Server in your Pocket

According to Nokia, the “Mobile Web Server is a phone application to which you can connect over the Internet with your web browser. This allows you to easily manage and use phone functions with a PC, no external software needed.” To run the Mobile Web Server, you'll first need a free online account and a compatible Nokia Series 60 phone. Once you’re set up, you download the server as a sis file and away you go. Nokia lists the features you’ll be able to take advantage of, including (in the words of Nokia’s website); “Contacts - look up phone numbers; SMS sending; Blog - tell stories on your journeys; Calendar - colleagues see your availability; Gallery - browse pictures taken with camera phone; Messaging - send instant messages; Camera - share instant pictures; Phone log - view missed calls; Guestbook - visitors can leave their comments; and Guest and friend user accounts.” According to the folks over at the Mobile Life blog, the server concept first emerged about 18 months ago. The idea is two-fold. First, it enables the sharing of content created or stored on the phone with other people. Secondly, the phone’s owner can use a web browser on a PC to access the handset remotely (maybe to search for a name in the contact list, or to send SMS messages). The phone can be accessed either via the GSM network or by WiFi. If using cellular, a proxy method is used to reach the phone, with the URL registered at the Nokia website (which then forwards requests) rather than on the phone itself – as many operators do not permit public access to handset IP addresses.