Language proves to be a hurdle for mobile commerce
Mobile commerce has managed to make major progress in the U.S. and Japan, but in Europe, mobile commerce has met with significant challenges that extend well beyond issues concerning security and efficiency. Language and infrastructure have proven to be the most complicated problems faced by the mobile commerce sector in Europe. Both the U.S. and Japan enjoy universal e-commerce markets due to the fact that both countries have a predominant language. Europe, however, is filled with countries that have very different languages from one another, making it difficult to create a universal mobile commerce ecosystem.
Universal market in Europe has yet to take form
European countries tend to be homes to national markets that do not synergize well beyond the boundaries of the countries they take form in. Such markets are meant to appeal to those that live in particular countries, of course, but this tends to create some division when it comes to universal commerce. For instance, those from countries where English is not a prominent language could have trouble participating in mobile commerce in countries like the United Kingdom, where most commerce services are based on the English language.
Europe 500 aims to solve the language problem
In order to address this issue, Europe 500, a conglomeration comprised of many large European companies, has begun to leverage its various investments to provide better localization to e-commerce sites in various countries throughout the European Union. This is expected to help make it easier for consumers to participate in mobile commerce no matter where they are in Europe by providing them with services that are based on their native language.
Localization is a costly venture for some
Making mobile commerce universal is no small task. Europe 500 is comprised of many companies, some of which have heavily invested in mobile commerce in the past. Despite the apparent interests that these companies have in mobile commerce, localization and bolstering infrastructure is not an inexpensive task. Many companies may be inclined to continue supporting national markets in an effort to save money.
Apple finally moves into the mobile commerce sector
Apple has been taking a slow and steady approach to the matter of mobile commerce. The company faced harsh criticism from consumers recently due to the fact that it did not include NFC technology in the iPhone 5. Moreover, the company refuses to support NFC technology in any significant fashion, which keeps most Apple devices away from the realm of mobile commerce. While third parties have brought mobile commerce to these devices, Apple itself remains cautious on how to approach the issue due to concerns regarding security.
iCloud Keychain revealed by Apple
Despite Apple’s caution, the company has released its first authentic mobile commerce platform, called the iCloud Keychain. The iCloud Keychain exists as a sort of mobile wallet, upon which consumers can store a variety of information, such as passwords and financial details. This information can then be used across several Apple devices to log into websites or make purchases online. The platform does not support NFC technology as it exists as an application rather than a physical device, but it will allow Apple consumers to participate in mobile commerce to some degree.
Company’s worries over security continue
Apple’s caution regarding mobile commerce is due to the serious security concerns that the company has. Mobile commerce is not only popular with consumers; it is also very popular with hackers that are looking to exploit the financial information of consumers. Most mobile commerce platforms are based on NFC technology, which Apple believes to be insecure by nature. Because Apple has little trust in the security of NFC, the company has been working to find an adequate alternative to the technology while ensuring that the financial information of consumers is kept safe.
Apple remains cautious of mobile commerce
Apple has flaunted its ambitions in the mobile commerce realm in the past, but the company is in no rush to compete with others in this emerging field. Those that have rushed into the mobile commerce field have been met with several challenges that have proven very difficult to overcome. Apple is currently observing the sector to keep track of these challenges and finding solutions based on the examples provided by other companies.
