Wendy Norris's List: Mobile

The mDirectory is the most comprehesive database of information on mobile tech for social change on the Web.

While few nonprofits have developed mobile apps, the potential is huge if done strategically and of course executed well. We’ll likely see some great mission driven apps released in the coming years as more nonprofits decide to experiment and invest in mobile app development to further their missions.

"If you need another reason--53 reasons, actually -- to start taking mobile seriously, take a look at this report from Burson-Marsteller and Proof Integrated Communications (where I am managing director of emerging media) on the state of mobile. It has a title, but I like to call it "be mobile or be dust." "

"Proponents of the revolution believe that a richly designed and robust mobile reader will be a boon to digital subscriptions, and more importantly to advertising, in a way, and at a rate, that the Web has not. What this theory hinges on, though—and what the hype has tended to overlook—is the need for the media companies that create news and other editorial content to reclaim control over the channels of delivery for that content—the kind of control they had when the printing press was still at the center of our information universe."

"Native data applications, such as those installed on smartphones like the iPhone and devices running Android, now account for 50% of all mobile data volume according to a new report from Finnish mobile analytics company Zokem. In a global smartphone study released this month, the company found that while the mobile Web browser was still the most popular smartphone "app," the use of native apps outside the browser is growing faster than mobile browsing itself."

"Programmable Earth"

"FLOW is a dynamic new Water For People baseline and monitoring tool that allows us to get a clear view of what's working, what's on the verge of disrepair, and what's broken. Not only will Water For People use the data to make better programming decisions, but governments, partners, donors and the public can also easily monitor projects and take action when necessary. Plus, the data is easy to gather, share and understand allowing us to build better solutions for a lasting impact.\n\nIt's a wide spectrum view into our work that will allow Water For People to be flexible and quickly responsive when problems arise."

Liberation Technology class and the Nigerian water-finding mobile app.

"But for non-profits, developing mobile apps can be a tricky undertaking. There’s a lot of hype around apps, and it’s hard to know how to approach the smartphone market. Planning for a mobile app that fits into a non-profit’s mobile communications strategy can make the difference between a great app and an app that doesn’t meet expectations. For non-profits wanting to develop apps, it’s important to make sure that they are meeting a real need – both for the organization and for users."

Selling mobile advertising: How local news organizations can get started