Mobile Websites Vs Mobile Applications

In this age of technology, it will be hard to get away from mobile phones or cell phones. These devices are everywhere, and are used by a large number of people. In order to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the mobile communications market, businesses around the world have started creating mobile websites and mobile applications. The mobile websites are those sites which can be accessed from the cell phones, with the help of a GPS or internet connection. On the other hand, a mobile application is an application which can be installed and directly used from the cell phone itself.
In order to have a better understanding of what would be more beneficial to a business, let us discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of mobile websites and mobile applications.
Mobile Website
Advantages
The various advantages are -

• Requires fewer resources in comparison to an application.
• It is easier and faster to launch a mobile website.
• It can be created by reusing much of the structure of the actual (regular) web page.
• It is accessible to all devices with Internet access.
• It is easy to promote a website in comparison to an application.
• The updates can be uploaded at any time and can be made available immediately.

Disadvantages
The various disadvantages are -

• A website cannot be tailored to suit the features of a cell phone (smartphone), in addition, most mobile browsers are extremely simple.
• A mobile website will be less attractive, and will never be as complex and dynamic as an application.

Mobile Application
Advantages
The various advantages are -

• Within an application, we may include some features that cannot be included on a mobile website.
• Even if we do not have access to Wi-Fi or 3G, we can use the application that is installed in our mobile device.
• An application can use the entire screen of the device and provide a better interface to the user.
• The application is always visible on the desktop of the device, so the chances of using it are greater.

Disadvantages
The various disadvantages are -

• For a user to use an application, he or she must first download it, requiring greater knowledge and brand loyalty.
• It requires more money and resources to develop an application.
• Applications are not available to be downloaded on all mobile devices.
• Updating an application is not as easy as updating a website.

Thus, we can see that mobile websites and mobile applications can both be beneficial to a business and its customers.

The Benefits of Mobile Applications

n this age of technology, it will be hard to find any individual who is not aware of mobile applications. Every now and then, a new cell phone application is launched and often, such a new application is appreciated by the masses due to the features it offers. It is a fact that such applications or software have become very popular with people from across the globe. Many developers make a lot of money by creating such software. Even businesses develop applications for the mobile devices, in order to reach out to their consumers. Thus, we can clearly see that mobile applications are popular.

Benefits of Mobile Applications

Benefits for the users

• The users get a number of additional features which are quite useful and they are able to utilize the potential of their device to its fullest.
• One of the most obvious advantages of its use is the ease and speed with which information is accessed, as applications are accessible at all times.
• Another important advantage is the safe storage of personal data, enabling the users to save time, and they also get to customize the application, based on their choice.
• Some of the applications allow the users to purchase the items of their choice, from anywhere and at any time.
• Some of the applications act as useful means of information to tourists. The applications allow the tourists to know find details about nearby attractions, hotels, restaurants etc.
• Finally, we must not forget the fact that many of the applications are very interesting and keep the users entertained.

Benefits for the brands

• The continued presence of the applications on the mobile devices of their customers, allows the brands to be visible at all times.
• Another important benefit is the ability to communicate with their customers, thanks to tools like push notifications etc.
• The applications can be integrated with the social networking profiles of the brands.
• Even the application itself can become a sales channel (in app purchase, m-commerce).
• Applications allow the brand to establish a new sales channel which is open 24 hours a day.
• The applications offer the brands with a faster and more effective means of promotion.
• The brands can ensure that the customers remain loyal to them, by offering better quality service with the help of the applications.

Thus, we can see that mobile applications are beneficial to the users as well as the brands. It is of no surprise that business brands around the world come up with new mobile applications on a regular basis.