Is emulation enough?

Application developers developing 3G applications need to have a clear idea how the system works to provide sufficiently flexible debugging tools to be able to diagnose problems in the field. Once the application is working within an emulator the developers should move to a simulator to ensure that the application operates within the constraints presented by a network. Once the application responds correctly in this environment, it should be put onto the real devices and tested on a dedicated test network where the operational environment can be controlled and where disruptive tests can be performed. Finally the application developer can move the application to a commercial network. In this paper we give a description of a pragmatic application development process using all available tools to make application development as painless as possible. In particular we discuss the use of dedicated test networks such as those in Adelaide, Australia and Cambridge, UK as examples of independent test networks for application developers who have yet to be able to establish a contract with a network operator. Applications can be showcased on these networks as well.