3G, 4G and Beyond: Bringing Networks, Devices and the Web Together, 2nd Edition

Chapter 7

Conclusion

This book has looked at mobile networks, mobile devices, and the mobile Web 2.0 from a number of different perspectives and this chapter now gives a summary and outlook of the areas discussed.

The mobile Web 2.0 both extends and improves Web 2.0 applications from the desktop world. Like Web 2.0, mobile Web 2.0 is also about user participation and new services and information is no longer only distributed top-down but is created by the users themselves. This is possible because of a decentralized approach, because of the openness of services to be included in other new services, freely available information in network databases, open interfaces, and open source software. Furthermore, applications and services are continuously evolving and the user is part of the development process. Changes to services and products can be made quickly and global reach ensures there are enough users contributing and sharing information to create a critical mass for the service. The main driver for users to share information on Blogs, Wikis, picture-sharing sites, social network platforms, and so on, is the wish to communicate the need for self-expression and in some cases the desire to return something to the community for using other services and information for free. Most Web services generate revenue by including advertisements on Web pages or do not require revenue at all because they are driven by enthusiasts. New services are often introduced to the Web community without ...