence Authoring Language (DIAL), the script allows authors to write mobile content software for use on various handheld devices.
According to an InternetNews.com report, more than 2,500 mobile devices are available to consumers, which makes it nearly impossible for content producers to create applications that work universally.
DIAL, which was the result of work by IBM, Nokia and Vodaphone on behalf of W3C, aims to remedy the problem of interoperability.
The stated goal of W3C’s Mobile Web Initiative is to “make web access from a mobile device as simple, easy and convenient as web access from a desktop device.”
While that goal may be some time off, W3C believes that DIAL is a key step in the process.
Underscoring the importance of this development Clint Boulton, who wrote the article for InternetNews.com, called mobile content a “multimillion-dollar opportunity” for content creators and wireless operators.
“Millions of consumers want to play games, or download e-mail, video and audio clips from handheld gadgets,” Boulton wrote. “In short, content consumers want to be able to do everything on a Palm, Treo Smartphone or handheld computer that they can do on a home PC.”
