Abstract: A client-based method for implementing a communications link. The method includes receiving a request for a communications link from an application executing on a handheld device and accessing a device API component to configure device hardware to implement the communications link. A wireless communications link is established with a server. In optimized protocol is automatically implemented between a client communications component and the server based on the wireless communications link type and the handheld device type, wherein the communications link is established via the communications component functioning with a device API component to configure hardware of the handheld device.

Abstract: A server-based method for implementing a communications link. The method includes receiving via a communications network a request for a communications link from a client communications component executing on a handheld device and establishing a wireless communications link with the handheld device by using a server communications interface executing on the server. An optimized protocol is automatically implemented between the client communications component and the server based on the wireless communications link type and the handheld device type, wherein the optimized protocol is implemented while maintaining a standardized application programming interface for the server communications interface, and wherein the communications link is established via the communications component functioning with a device API component to configure hardware of the handheld device.