By the same token you could argue that burning CDs and printing out reams of paper to send via couriers is adequate, and that a system of distribution via the internet is a waste of time. Mobile applications aren't necessarily a replacement for voice communication, but rather an enhancement to.
For example, what better way to communicate information that pertains to a particular geographical location than providing a map with the location clearly marked on it? Add photos into the mix, taken on site with their positions marked and even the direction in which the photo was taken and you can save yourself a thousand words.
As for the price of mobile applications, only a small percentage of mobile applications are stand-alone anyway, the majority being integrated with much bigger systems in order to expand, enhance and mobilize the workflow. We don't expect to butter our bread with mobile applications, but we do intend to increase the usability and usefulness of our system.
Without a doubt, mobile applications make sense. But the amount of time you would put into this at this fledgling stage of the business would be a big mistake - one should first focus on the web based part of things, iterate till it matches the needs perfectly, then make a simple mobile app and expand from there.
Trying to make some large mobile app would bog down the business, and it will not pay.
The misconception there is that a mobile app need be large, or indeed that we are (or intend to) plough effort into one while we still have more important things to do.
But that doesn't stop us planning, theorizing and experimenting. How else is innovation manifested? :-)
For example, what better way to communicate information that pertains to a particular geographical location than providing a map with the location clearly marked on it? Add photos into the mix, taken on site with their positions marked and even the direction in which the photo was taken and you can save yourself a thousand words.
As for the price of mobile applications, only a small percentage of mobile applications are stand-alone anyway, the majority being integrated with much bigger systems in order to expand, enhance and mobilize the workflow. We don't expect to butter our bread with mobile applications, but we do intend to increase the usability and usefulness of our system.