To address the challenges posed to location-based application writers, we are developing ATLAS, a general-purpose application infrastructure and middleware supporting both location-awareness and mobility. The application program interface, based on standards being developed by the OpenLS Consortium in which we are participating, provides transparent access to multiple location-based service providers. ATLAS also offers uniform authentication and error reporting, local/remote transparency, and a capabilities-based service discovery.

ATLAS has been used to develop a number of prototype applications including a voice navigator, traffic alert system, and location-based mobile commerce. We are focusing our next application effort on location-based notification, in which user's are delivered information based on their preferences, location and perhaps the location of needed services. Significant challenges of scalability are involved to leverage the existing cellular networks.