User Ameet has posted an article on fivemobile on the pros and cons of developing Mobile Applications vs. mobile websites, taking into account the recent spike in smartphone handsets. Many companies tend to do both, such as Facebook, who have both a mobile website and application often complementing each another. A decent read for those planning on developing websites and apps for the Palm Pre. To summarize:
Pros for creating mobile websites include a very low cost (vs. a downloadable application), quick creation, and easy connection to an already established, high traffic website. Cons include the inability to take advantage of device-specific features, high cost, clunky interface, cross-compatibility issues, and a more narrow audience.
Pros for developing mobile apps include direct interaction with device-specific features such as accelerometer and GPS, easy input, performance optimization, and consistent look. Cons include high cost of upkeep/updates, high cost of multi-platform porting and development, and time-consuming testing phase.
It's important to add that every big player is now into the mobile app market. Just recently, Google opened the doors for paid Android apps. What this means is that in addition to the iPhone, developers have Google, Blackberry, and Palm to consider when bringing a new app to the mobile market, and having a good developer sense and porting strategy for existing apps is that much more important. An article by CNN gives a good overview of all the competing App Stores, as well as an informative blog post here.
In conclusion:
If it’s simply an extension of your mobile website, is heavily content focused and does not require an interactive user experience, then the mobile web may be a better choice. If one requires access to device functionality such as location or the contact list and have an appropriate development and porting strategy formed...then developing a mobile application makes sense.
Check out the full article here:
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