Retailers embrace mobile technology

By 2012, 15% of retailers will have installed technology to communicate with mobile devices, according to Gartner.

The analyst urged businesses to explore the potential of short-range, location-based services using imaging and Bluetooth as data communication technologies, as many mobile business 2.0 propositions will depend on the prospective customer’s location.

Nick Jones, distinguished analyst at Gartner, said that unlike the web, which is virtual, mobile business will involve a large element of personal presence and location.

“This can be exploited by real estate owners such as retailers that could install Bluetooth beacons; put handset-readable barcodes on advertisements, posters or shelves; and use image sensors to read barcodes or text displayed on handset screens,” he explained.

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