What is the future for websites?

January 19, 2023
Articles

By Mike Pnematicatos, CEO and Chief Architect, Merlin Software

In recent years, there has been a shift in the way people access the internet and consume digital content. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices, more and more people are turning to mobile apps and mobile-optimized websites to stay connected and access the information they need.

This trend is only set to continue as mobile technology advances, and more people worldwide gain access to the internet through mobile devices. By 2025, it’s estimated that over 75 per cent of internet users will access the web exclusively through mobile devices.

This move towards mobile-only internet usage raises the question of whether we will see an end to traditional desktop websites. While it’s unlikely that desktop websites will disappear entirely, they will likely play a less important role in the digital landscape as mobile usage continues to increase.

To stay competitive, businesses and organizations must ensure that their digital presence is optimized for mobile devices. This means designing mobile-friendly websites that are easy to navigate and view on small screens and developing mobile apps that offer a seamless user experience.

However, it’s also important to note that there will still be a market for desktop websites, particularly for specific industries or use cases. For example, some industries, such as the stock market, online trading and professional work, still require a computer.

With all the information our clients need to view on screen, we believe that Merlin will continue to be accessed primarily from a desktop by Business Users. However, there will be a move from classic web pages to single-page web applications. We at Merlin already use this new technology for our Workflow Web Apps, such as Agent Desk Top.

Overall, the move towards mobile-only internet usage is a natural evolution of technology. People increasingly rely on smartphones and mobile devices to stay connected and access the information they need. While traditional desktop websites may play a less critical role in the digital landscape, they will still have a place in the digital ecosystem.