HTML has been around as long as the web. So what's all the fuss about? HTML5 is yet another standard for web content that is aimed at delivering a common user experience regardless of browser. By doing so, the web community is aiming to enable application/web developers to produce an experience that is acceptable to browsers on Smartphones and tablets. While this in itself may not sound like much….it is. 

At the moment, there are various browsers across various mobile devices giving end users very different application experiences. This, in turn, means that developers end up "dumbing down" applications and sites to accommodate for the lowest common denominator, sometimes resulting in a less than acceptable app. HTML5 is lifting the bar. By enabling some type of standard, app developers can produce an end user experience that is in effect cross-platform. This all sounds great, I hear you say. Well it can be…but what does it mean to mobile enterprise applications?

In short, the good news is that you can deploy apps with very little "skilling up" and no real need for application platforms. However, the trick is to keep it simple. Simple apps, with simple data, and little, actually…I mean NO security, are quite acceptable. But give some thought to some of the more complicated requirements found within the enterprise and you will start to see where HTML falls short. For example, data synchronization/profiling (for offline accessibility if the user is in a remote location or another area where no connection is available), robust security models, encrypted data and messaging, dynamic apps, role-based apps and applets are all common requirements for enterprise grade solutions. We also need to consider back office integration and interface management needs. Most HTML solutions don't address this at all.

So, getting back to the original question…HTML5 does have a place in enterprise mobility. It can and should be used to deploy quick, simple, generally "thin" applications that give access to some basic enterprise data. But also don't confuse this web standard with a replacement for true mobile platforms. In today's environment, you'll inevitably be finding yourself talking to the mobile platform vendors and asking about if/how they support hybrid apps (i.e., some native and some HTML5). Make sure you include HTML support as part of your business requirements when formulating a mobile strategy. It’s only a matter of time before you need it.

An example of a mobile platform that supports hybrid applications and gives you the flexibility to deploy both types of application (while also managing enterprise-grade security and provisioning) is the SkyMobile secure container.

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