Web services for devices is a collective term that is used for a number of products and services that have been enhanced by the use of Internet technology. Essentially, a number of the products we have used in the past that are built on a foundation of technologies other than the World Wide Web are now enhanced by the presence of Internet connections. Here are a few examples of common web services for devices that many people use on a daily basis.
One of the first web services for devices developed was the use of the Internet to allow remote printing to take place. Formerly, printers required a direct wire connection to a network hub in order to function. Today, it is possible for persons who travel to send documents for printing directly to a printer at the home office, having the document print out in a matter of minutes. In a similar manner, it is now possible to use the Internet to send a document to a fax machine for printing as well.
The latest incarnations of the PDA and the Internet phone are also examples of web services for devices. Wireless technology has made it possible to connect with an Internet service provider, browse the web, telephone calls, faxes documents, and send email, all from a handheld device. Increasingly, these applications that were developed mainly for business use have become popular options for personal use as well.
Voice over Internet Protocol is also considered part of the basic web services for devices enhancements as well. It is now possible to use traditional land lines as part of the equipment that is used to make local, national, and international phone calls using audio streaming across the Internet. Essentially, the signal is converted from a standard phone signal to a data stream, and makes its way across the Internet to the point of termination. The point of termination may be a land line using traditional fiber optic technology, a cell phone, or a computer connected to the Internet and set up with software for making and receiving phone calls. The use of the latest versions of JAVA and XMTL make this process appear seamless to users, and help to maintain the integrity of the connections.
Web services for devices also make good use of home security and control as well. Persons who are traveling may use the Internet to manage activities at home, such as turning lights off and on, adjusting the heating thermostat, of even viewing images that are captured by security cameras on the premises. The ability to manage home controls while away is one of the more current developments in web services for devices, and will no doubt become increasing popular over the next few years.
Web services for devices are generally developed with an eye toward taking something that persons already use, and making that use even better by means of a connection to the Internet. As time goes on, there will no doubt be additional devices that will become part of the family of web services that we all reply upon.