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Multi-Channel Solutions Strategy
Converging Technologies Fuel the Next Revolution
Over the past few years, the Internet has revolutionized access to information and commerce. At the same time, wireless technologies have created a similar transformation in mobile communications. As these technologies have matured, their previously parallel development paths are now intersecting.
With increasing requirements for any-time access to data, the key to future commercial competitiveness is the joining of these wireless technologies and the Internet. By enabling timely decision-making through the ability to receive and send as-needed information from any location, wireless Internet access will produce the next breakthrough in business and personal productivity.
Wireless devices allow access to rapidly changing information throughout the day that would otherwise be unavailable to mobile users. Additionally, these technologies bring the Internet to users who, due to their work locations, traditionally have not had ready Internet access, such as field site workers, construction crews, and transportation workers. Whole new customer bases can now be reached.
The Challenges of the Wireless Revolution
Consumers utilizing wireless Internet access will demand applications different from those typically accessed from the desktop. From a current technical perspective, wireless access is characterized by slower access speeds and smaller screens than wireline access. Additionally, wireless users have a different working model than someone sitting at a desktop computer.
By sitting down in front of a desktop computer, the desktop user is dedicating specific time for accessing or browsing the Internet. The wireless user, on the other hand, is mobile, and is trying to maximize effective use of the Internet throughout scattered moments of the day. This requires the wireless user interface to be more task focused, with minimal screen transversal and keystroke requirements.
The mobility of wireless devices provides the ideal environment for the evolution of push technology into the "proactive Internet." For example, schedule changes, air flight delays, product update information, or breaking news stories can all be instantly communicated to the user without the user being tied to a desktop computer and wired access.
For these and other reasons, wireless access is different from standard desktop access to the Internet, and represents both a new opportunity and a new challenge for Internet companies. Pervasent specializes in effectively extending our client's applications to wireless devices.
Pervasent's Strategy
Many wireless services companies are focused on either acting as wireless application service providers or on developing and marketing specific wireless toolkits and software products. These products attempt to port existing HTML and other web site features to a wireless interface.
While a seemingly cost-effective approach, this toolkit strategy overlooks the unique dynamics of wireless access versus wireline access. The truly cost-effective solution is the one that exploits these dynamics. With its staff of senior software professionals, Pervasent can provide flexible and custom solutions while protecting its client's investment of resources and time.