We're just beginning to understand how application design has to change in order to keep up in a mobile environment. Developers must find ways to deal with intermittent connectivity, to optimize network latency, and to incorporate standards to accommodate new types of computing devices.

This article introduces three areas in which application design affects the bottom line: cost, efficiency, and reach. The next three articles in this series will explore each of these areas in detail, using real-world case studies as examples.

Cost: look beyond the obvious
Good application architecture reduces costs over the life of a product for both developers and customers. I'm not just talking about the price of development. A poorly planned system can result in enormous hidden costs after installation is complete.

For example, a solution that initially looks like it will save money can become cost-prohibitive if the human overhead to maintain the solution isn't taken into consideration. Consider the case of an employee portal.