Salamander is a web-based mobile device attribute database and detection service.  It provides a URL-based device attribute query facility via user-agent attribute strings. Data from the open WURFL database can be imported directly, and then tailored with operator-specific handset releases or device attributes. Multiple mobile internet and VAS services can share a common device attribute database, providing greater consistency of user experience and reduced management time.

Salamander features attribute inheritance, e.g. devices can inherit attributes from their “parent” devices.  All device data is under version control, attributes can be overridden for vendor-specific requirements and attribute management is performed via a simple web interface. All Locatrix mobile Internet solutions use Salamander, as do several other mobile content service providers in Australia and Europe.

The Salamander API is quite simple; one URL is required to perform a device attribute query, e.g.:

• http://salamander.hostname/?ua=SonyEricssonW705A&filter=product_info

The return of device information is supported in a variety of formats (XML, JSON, RAW) and only specific attribute groups may be requested for simplicity. Some examples of response data are included below:

• a:9:{s:12:”product_info”; a:24:{s:13:”is_transcoder”;s:5:”false”; s:19:”has_pointing_device”;s:5:”false”; s:12:”nokia_series”;s:1:”0″; s:19:”has_qwerty_keyboard”;s:5:”false”; s:13:”nokia_edition”;s:1:”0″; …
• <device user_agent=”SonyEricssonW705a”><group id=”product_info”> <is_transcoder>false</is_transcoder> <has_pointing_device>false</has_pointing_device> <nokia_series>0</nokia_series>
• <device user_agent=”SonyEricssonW705a”><group id=”product_info”><capability name=”is_transcoder” value=”false” /> <capability name=”has_pointing_device” value=”false” /> <capability name=”nokia_series” value=”0″ />

Future plans for Salamander include adding device export features, UAProf device addition support, and a possible offering as a standalone web service. We invite interested parties to get in touch with us if they would like to try Salamander, or provide feedback on our approach.