To keep the firm's consultants in touch with one another while they're on the road, Objectsoft devised its own groupware that enables users to quickly e-mail each other, arrange for meetings, keep track of tasks and so on. It's something like a Lotus Notes designed to access Web-enabled mobile phones, Palm Pilots, personal computers, laptops and the like.

The groupware worked so well that last year Objectsoft started a sister company, NotWired, to market it to others. The firm is targeting groups of professionals such as lawyers, consultants and real estate sales people who carry wireless devices and need to keep in touch.

So far, NotWired has lined up about 200 clients, said Kevin Clark, chief executive for Objectsoft and NotWired. Business applications seem most likely to drive the wireless Web in the near future, Clark said.
"Have you ever tried looking up a restaurant on a Web phone?" asked Clark. "It's not that easy. You can get movie information, weather and some news, but that's about all. And how many times a week do you need to know about movies?

"In my opinion, business applications are going to be used more than consumer ones right now. You do need to get e-mails and know your schedule and what tasks you're supposed to do. As wireless Web connections get faster and screens get bigger, this will catch on. But right now, business needs will drive this."