The growing increase in the number of mobile devices is encouraging more and more companies to look to mobile phones as distribution platforms for Internet content. Estimates vary for the number of mobile devices used to connect to the internet, but a conservative figure is that by 2008 there will be 1.3 billion worldwide, however, few people are actually using their mobile phones to surf the Net. Part of the reason is that there are only a small number of mobile device friendly web sites and these are often difficult to find. Enter .mobi, a new top-level domain, like .com or .org, created exclusively for mobile compatible websites. The idea is that users will know that if they use an address with the .mobi suffix, it will be formatted especially for mobile devices.

Companies of all sizes will be looking to create a mobile compatible site with content optimized for the mobile Web, which will mean double development (sites developed for traditional World Wide Web and sites developed for mobile Web). Essentially, consumers will be interacting with the same article as on the World Wide Web, though the web pages may be a slightly different from those that are accessed on a personal computer, with reduced graphics and fewer choices. Plus, with strict development standards, your mobile compatible site will not allow pop-ups or other windows to appear allowing a smoother surfing experience.

How will .mobi be able to display content on a smaller screen and format it to a particular mobile device? "Style sheets" behind each address will allow the site to identify which kind of device a visitor has (PDA or cell phone) and tailor screen resolution, file size and number of pictures accordingly. Sites will be closed down if they don't stay on the right side of the regulations.

When will domains go on sale? Currently, registration began on June 12th to any trademarked name. All other names will be able to register for a mobile compatible site address beginning on August 28th.

Ultimately, the success of a mobile compatible site will depend on content that will attract and retain the interest of internet-ready mobile device users. Let Starkmedia equip your company on both fronts—traditional and mobile web.