Time To Go Mobile?

If you haven't seen it already it's time you did. The world of technology and computers are changing yet again. In fact, in this realm the only thing really constant is change. The world is going mobile and you need to go with it or get out of the way. If you don't get out of the way you'll just be left in the dust. You'll be left out of the growing "cloud" of data and left behind in the world of mobile computing. You'll be like those DOS programmers who just didn't want to change or the people who are still using Windows 98 or Internet Explorer 6.

End-users want to have their "stuff" with them. Or, if not with them, at the very least they want it easily accessible from just about anywhere. If you create programs for Windows you need to look at creating software for mobile operating systems as well. BlackBerry, Android, and iPhone at the very least. You might also want to look at Windows Phone 7 and Symbian.

End-users also like continuity. So, my recommendation is that if you create a cool product for the iPhone you want to be sure to create the same product for Android. And BlackBerry. Many people carry two devices or switch devices based on what's available from their wireless carrier. If they've gotten used to your text editor, for example, under Windows and then under Android as well, they're going to be looking for it if they get an iPhone. Count on it. If they don't find it they're going to buy someone else's program. You can count on that too.

You have to take a good, honest look around and see what's going on. Decrease in desktop computer sales. Increase in laptop sales. Huge increase in sales of "netbooks." Dramatic increase in the sale of smartphones and in the variety and number of smartphones available. If you look at it you see a progression. Desktop to laptop to netbook to smartphone. Yeah, people are going smaller. They're going mobile.

Another aspect of going mobile is "the cloud." It's estimated that over 60% of businesses are either in the cloud or getting ready to go there. And about 70% of those that are in the cloud are planning an increase in cloud-based activity. Individuals and companies want that ability to access their "stuff" from anywhere. It's your job to help them to be able to do that.

So, what's my point? What am I getting at? Well, I'm trying to point out these things so you stop and think about them. You have to adapt, whether you like it or not. In nature if you don't adapt you go extinct. In technology if you don't adapt the same thing happens. So, don't be like those DOS programmers who were going to ignore this thing called Windows. Don't let yourself become extinct simply because you didn't pay attention to the signs. In technology things are going mobile, data is going to the cloud and software as a service is much more appealing than it was even five years ago. Look at what you do and think about how you can adapt it to the changing conditions. Find new ways to appeal to users. Think mobile, think smaller, think cloud. No, it's not going to be a fit for everyone, but early adopters often find a niche that brings them success. So, at least give it some thought. Maybe it's time to mobile.