Thursday, May 16, 2013

Websites Are Going Mobile !

Mobile Web

The Mobile Web refers to access to the world wide web, i.e. the use of browser-based Internet services, from a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone, a feature phone or a tablet computer, connected to a mobile network or other wireless network.

Traditionally, access to the Web has been via fixed-line services on large-screen laptops and desktop computers.  However, the Web is becoming more accessible by portable and wireless devices and according to ITU (International Telecommunication Union) with current growth rates, web access by people on the move — via laptops and smart mobile devices – is likely to exceed web access from desktop computers within the next five years.  The shift to mobile Web access has been accelerating with the rise since 2007 of larger multitouch smartphones, and of multitouch tablet computers since 2010.  Both platforms provide better Internet access and browser- or application-based user Web experiences than previous generations of mobile devices have done.  Companies around the world are creating mobile websites.

The distinction between mobile Web applications and native applications is anticipated to become increasingly blurred, as mobile browsers gain direct access to the hardware of mobile devices (including accelerometers and GPS chips), and the speed and abilities of browser-based applications improve.  Persistent storage and access to sophisticated user interface graphics functions may further reduce the need for the development of platform-specific native applications.

As of July 2012, approximately 10.5% of all Web traffic occurs through mobile devices (up from 4% in December 2010).     -- Wikipedia

The Mobile Revolution


5 years ago, there was no such thing.  Now, everything is going Mobile !  Beam me up, Scotty !

If it is on the Internet, you can look at it with a smart phone, iPad or tablet.  If your website is not "Mobile Friendly", you are missing out now, on opportunities, period.  And this will become more evident as time passes.

2B or not 2B Mobile Friendly ?  That is not a question !

Every website needs to become mobile friendly, some way, some how -- right now !

What does this entail ?

Mobile Websites

Many companies are building a separate, new, mobile website, in addition to their existing, regular website.  Mobile is all about speed and easy use.  Most existing websites are just too cumbersome for mobile devices -- so -- 2 websites.  One traditional and one for mobile devices.  With very large companies and large websites, this may be the appropriate plan of attack.

Mobile Friendly and/or Responsive, Web Templates

ResponsiveHere is a new definition for you.

Responsive web design (often abbreviated to RWD) is an approach to web design in which a site is crafted to provide an optimal viewing experience—easy reading and navigation with a minimum of resizing, panning, and scrolling—across a wide range of devices (from desktop computer monitors to mobile phones).     -- Wikipedia

These words were first coined in 2010.  This is a single website that is designed to look and run great, no matter what device is used to access it.  There are numerous Web Templates that have built in, mobile friendly and / or responsive features.  Depending upon what device is accessing the website, the website is designed and pre-programmed to adjust itself automatically, in what it shows to the end user.

CMS Extensions towards Mobile Devices

There are several extensions available that can be added into your CMS that can allow your existing website to effectively function, more mobile friendly.  If you have had your website for 5 years, mobile wasn't even around when you designed it.  An extension can take what you have, and take it mobile, as best as it can.  But, this is just a patchwork solution.  As technologies evolve, eventually companies will need to incorporate mobile friendliness into their thinking, and redesign their websites with mobile in the forefront.

Joomla! 3.0

Yet another reason RE: loves Joomla!.  In September 2012, Joomla! released it's latest iteration, 3.0, to be mobile friendly / responsive, top to bottom, front to back.  The first major CMS to do so, Joomla! 3.0 is ahead of the curve with it's thoughts about the mobile revolution.  Head over to Joomla! 3.0 for more information on this exciting new direction in the CMS world.  As of April of 2013, Joomla! has rolled out it's latest iteration of the 3.x versions, 3.1, and we are now up to 3.1.1Joomla! is totally committed to the mobile revolution and are progressing it forward through their software and thinking.


The RE: website is mobile friendly by utilizing a mobile friendly web template, JSN Tendo PRO Unlimited.  $59 well spent, for this, and it's many other features.

Ask us how we can get your website better suited to handle this mobile revolution.  We are happy to assist you with this process and can help you stay up to date and on top of future happenings and directions.  Give us a shout !

About the Author


Link to RE:
Bradley S Rinehart, Principal, Webmaster, Designer, Copywriter
Rinehart Enterprises  |  Phoenix, Arizona
www.rinehartenterprises.com
Rinehart Enterprises, aka, RE:, are Business Presence Consultants
Designing Complete Presence For Business !

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