“More than 100,000 apps — downloaded more than a million times a day — are now available through Apple’s iTunes store for the iPhone and iPod touch,” according to Ryan Sharrow of the Baltimore Business Journal in his recent article, “Going App”.

I have to wonder what I’m missing out on…my cell phone consists of a purple Motorola MOTO W755, a standard flip phone from Verizon. I can text, send pictures, and take basic video — up until recently, that was enough for me.

Now with the craze of mobile technology, it seems as though cell phones are expected to double as a mini laptop in your pocket!! Sigh…like grade school recess all over again, I am the outcast.

So what does this mean for business marketers? — They to are now craving creative convenience, entertainment, and information at their consumers’ fingertips.

In his article, Sharrow discussed the explosion of mobile apps and how companies are using them to offer convenience and immediacy to consumers. First Mariner Bank, UMBC, and UMMS are just a few of the examples Sharrow touched on. From locating a nearest branch location, guiding a student around campus, or simply driving traffic to websites – you name it, there’s an app for it.

I found UMBC’s future expectations of apps to be the most intriguing. The campus portal architect, B. Collier Jones, visualizes future UMBC apps to go as far as helping a student find a parking spot on campus!! — Any Towson University student would probably cry tears of joy if this were to come to our campus. It’s truly amazing the direction that mobile technology is taking!

As a G.1440 intern, I am learning from the steps the company is taking to stay above the curve on this trend. With our mobile site recently launched, Marketing Manager, Tim Kassouf, is constantly stressing that strategy is key.

G.1440 is capable of mobile site & app development, as well as text sms marketing – aside from technical expertise, the most important aspect to keep in mind is strategy. Companies need to start by figuring out why & how going mobile would benefit their consumers. The key is using the technology to appeal and suit your customer base, and don’t limit yourself to iPhone apps!

Tim has also pointed out that he believes the trend of software downloads like mobile apps may steer more towards immediate web log-ins as faster connections become available and technology develops — the need for actual downloads may dwindle…

I guess I oughta’ start keeping up with technology — as a loyal Verizon patron…perhaps I’ll go try out Tim’s new Droid while he’s in a meeting ;-]

Just as 3G wireless technology is hitting its stride, the national carriers are testing and launching wireless 4G.  Sprint struck first with WiMax (think really big WiFi hotspots), but Verizon is on its heels with lte (Long Term Evolution).  Other carriers are on board with 4G, and the bottom line is that mind-blowing wireless data speeds are here, and will be mainstream soon.

This means more people going online with all kinds of mobile devices.  Netbook sales are soaring, but research shows people might be seriously regretting their mini computer purchase.  iPhone sales are way up, but can a pocket sized computer really take full advantage of 100Mbps data speeds?  Maybe 4G will mean more powerful large screen laptop computers will be relevant again. (I’m writing this on my 17inch laptop, so you can guess what I’m rooting for…) But we’ll likely see the same trends continue – faster & more powerful mobile devices giving people ready access to the Internet all the time.

But is your business ready for everyone to have the real Internet in their pocket or backpack?

Ultimately, you need a mobile strategy – and one that takes into account both small screen browsing and anytime access.  Are you giving people the opportunity to buy or connect with you quickly?  Does your site give users the information they need right away?  (I keep hearing Jakob Nielsen whisper, “Usability” in my ear…)

Faster Internet rocks, but is your business positioned to take advantage or miss out?