Lesswire has teamed up with Deutsche Messe, at CeBIT 2001, to demonstrate what it claims is the first Mobile Fair Guide.

The Guide uses lesswire’s Bluetooth-enabled LocalNavigator technology to provide users with information about the show and fairground. LocalNavigator is a hardware and software platform that enables information services for wireless networks. It is designed for environments such as trade fairs, airports or convention centres. It comprises four key components, the LocalNavigator Platform, the LocalNavigator Bluetooth Base station, the Local Navigator IrDA Beacon and the LocalNavigator Palmtop Guide software application. CeBIT 2001 represents the first demonstration of LocalNavigator as a trade fair guide. According to lesswire the show is also housing the world's largest Bluetooth network. 130 base stations have been installed in Hall 13, covering an area of 250,000 square metres. The modules used in the base stations are provided by Infineon Technologies. The network enables Bluetooth-enabled PDAs, such as Palm OS or Pocket PC handheld computers, to receive information about exhibitors and their products. It also helps visitor to find the most direct route to exhibits. This information is tailored to the individual needs, as LocalNavigator’s intelligent platform is able to recognise personal profiles. At future trade shows lesswire also plans to offer mobile Internet. This will enable users to directly communicate with the exhibitor and save digital catalogue information on their PDAs. They will also be able to send data directly to their home PCs and communicate with other system users. A function is also planned that will integrate the personal notebook standard handheld function. Compaq, Casio and Hewlett-Packard have all provided Pocket PCs for lesswire’s CeBIT demonstration. These have been upgraded with Bluetooth Compact Flash Cards, supplied by Wireless Solutions. However, only a limited number of Bluetooth-enabled devices are available at the show. Visitors to this year’s show can download a ‘light’ offline version of the Mobile Fair Guide 2001. This can be done at four data stations situated around the fairground. It is accessible to anyone with an infrared-based device. In addition, users can access information about local services. This includes details of airports, hotels and shopping malls. A full version can also be downloaded from the Internet at www.globis.de/cebit.