Mobile Internet can be divided into three main elements, presenting a horizontal approach to the core applications. The elements are communication, commerce and value added services. By introducing vertical target groups, corporate and consumer, most mobile Internet applications can be categorized broadly.
The applications of mobile Internet are generated from four different sources:
· Fixed Internet applications, such as email, news and stock broking. The form factory of a mobile device is taken into consideration when developing the services. However, applications are based on the fixed Internet. Therefore, the time to market is considerably shortened. Another way to generate mobile applications is to design mobile extensions for the existing Internet solutions. These extensions are not available when using the service with a PC. Instant messaging used with online auctions fall into this category.
· Content-driven multi-channel services. TV, radio or print is used in conjunction with mobile phones. The new channel is used in order to generate transactions, increase interactivity or provide secure and instant payment channels to consumers.
· Corporate systems. Real-time information from the corporate legacy systems is used in order to generate mobile applications. For example, management reporting, sales force automation and employee self service is used to increase efficiency and cut down costs.
· Technology-enabled applications. Instant messaging, location technologies and personalization are used to innovate new services which are able to push time and location critical content to mobile devices. These devices are personalized for the user. This category has enormous untapped potential because it is something completely new. It uses the characteristics of a mobile device creatively.
