Tag: ibm mobile

Mobile commerce experiencing strong growth in retail

IBM has issued a new report concerning the growth of mobile commerce in the retail sector. The report — “Online Retail Index” — shows that mobile commerce has been growing in popularity among mobile consumers that favor their smartphones and devices over traditional means of shopping. Many of these consumers have become very comfortable with the concept of shopping online but are becoming less likely to remain tethered to stationary computers while doing so. Mobile technology has allowed these tech-savvy consumers to shop wherever they are, enabling them to shop more frequently and, in some cases, spend more money.

Tablets contributing to expansion of mobile shopping

According to the IBM report, mobile commerce grew by 31% in the first quarter of this year, up from where it had been in the same period of 2012. The report notes that growing tablet use is a major contributing factor to the growth mobile commerce is experiencing. Many consumers consider tablets to be convenient mobile shopping platforms. Larger screens offer better functionality with conventional e-commerce sites, making these sites easier to navigate removing some of the problems consumers have had with purchasing products.

Online sales are becoming increasingly mobile

The report indicates that mobile commerce now accounts for 17.4% of all online retail sales. This is expected to grow in the future as more consumers become acclimated to the concept of mobile shopping and purchasing products with nothing more than their smartphones or tablets. IBM predicts that growth will be sustained by retailers’ ability to provide consumers with a positive shopping experience and their ability to cater to tablet users.

Interactive technologies help attract consumers to mobile commerce

The IBM report notes that the use of interactive technologies, such as augmented reality and QR codes, has helped boost the adoption of mobile commerce. These technologies have been able to engage consumers in a new and dynamic way, encouraging them to make purchases of products that they are most interested in. In the case of QR codes, consumers have been able to make use of retailer discounts at a higher frequency, as long as they purchase products from a mobile device.

Monet chooses IBM for new cloud-based system

Technology giant IBM has announced that Monet, a leading mobile commerce provider in Pakistan, has begun using its cloud-based solution to provide enhanced service to consumers. Mobile commerce is growing in the Middle East and Monet has positioned itself to become one of the leading platforms currently available to consumers. As mobile commerce becomes more popular, Monet is working to make payments more secure and placate some of the concerns coming from consumers.

Cloud-based system may help expand mobile commerce in Pakistan

Monet plans to use IBM’s cloud-based system to expand its presence throughout Pakistan. The company already caters to numerous mobile banking networks and branchless financial institutions, all of which consider the security of consumers’ financial information as a major priority. Mobile banking is becoming more popular in Pakistan, thus becoming a more attractive target for hackers and other parties with malicious intent. In order to meet the changing needs of its customers, Monet has turned to IBM.

IBM to develop private system based on SmartCloud technology

IBM will be developing a specialized system for Monet based on its SmartCloud technology. This cloud-based system will provide Monet with a more comprehensive mobile infrastructure, which is well suited to meeting the growing demand for mobile financial services, such as banking and commerce. Monet will not simply be relying on IBM to provide it with a new cloud-based infrastructure, Monet is also outsourcing its networking, security, cryptographic, and disaster recovery solutions to IBM. This will allow Monet to focus on the core of its business structure.

Pakistan consumers begin to show more interest in mobile commerce

Mobile commerce is often thought of in terms of payments. The term refers to a wide range of practices in the financial world, however, including banking. As more consumers in Pakistan acquire mobile devices capable of giving them access to high-tech financial solutions, banks and other financial institutions are demanding new comprehensive services that enable them to better serve their customers. Monet and IBM may be able to provide such service and solidify the growth of mobile commerce in Pakistan.