Mobile web technology is seeing a resurgence since its original unveiling during the dot com era. As iPhones, Blackberrys, and other devices become more commonplace, consumer demand for mobile applications increases. Corporations who explored .mobi versions of home websites a few years ago are finding that the time is right to revisit the potential of reaching customers on the go.
There were a few factors that kept businesses from successfully developing mobile web presences into lucrative ventures back in 2000. First was the lack of supporting hardware. Cell phones were nothing more than slightly smaller bricks with monochrome displays no larger than an oversized postage stamp. Fast forward a couple years, and the end user technology was there but the programming costs were still too steep for businesses to consider risking against an unknown return. Finally, there was no supporting service plan for transmission of large packets of secure data through national phone service carriers. It’s 2008 and the roadblocks are finally being removed.
The growth over the past few years in mobile technology has generated more than a few .mobi sites. But there hasn’t been a lot of fanfare from companies regarding their smartphone friendly web presence. That’s where MobileMammoth stomps in. As their website explains, “In the fall of 2006, as the mobile web was finally gaining some real traction, we decided it was time to truly make MobileMammoth a destination for mobile users to discover new and useful mobile websites and services.” Not only are new .mobi sites presented, they are also held up for review and recommendation. And while there are many .mobi sites out there, MobileMammoth has listed only 29 as “the absolute best mobile websites” by categories like business, sports, entertainment, weather and the like.
Reports are coming in that clearly indicate the time is right for mobile web. According to The Wall Street Journal, “Forrester Research reports that the number of inquiries it received from businesses and service providers wanting to talk about the mobile Web jumped 40% last year.” Companies like E-Trade Financial, Fidelity Investments, eBay, and Gamespot all have mobile versions of their website and/or service. These companies have the enviable position of front runners in the race to dominate mobile web business.
A whole new industry is being created, as well. Companies like GoLive!Mobile are springing up to assist any level of corporation with creating a successful mobile web presence. “What do users see when they access your company’s website using their mobile phone’s browser? Most likely, they see a complete mess. But have no fear – we can help!” proclaims GoLive!Mobile’s website. By providing services that encompass:
- WAP Site Hosting
- Mobile Website Design
- Traffic Management to Your WAP Site
- WAP Billing & Premium SMS Integration
GoLive!Mobile is helping other companies broaden their electronic presence and tap into the earning potential of the mobile web.
An idea ahead of its time can be mistaken for a flop. The mobile web concept was explored a little too soon. The desired level of service and customer usability just wasn’t there at the turn of the century. Now that PDAs and smartphones are able to deliver color presentation on a sizable screen, companies finally have a reason to re-invest in a .mobi version of their web presence. The companies who learned from past mistakes are certain to become major players in the mobile web game.