An opinion piece on Ovum’s (News - Alert) Web site discusses how device-side fragmentation is becoming a serious issue for content providers.
As the opinion piece points out, UK broadcaster BBC is embarking on developing mobile applications so as to bring its content directly to consumers. But the problem is, device-side fragmentation is going to make it too costly and complex for the BCC (News - Alert) to bring its news and other content to every mobile device out there.
As a result, content providers will invariably end up supporting certain platforms over others – for example, the BBC’s first mobile application will be developed for the iPhone (News - Alert). That means content providers are more likely to tailor their content for specific demographic groups, as opposed to society at large.
“Until a common cross-platform application environment for devices becomes a reality, the entire value system around mobile content will suffer,” author Tony Cripps wrote in the article.
Patrick Barnard is a senior Web editor for TMCnet, covering call and contact center technologies. He also compiles and regularly contributes to TMCnet e-Newsletters in the areas of robotics, IT, M2M, OCS and customer interaction solutions. To read more of Patrick's articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Patrick Barnard