Lastly, avoid forcing users to input information (forms submissions) in order to get information. For example, a Stock Quote application should not force the user to enter in all of the stock symbols the user wants tracked every time stock quotes are requested for those symbols. Instead, a better design of the Stock Quote application would support a "Portfolio" area where a user defines what stocks to track only once, and from then on those stocks are automatically reported on and updated at synchronization time. In this design, the mobile application is allowing the user to create and store preferences for reoccurring and dynamically generated HTML content.

In summary, while all organizations have unique requirements, these tips are designed to provide some general guidelines for developing Web-based applications for enterprise-wide deployment on handheld devices. So, take another look around. Isn't now a good time to give your employees carrying handheld devices a competitive advantage?

Marty Kacin is Director of Professional Services at AvantGo, Inc. at http://www.avantgo.com. He can be reached at marty@avantgo.com or by calling 650-638-3399.