60 Seconds On Business
'M-commerce' will save the day

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

Don't worry about the short-term collapse of the e-commerce economy. It will bounce back — and here's why.

Mobile communications will come to the rescue. The rise of "m-commerce" means greater accessibility for more people than ever before. That will mean more profit potential from new markets, and that's what drives the system.

Recent research from Fortune's top 2,500 U.S. businesses found that more than 40 percent already have equipped their employees with wireless technology. Another 30 percent are in development.

While U.S. businesses focus primarily on wireless e-mail and other B-to-B applications, companies in Europe and Asia are poised to focus on business-to-consumer tools directly. The early experiments are encouraging in terms of acceptability and profitability. Within a few years, we will not only equip our work forces with wireless phones and work stations, but also enable millions of new customers to come on line instantly.

Domestic m-commerce is expected to grow to over $500 million by 2003, according to Jupiter Research, and that means profits for those early adapters who have products and services available. Third-generation, or "3G" wireless networks promise fast mobile Internet connectivity, streaming audio, real-time video and more.

Dr. Drake Beil can be reached at 587-5832 or drake@60secondsonbusiness.com.