With all the discussion around HTML5, I thought I would spend some time getting to know more about it myself. I will be researching it and sharing what I am learning through a series of articles over the next month. I have read that it is expected to have a huge impact on mobile software applications and the business models of software vendors. Is it ready for prime time? I hear a variety of opinions on that subject.
Sybase has stated that their goal is to "enable web developers to become mobile application developers" through the use of HTML5 and their mobile SDK that will come with SUP (the Sybase Unwired Platform). I was told by Nick Brown at SAP that version 2.1 of SUP would be out in the September 2011 time frame and this version will include HTML5 support and an HTML5 container.
Mobile application design and development is challenging, in part, because applications traditionally needed to be customized for each different mobile operating system version and different mobile device. Developers needed to create multiple versions of the same application to accommodate different screen sizes, screen types, resolution, graphics, buttons, keyboards, barcode scanners, RFID system, digital cameras, etc.
In a perfect world we would have one stable and reliable programming language that works across all mobile platforms. That is the idea behind HTML5, although we don't live in a perfect world. HTML5 makes it possible to design, develop, and publish one time and display the published content via each mobile device’s HTML5 compliant browser.
What is HTML5? HTML5 is as the name says, the fifth major version of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the core language of the web. It is non-proprietary, open source and free for all to use. W3C - the World Wide Web Consortium – is the main international standards organization for the Web, and the Consortium that develops and approves the HTML5 standard.
What are some of the benefits of HTML5?
• Cost and speed of development: Developing an HTML5 app takes roughly half or less of the time compared to developing a native app.
• Compatibility across platforms: Mobile Applications developed using HTML5 will be usable across a broad range of devices getting us closer to the goal of develop once and use many times.
• Dynamic content and layout: Content and layouts can be changed instantly.
• Optional installation: HTML5 apps can be distributed regularly via an App Store or can be made available via the browser. Users aren’t forced to install anything before using it.
What are the limitations of HTML5?
• Standards are still in development: The HTML5 standard is still being developed and the final version is still a couple of years away.
• Performance: HTML runs slower than applications developed using native code.
• Limited features: APIs such as GameCenter, in-app-purchase and peer-to-peer networking aren’t available in HTML5 without custom code.
I have spoken to a number of SAP mobility EcoHub partners about their views on HTML5. Some have already released production mobile applications using HTML5, while others are taking a wait and see approach.
HTML5 has the opportunity to radically change vendors’ business models and application designs due to the reduction of cost and time for development, but it is still a few years from being finalized. Native development is not going away anytime soon.
What are your thoughts on HTML5? I would like to hear from you.
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Syclo and SAP Deliver Mobile Apps on Sybase Unwired Platform
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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer
Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict
Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.
