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Mobile.opentable.com image
I’ve just begun researching a report with a working title of “Best of the Mobile Web.” As a result, I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only does OpenTable now seat three million diners a month, but it also has launched a mobile version of its web site. For those unfamiliar with the company, the premise is simple: it allows you to electronically find and book restaurant reservations. It is a great solution for those times when you want to plan a great meal in a new area, or simply want to explore new restaurants.

I think the mobile web version of this service is a perfect example of what the mobile web is good for. It has a simple, clear function, namely making restaurant reservations. It works on many mobile platforms; the fact it works on my BlackBerry’s limited browser is testament to its versatility. And it eschews Flash, graphics, and scripting in favor of a standard HTML pages that load quickly, even over slow wireless networks.

It’s too early to claim that OpenTable will be one of the best mobile web sites for my report. Every site has to be evaluated according to 25 Anywhere web criteria, so great content alone isn’t enough to land a spot on the list. Nonetheless, I have to say that OpenTable.com certainly has Anywhere appeal. After all, what’s the point of ubiquitious connectivity if you can’t find a place to eat dinner?

One Response to “OpenTable.com Mobilizes Dinner Reservations”

I am going to try it immediately. While we’re on the topic of Anywhere restaurant services, the counter-example to OpenTable’s Anywhere application happened to a colleague of ours recently at Legal Seafoods.

If you’ve been to a LS recently, you’ve seen their wireless table-side payment gizmos; if you follow the on-screen prompts and slide your credit card when told, you’ll get your receipts right there (and the waitron, an increased probability of a decent tip, as said gizmo helpfully suggests the proper amount).

But Berge Ayvazian reported that one site’s wireless network was down last week when he was there, causing hapless waitrons to have to figure out how to take both orders and payments on… horrors… paper! Guess one key requirement of an Anywhere restaurant is great network up-time.


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