3 reasons why the Web platform will not fragment on mobiles

Mobile geek

Yesterday at Mobile Monday’s Mobile Platforms event, people were concerned the Web platform will fragment like other platforms (e.g. Java) fragmented on mobiles.

Background: I think Microsoft tried to fragment the Web themselves, though in the end they didn’t succeed to stop momentum of developer wishes who are supporting the Web platform.

Reasons:

  1. Web technologies are resilient to failure. Even if your platform implements a subset of Web technologies, a Web application should be able to degrade gracefully. Maintaining a basic & familiar user experience. I don’t think the same is true of Java applications.
  2. The success of the Web on desktops will force mobile Web platforms to gravitate towards it. The Iphone show cased the NY Times Website remember? People want the One Web on their mobile. If the NY Times is broken on their new mobile Web browser, they won’t be happy.
  3. Yes, there are integrator tests for Java platforms, though I like to think QA and awareness will be much better on the Web. For example the Web Compatibility Test for Mobile Browsers empowers mobile users to identify a capable browser on their mobile device.

For many in the audience I think a “capable” Web on mobiles is perceived to be very far away. Especially in developing worlds. I agree, though I am overwhelming optimistic and I’ll continue to argue that as for application platforms, the Web is the future.

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