Nov 30, 2011 1:00 PM CST

iPhones, iPads and SmartPhones, Oh My!

IABC Houston’s monthly luncheons are always great reminders to those of us who are communicators that technology and the internet are critical tools that we must master in order to be successful in our careers. Now that mobile devices are dominating the sphere of website browsing and internet activity, it is extremely important that communicators know the ins and outs of mobile websites, and why they’re important.

Companies are now allowing employees to use iPhones, iPads and SmartPhones for work. This is an exciting time for those of us who carry the iPhone as their personal device. As a result of the new policies, communicators like myself who manage global websites are embarking upon new trends. In addition to focusing on maintaining current and aesthetically appealing internal websites, we are now focusing our efforts on creating mobile versions of websites. Creating a mobile version of a desktop-accessed website is like taking a jumbo umbrella, folding it and putting it into a small purse. In short, it’s a huge undertaking that requires a lot of thought, careful planning and user testing.

The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) recommends that, as far as is reasonable, the same information and services that are available from a desktop website, should be available to users on a mobile site. Of course, there are some exceptions provided given the fact that mobile devices are smaller, have less viewing space and should allow for an optimal experience for the user. So, again, think: jumbo umbrella - small purse.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur or corporate communicator who has decided to make the leap into mobilizing your full website, remember that the process is a marathon and not a sprint, so take your time, and let the journey begin.

Stay tuned for a future article from Allyson detailing the process for how to audit your website and make it “mobile ready”!

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