dotMobi, Microsoft deal includes mobile device database DeviceAtlas in ASP.NET

Posted by Cian on Mar 19, 2009 15:12

Tags: deviceatlas, dotmobi, Microsoft, Mobile Content, mobile developer, mobile device, Mobile Devices, mobile internet, Mobile Web

dotMobi and Microsoft have announced that a new version of dotMobi’s DeviceAtlas is being designed for Microsoft ASP.NET. DeviceAtlas is a huge mobile device database that allows developers to virtually test their products on over 4,500 devices. ASP.NET is a free database of resources to help anybody build an on-line website. This new deal means that anyone using ASP.NET will be able to adapt their on-line sites for mobile internet.

dotMobi is now accepting beta testers for the upcoming DeviceAtlas update. The new version will give PC developers access to attribute information for devices including iPhone, Blackberry, PSP and Amazon Kindle.

From the release:

Trey Harvin, CEO of dotMobi said, “Finding new and exciting ways to open the mobile channel to the developer community is one of dotMobi’s ongoing goals. DeviceAtlas for Microsoft ASP.NET significantly expands options for site developers. Today, ASP.NET supports approximately 400 mobile devices. With DeviceAtlas for Microsoft ASP.NET, developers will have access to information on more than 4,500 mobile devices with monthly, weekly or even daily updates which they will be able to use seamlessly with ASP.NET mobile controls.”

“General availability of DeviceAtlas for Microsoft ASP.NET is scheduled for April 2009,” said Paul Nerger, vice president of Advanced Services and Applications at dotMobi. “To help us prepare, we’re actively seeking applicants for beta trials of the service. Interested developers should go to http://deviceatlas.com/aspnet to apply.”

What we think?

This service very similar to the one offered by DeviceAnywhere. Except where DeviceAnywhere recently announced a major deal with manufacturer Motorola, DeviceAtlas has this deal with an already existing developer platform. The option to simply click the “mobile” box on a website can lead to sloppy mobile sites that don’t port across all that well. In this instance, all the tools are easily available to properly adapt an on-line site for any mobile device. This does seem like more of a developer tool, though. For example, I can’t really imagine your regular advertising agency having the expertise necessary to use this service.