What does Google’s & Apple’s substantial involvement mean for the Mobile Marketing industry?

In November 2009 Google, the world’s largest search engine company, paid $750million for mobile advertising network Admob. Right after the New Year Apple purchased a similar mobile ad network called Quattro for $275million. In the past year other major corporations like Microsoft, AOL, Nokia, and Yahoo have purchased mobile ad networks. A mobile ad network is an automated system that enables marketers to advertise their products and services on various mobile sites and apps without having to deal directly with each particular publisher. 

All of these strategic acquisitions suggest that mobile marketing and advertising is going to be massive! Either way you look at it, such big moves by companies like Google, Apple and Microsoft provides significant validation for mobile advertising.  It’s a clear indication of these companies confidence that mobile is an effective marketing tool and will generate significant advertising revenues. Many analysts believe Smartphone’s will become so “smart” that they will replace the need for personal computers making mobile marketing not only a piece of the marketing mix but the most important piece of the marketing mix; foresight that some of the world’s most progressive companies have recognized.