Mobile web site providers can be measured with a set of parameter including technology, feature richness, price and partnership models.

Technology

Mobile app technology landscape is continually varying with many apps developed and brand new versions getting released frequently. The challenge is to rope in the right skill sets and also maximise version features and address outdated issues. This is directly in proportion to varied mobile platforms and tool set the developer can provide. As an example certain sellers are focused on offering niche apps on iphone/ipad development while others focus on Android platform extensively. The supplier must have a broader skill set and a pool of app developers. There should be proven examples on diverse iPhone models where the programs are used. This boils down to the needs and how quick the supplier offers services apropos the learning curve, development and support for the technology platform. The biggest success criteria for selection of the right technology supplier is to appraise the wants and match them with the abilities the developer puts to the table. As an example the way the developer has an element based architecture that would suit re-use, leverage existing features and also standardizing across varied building blocks. Also the developer can be evaluated for the process and quality controls methodologies they use for mobile site development.

Feature richness

The developer can be evaluated by the list of requirements obtained from the business structure. For example the analysis can contain the following parameters Control interface, key functions of the apps, design, capacities like inclusion with payment suppliers, simplicity of use, openness in form of APIs and services exposed. The evaluation focus should target short term, medium term and long term goals of the business and how it maps to the features that are current and that will be extended in the future. The ease of navigation and intuitiveness of the UI must carry higher weight in the analysis. Also how the site can be administered and managed like hosting needs to be explored. SLA analysis for performance parameters like reply time, number of steps for navigation can be assessed to determine the feature capacities.

Price

Development cost is a key parameter to think about for the selection of a mobile website designer. It can be evaluated on basis of apps development costs on various platforms, upkeep, support and administration of the programs. Some developers provide profit sharing model while others use a build, operate & transfer model. The provider pricing model can be understood by the way they supply support to existing programmes right from development to delivery cycle. The final costs of ownership must take account of hardware, software, services and upkeep costs for the developer.

Partnerships

This is the do or die factor for the providers as they deliver the site and services based mostly on collaboration with other developers like online adverts, incorporation with providers like payments, service development, 3rd party libraries etc, If the provider has a proven partner network it becomes easier for connecting and outreach to the present clients. If the supplier is low on partnerships it can become a concern over the long run. Your website can be marketed thru a partner site hence inflating the hit rates. It’s vital since mobile is considered as an eco system with one or two complimentary offerings.

Last but not least is to have reference apps and a proof of idea phase with selected providers to figure out if they can deliver on your necessities. Though it is an indicative assessment, you may at least gather their approach and engagement model for your internet site.

In summary the suppliers analysis should be primarily based on the parameters above with a clear stack ranking on the above with emphasis on the customer’s requirements attached to it. A template can be developed with the above and employed for evaluation.

Brian R. Whitmer is an SEO consultant at Mobile Website Design 1. You can read more mobile website development tips at his website.