As more and more users access the Internet using smart phones and tablets along with the traditional desktop and laptop computers, users demand that sites also be accessed via different platforms.
As an online business owner, you need to make sure that your website is viewable across several different platforms so that the web traffic your business receives is not limited. As a web developer, you should in turn be advising clients the need for website versatility and how not having this can severely impact your client’s business. Although you can argue that majority of Internet users use desktop computers, it is without a doubt that smart phone users are increasing in number. In fact, smart phones are seen to win over desktop sales in the coming years.
There are three ways you can access your website:
- Web / Desktop Application—This is your site as viewed on a PC or MAC thru their respective browser(s) i.e. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Mobile application—Typically designed for the use of iPhones and Blackberry mobile devices. What this does is that it automatically senses a mobile device and accommodates the user’s ability to view the pages and navigate. Further, there is an option to revert to the desktop version if the need arises to view the site in full desktop mode as per point #1 (Web App).
- Iphone/Ipad/Android App—These are designed only for the mobile devices and run with the OS (operating system) of the phone.
If your current website is not designed for all mobile devices, it is recommended that you have your site redesigned to make it more mobile device friendly. With the wide range of devices being used by users to access the Internet, your website should be versatile enough to be able to keep its edge in the online world.