BoE Securities, stock broking arm of the BoE financial services group, achieved a South African first this week (February 16) by announcing the successful adoption of WAP technology.
This Wireless Application Protocol allows clients to access the BoE Securities Internet site from WAP-enabled cellphones. Previously, clients needed a PC or laptop or palmtop computer to access the site.
WAP-enabled access via cellphone to Net-based data recently emerged as a hot new trend in Western Europe. This is the first time WAP technology has been harnessed inside the South African financial services market, according to Guy Algeo, manager, E-Commerce, at BoE Securities.
The WAP-enabled link to the BoE Securities web site gives broking clients access to real-time share prices, JSE news, currency rates and local and global market information.
Trading through the WAP-interface will be available shortly. Secure software only recently became available in South Africa. This enhancement will enable clients to receive confidential information and manager their investment portfolios via the WAP-link.
WAP-enabled cellphones only arrived in South Africa late last year.
Comments Dave Eliot, director, Private Clients, at BoE Securities: "We stay close to client needs. They expect us to add value by providing well researched, well motivated advice - and by making that advice available in a timeframe that allows them to draw maximum advantage from the information.
"At the same time, we know our clients are technology-empowered and are heavy users of cellphones. They stay in touch and are irritated by delay. Any tool that speeds up access to financial or market information is important to them."
BoE Securities expects clients to become early users of the new generation of wireless tools. A fully functional version of its web site is already open to clients using Windows CE devices.
BoE Securities has been positioned for some time as an early adopter of information technology and knowledge tools. It is one of the country`s leading on-line brokerage houses.
Its web site allows clients to engage in online trading while drawing on comprehensive data on all JSE sectors and individual companies. Buy, sell and hold recommendations are constantly updated.
BoE Securities` online services can be called up on www.boesecurities.co.za. For more information on WAP, visit their web site on www.boesecurities.co.za/wap/.
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