You can deliver an application package to a user’s Smartphone device in a number of ways, including ActiveSync, a web download, an e-mail attachment, Service Indication (SI) SMS (Short Messaging Service) or Service Loading (SL) SMS, or storage cards. The SMS methods for application package delivery take advantage of commonly used text messaging services to send a download URL as a text message to a user. Visual Studio 2005 does not provide a simple solution to application delivery. It is up to the developer or the mobile network operator to select which method to use. The following is a summary of these methods:

• ActiveSync. A user’s Smartphone can be connected (docked in a cradle) to a desktop computer via a USB or serial port. Once a partnership relationship is established via the ActiveSync program, the Smartphone can synchronize e-mail, contacts, calendars, pictures, and so on with the desktop computer. Usually an application’s CAB file is further packaged using an installation setup tool such as InstallShield. To transfer the setup package of an application to the Smartphone, a user needs to run a setup program of the application on a desktop computer, which performs some compatibility checking and copies the CAB file to the Smartphone device.
• Web download. Users can use the Pocket Internet Explorer on the Smartphone to visit a website and download the application. The URL of the site can be obtained from e-mails SMS, or other means.
• E-mail attachment. Mobile network operators can send an e-mail to users with an attachment of the application. When a user opens the attachment, the application is installed on the device.
• Service Indication (SI) and Service Loading (SL) messages. Mobile network operators can send these special SMSs to users, which contain a link to an application download website.
• Storage cards. The CAB file can be put onto a storage card such as a CompactFlash card or a MultiMedia Card (MMC). When these cards are inserted into a Smartphone, the application package will be installed automatically, provided that there is an Autorun file and that the device’s security allows you to run it.

Regardless of which method is used for application delivery, internally the application installation procedure always starts with an on-device program called wceload.exe. Once a user clicks the downloaded package on a Smartphone, wceload.exe will be launched automatically. It checks the package being loaded on the device against the security polices and determines whether the package can be installed or whether the user needs to be prompted for the installation

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