Santiago Becerra is CEO of MeLLmo Inc., creators of Roambi, a mobile application that transforms business reports and data into dashboard-style analytics for the iPhone and iPad.
Even before Apple’s iPad reinvigorated what was an all-but-dead tablet marketplace, the exponential growth of computing capability on mobile phones was well underway. Now, with millions of tablets and nearly a billion smartphones circulating throughout our always-on world, mobile computing is not just on the rise but is truly the future of computing – both for consumers and business.
As we shift into this mobile-dominated computing world, it is likely that in a few years we’ll no longer be talking about phones and tablets and laptops and desktops. Instead, we’ll speak of mobile devices and “personal servers.” The role of the PC for many consumers is already evolving into that of a personal server – a memory-rich, content loaded device that serves to store and sync content to mobile devices (their primary computer). Companies are behind in this trend. But with more and more business services being offered via the cloud, executives and workers will soon be able to access all critical information via their smartphones and tablets.
There is, however, another factor in the move from the PC to mobile computing – software. When the laptop was introduced as an alternative to the desktop computer, no major change in software was necessary. But this is not true in the shift to mobile computing. The emergence of mobile computing is pushing us into a new era of software. An era when total functionality is expected, but now in combination with an engaging user experience and anytime, anywhere access. In short, apps.
Apps represent the fastest growing marketplace in the history of marketplaces and continue to be a spark plug of entertainment and innovation, but many software and services companies have missed the mark on optimizing their offerings for the mobile user. As a result, the app marketplace has proven intimidating to many companies, especially those with enterprise software services. The reason is that the focus of enterprise software for the longest time has been 90% about functionality and 10% about the user experience. With smartphones and tablets – complete with interactive touchscreen capability, incredible processing power, and rich graphics – the future of software, even enterprise software, is 100% functionality and 100% user experience.
There are a number of reasons for businesses to be excited by this mobile computing and app movement rather than intimidated by it:
1) SecuritySecurity is almost always the first question that arises when talking about mobile business apps. The fact is that security on a smartphone or a tablet can be even more robust than on a PC. Technology exists today to provide multiple levels of security for mobile business applications, including: passcode to unlock a device, passcode/log-in to access a particular app, and the ability for IT to lock a particular phone, delete particular files, or even wipe the app from the phone.
Unlike with a PC, these remote security features for mobile devices are almost always available to IT because mobile devices have a persistent connection (unless they’re on an airplane). Not all developers of business apps will provide this level of security, but many innovative app providers see security as an exciting challenge and may change the mind of even the most conservative CIO.
2) Connection and collaborationIn the office, on-the-go, and at home – with smartphones and tablets we are always connected. There is no longer such a thing as a desk job. We live in a connected world that sends over 11 trillion emails a year (107 trillion if you count spam), 6.1 trillion text messages, and tens of billions of tweets, Facebook posts, “check-ins” and more. Businesses should embrace the mobile computing revolution as an opportunity to boost employee collaboration and productivity. With mobile, companies can keep workers connected to critical business information and ensure that decisions reflect the most up-to-date information and needs of the company.
3) InteractivityOne of the least talked about advantages of business apps on smartphones and tablets is interactivity. Interacting with content is much more engaging and memorable than simply looking at information. When a business app is highly interactive and intuitive by design, workers will also use the application (and the underlying company data) more frequently in their decision-making.
4) Intuitive UIThink about email on the mobile phone. Most services have done a good job of enabling consumers and workers to read and send email via mobile devices by redesigning their email system specifically for mobile use. If email were just a shrunken version of the desktop solution, it would be incredibly hard to manage and use on-the-go. Similarly, business apps like business intelligence, CRM, and other analytics will work differently on the mobile device than on the desktop. In extending business information to smartphones and tablets, companies will rethink the application to make the UI more intuitive, more engaging, and interactive for maximum productivity.
The mobile computing movement has already arrived. Cutting-edge companies are taking advantage by creating innovative mobile technologies and/or adopting mobile solutions that boost productivity and provide a competitive advantage in their industry. The always-on world is full of new ideas and new opportunities for decision makers to lead their businesses to their highest success points. Right now, many of the world’s most powerful and innovative companies are investing in the future by supporting multiple smartphone devices, deploying tablets by the thousands, and adopting new business apps to boost productivity. What’s your mobile strategy?
Editor's Note: Santiago Becerra is participating in VentureBeat’s inaugural Mobile Summit this April 25-26 in Sausalito, Calif. The invitation-only event will debate the five key business and policy challenges facing the mobile industry today, and participants -- 180 mobile executives, investors, and policymakers -- will develop concrete, actionable solutions that will shape the future of the mobile industry. You can find out more at our Mobile Summit site.