Got an email from dev.mobi today saying they’re re-branding to mobiForge.

I’ve stated my .mobi opinions in the past and you can imagine I’m pretty happy about this. The dev.mobi tools, standards and docs are such a great resource for the mobile development community, and they shouldn’t be confused with the .mobi or not to .mobi debate.

Let’s just make great, standards-based mobile apps and sites.

Full text of the email is below.

Next Monday, you’ll see an exciting new development to dev.mobi. After two fantastic years in its current form, we have redesigned the site – and we are changing the name.

We’re proud to announce that dev.mobi will become mobiForge.

(Don’t worry, all your bookmarks will still work, the same great content is there – and of course it remains the world’s largest independent mobile development community! If you’re interested in the amazing opportunities and technologies of the mobile web, then this remains the site for you.)

Since we launched, dev.mobi has truly exceeded our greatest expectations – the size of the community, the content we’ve been lucky enough to publish, and the great feedback we’ve had from you.

Confucius said that “only the wisest and the stupidest cannot change”. He might not have been talking about web sites, but we do know how surprising it can be when a web site that you know and love changes overnight, and the name, navigation, and layout you’re used to suddenly disappear.

Hence this advance notice! (And to ask you kindly to tolerate a little planned downtime on Sunday, 14 September )

Most significantly, the navigational structure of the site will change. We have created hundreds of articles, blog posts and forums over the last two years, and they weren’t categorised particularly well. That’ll be fixed.

Secondly, as part of mobiForge, we’re launching a new directory service with listings of resources, site builders, companies, tools and even people that will help you get ahead in the mobile web. We think you’ll love it. (And if you want to make sure you’re on it, drop us a line at
tech@mtld.mobi)

We’re also unleashing a new vertical search feature. You’ll be able to search not only mobiForge, but a wide range of other mobile development resources from across the web: all in one place.

Finally, the site will have a very new look and feel, which I think will speak for itself. Let us know what you think.

As you know, we’re madly passionate about the mobile web. And we’re also passionate about helping the people that make it happen. People like you – the tens of thousands of designers, engineers, and technology professionals
- from all over the world – who are living the mobile development dream.

Many thanks for your support, your feedback and your continued participation in the community. We’d love to know what you think of the new site come Monday morning, and we’ll see you on the forums!

James, Ruadhan, Claire, and all here at the dotMobi team.