- WIPI
WIPI, short for "Wireless Internet Platform for Interoperability", is a
middleware platform used inSouth Korea that allows mobile phones, regardless of manufacturer or carrier, to run applications. Much of WIPI is based on Java, but it also includes the ability to download and run compiled binary applications as well.The specification was created by the Mobile Platform Special Subcommittee of the Korea Wireless Internet Standardization Forum (KWISF). The South Korean government requires that all cellular phones sold in that country include the WIPI platform. This has prevented most foreign manufacturers from selling their phones in Korea, and handed most of the market to local manufacturers like
LG andSamsung . The government recently revised its rules to allow low-cost phones using3G (third generation) mobile phone technology to be sold without the WIPI platform, but only if they do not have internet functionality.The WIPI requirement is currently under intense pressure due to the
Apple Inc. iPhone , which is highly coveted but cannot be sold legally due to it lacking WIPI. [John Paczkowkhi, [http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20080612/south-korea-no-iphone-for-you/ "South Korea: No iPhone for YOU!"] , "Digital Daily", 12 June 2008] WIPI is the main reason blocking the iPhone 3G from coming to Korea. There is an atmosphere of antipathy within the government about it. WIPI is viewed as a protectionist system that is blocking the development ofinformation technology in Korea. [Cho Jin-seo, [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2008/06/123_25655.html "IT Regulation Prevents Korean Access to iPhone"] , "The Korea Times", Biz/Finance section, 10 June 2008] The KCC, the government body in charge of licensing, is current reviewing the WIPI requirement, and has granted several wavers in the past. [Kim Tong-hyung, [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2008/07/129_27195.html "Wireless Operators in Talks With Nokia, Apple Over Phones"] , "The Korea Times", Technology section, 7 July 2008]References
External links
* [http://wipi.or.kr/English WIPI Forum]
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