Is it worth it?

[Mr. Noodle]

Hi y'all!

I've read various articles speaking about the increase in cell phone web surfers, and that within a decade the percentage of internet users surfing with their cell phones will greatly increase, even above the number of conventional Internet users.

I'm still quite set in my ways when it comes to conventional Internet, but technology could easily develop to a point when it will really be more convenient to surf from a mobile phone, but as of now it's convenience is quite limited - it costs a lot to connect, you can only see sites done in a programming language visible to cell phones, which are limited, and the graphics are on a Flintstones level.

So I wonder: Is it really worth investing (even if the costs are limited) time and money in a wap site in this moment in time? As a programmer, is it really worth learning one of these languages? The conventional internet world is going at an extremely fast pace, with competition between site owners, search engines and web directories, PPC and PFI services, SEO and SEM agencies trying to get their clients (and themselves) ranked well and popular. Amongst all this, where does wap stand?:confused:

[bigDugan]

I've been using WAP/WML for a few years on one of my sites. I think it all depends on the application. What you need it for, what you're going to do with it. But yes, there are definitely markets out there for WAP.

I've found that the Openwave Developer Program (http://developer.openwave.com/index.html) is an excellent source for WAP developers. (That's where I got started) And you can even download a cell phone simulator (http://developer.openwave.com/download/index.html) that will run on your desktop! So you dont even need to own a web ready cell phone to get started.

[JuniorHarris]

Great links!~ :up:

[jfrovich]

This is the correct link
http://developer.openwave.com/dvl/tools_and_sdk/phone_simulator/

[Michael Martinez]

I tried to experiment with WAP a few years ago and just couldn't devote the time and resources to it that I need to. However, this weekend I attended a holiday party where I met someone who works in the wireless industry. She told me that the majority of Asians with cell phones are already using them to surf the Internet.

It's only a matter of time before it becomes common in North America and Europe.

[Dave Hawley]

I've read various articles speaking about the increase in cell phone web surfers, and that within a decade the percentage of internet users surfing with their cell phones will greatly increase, even above the number of conventional Internet users.Those statements raise more questions than answers IMO.

1) It may assume conventional Internet use will remain static?

2) What will non-conventional Internet users being doing online?

3) What Countries is the increase expected in?

4) It maybe 3rd World Countries as Mobiles spread across the Globe.

5) Most 'buying' type traffic have probably neared their peak already.

Whenever statistics are mentioned or quoted one should NEVER take them on face value. Dig deep and remember, the Devil is always in the details.

[ihelpyou]

This thread is four years old. :)

That said; I know the percentage of mobile surfers has increased, but the question remains, "is this a necessity for sites?" I don't think so,... even now. There is something about buying something through a 2 to 3 inch window that is not very appealing.... and I do surf with my cell.

[jfrovich]

Sorry Doug
I didnt notice the date when i posted the new link..

[Michael Martinez]

Good information is always welcome, in my book. Besides, I just happened to hear some inside gossip that was relevant to the thread. So your timing was excellent.

Sometimes it's worthwhile to resurrect an old thread.

[LikeMike]

Noodle: There's something very important here that you may want to consider I learned about a long time ago. The US government already had the lottery several years back for what is called the air phones, a new type of technology that has for the most part already been bought up by the big phone companies. This "air" phone technology will regenerate the net like it has never been before to a new level and will provide users of what will be then old cell phones access at a charge to the web. Yep it's real not sci-fi stuff and it's only a matter of time--- how many years?? who knows before it's a reality.

So is it worth it to stay ahead of the game? You bet! Any way you can!