The proliferation of mobile phones is a fact. The power increase of mobile phones is a fact. The latest devices and OSs become true multitasking. New applications are a given. The new user interface is a given. Mobile working is coming up, but will be supported by powerful multitasking and multifunction devices. But how are you going to port your business application to this device ?
We have all seen those magnificent new smartphones that make us drool. Cool user interfaces, cool features nobody really needs, clear screens, megapixel cameras and by the way a phone function. Although the iPad seemed to be the new gamechanger -and it is in some ways- I was a little disappointed that the device was not multitasking. Now that the iPhone OS 4.0 promises multitasking, I expect the iPad to be that as well. Some of the latest mobile phones are already truly multitasking devices.
This means that we will be able to start using these devices as real road warrior stuff. But they do have a different user interface. All business applications have been written for the desktop PC environment, with Windows, mouse and keyboard. Now, with the advent of icons and touchscreens, and a pop-up keyboard, companies have to rethink the user interface. Applications on the mobile phone can only be used for lightweight data entry (at this stage at least), in contrast with the desktop environments.
And it is not only about the interaction, it is also about the process and the situation in which the user is, as well as the device and its features. Actually, it becomes a complex matter to port existing business applications to the mobile devices. Companies will need to find people with a fresh and creative look on user interactions.
Which existing business applications are you going to port to the mobile devices ?
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