A classic “mobile app” company has a CEO or busdev person plugged into the carriers, a marketing person that knows about getting “on deck”, and a tech team facile in BREW and Symbian.

Now, with the iPhone, Android, and Palm Pre, those specialties are becoming less relevant.  These new platforms are more open and Web-based.  There are platform-specific elements, but existing HTML/CSS/JavaScript/Canvas development skills translate over just fine.

Also, many apps need access from both desktop and mobile screens.  Point an iPhone to any top Web site and you see functionality formatted and tuned for mobile users.  Even game developers (a key category on mobile) will want desktop Web access for player rankings, game info, new game content, gamer forums, etc.

The result of this convergence is that we’ll see fewer pure-play “mobile” companies, and more “just” app companies developing across desktop, mobile, and living room screens.  Old-line mobile companies will find their proprietary skills and relationships less relevant as things open up and become Web-based.