Firms weigh in on the mobile internet

A panel discussion including representatives from Yahoo, Microsoft, Google and mobile tech developer Motricity, at CommunicAsia in Singapore touched on why the mobile internet was so important and what the various firms are doing to make sure they don’t miss the mobile boat.

Microsoft’s Chris Chandler, head of the firm’s mobile services in South East Asia said it was an exaggeration to say Microsoft had come late to the mobile party, and that the company had always been very active in the smartphone space, however it had chosen to focus its efforts more on enterprise users.
Chandler agreed that there was currently a “consumer revolution” taking place and said Microsoft was realigning its efforts and putting more of a focus on its Windows Live services.
Meanwhile Google’s Emmanuel Sauquet, director of business development in APAC said his firm was “just starting to scratch the surface of what can be done on the web.”
Mobile, he said was a “new platform that gives us the opportunity to provide our services to more people,” and to “make the world a better place.”
In terms of advertising, Google reckons it is the way to foster a better mobile ecosystem, and Sauquet reiterated Google’s new mantra: “mobile first.”
Yahoo meanwhile wants to offer users, both on PCs and mobiles “the most meaningful online experience,” according to director of business development for APAC mobile, Victor R. Ocampo.
Ocampo said mobile was an especially great platform in emerging markets and that Yahoo’s strategy was to partner with people.
Last but not least, Oliver Graves of Motricity said he believed operators were best placed to deliver a highly personalized mobile experience, that carriers were right to be breaking down the walled garden and that usage was key.