Dr. Shaul Shalev

Full of promise, benefits, and potential profits, mobile commerce is capable of becoming a $21 billion industry by 2004, according to leading analyst firm IDC. Several key marketplace infrastructure components are already in place to jumpstart that growth. What the industry needs now is a vision that blends these elements into a coherent cost-effective system that serves both consumers and merchants. Today, the nearly ubiquitous and expanding presence of cellphones provides consumers with a practical "mobile wallet" that can eliminate the time and cost involved in placing orders or making purchases. Imagine, for example, being able to simply key a short code into a cellphone to activate a gas pump, pay for parking, buy an item at the convenience store, order from a fast-food restaurant, buy movie tickets, or reserve video rentals. No digging for cash or waiting on l... (more)