Usablenet now allows clients to extend all current Web content, features and functions of their existing Web or mobile site to a specialized iPad Web app.The Usablenet platform’s new support allows clients to customize content and features for the iPad, as well as Web services, APIs or XML, maximizing usability and the potential for this new mobile device.

“Support for iPad will extend all content, features and functionality to an iPad-optimized view for consumers,” said Jason Taylor, vice president of mobile products at Usablenet, New York. “For businesses, Usablenet’s development of kiosk-like Web apps will provide companies with a
variety of business applications for the iPad device, such as sales or inventory management.”

For example, retail clients can use the iPad as an in-store point of sale kiosk allowing to search and select items not available in the store, replacing traditional kiosk or POS devices with a more affordable and portable one like the iPad.

Once implemented, Usablenet-powered sites will automatically redirect users to an iPad-optimized view, providing users with the ability to take advantage of the large multi-touch screen environment.

Usablenet has already started working with clients to build iPad-optimized sites for both consumer and business-end kiosk applications.

The Usablenet platform powers the mobile, kiosk, and assistive sites and applications of over 300 companies, including American Eagle, Con Edison, Victoria’s Secret, Aetna, JetBlue, and Walgreens.

The company said it is seeing a lot of interest in developing for the new device.

The platform requires no client IT resources, can support the iPad in every country, and can deliver solutions in six to eight weeks.

The target demographic depends on the client. It’s not about reaching only those who will buy the iPad, it’s about being accessible and available.

For in-store use, the demographic won’t matter as much, as the device could be used internally by staff of all types.

“Usablenet continues to sign new clients and launch new mobile sites every month,” Mr. Taylor said. “On the horizon is also continued mobile app development that takes more advantage of mobile-specific functionality, such as GPS, stored account data and camera.”