Portals are driven to expand their customer base beyond typical ISP subscriptions in answer to advertisers insatiable need for broader markets. The potential of the wireless audience can t be denied. IDC finds that the industry will need to re-educate the public about the nature and practical benefits of the wireless Internet experience. While there are numerous opportunities for ASPs in many areas of mobile enablement and content provision, bringing mobile technology to emerging and existing businesses seems like the best fit for the traditional ASP business model. Existing businesses will be looking for solutions to make their ecommerce, corporate extranets, intranets, and other enterprise assets available to an increasingly mobile workforce, customers, and clients.
New businesses are likely to want to stay abreast of their markets.
If the younger among us have anything to say about it, this will mean mobile access. It won t be enough to offer products and services over the Web. People will want to access a range of goods and services whenever the mood strikes them, from any location and from any device. Next week, ASP Advisor will profile several wireless ASPs working on the development of wireless enablement today. However, IDC information that is to be used in advertising, press releases, or promotional materials requires prior written approval from the appropriate IDC vice president or country manager.