Steve Jobs' death is reverberating throughout the mobile industry as executives consider his tremendous impact on the genesis of mobile marketing and whether there is anyone to carry on the torch.

The introduction of the iPhone and the iPad ? both of which Mr. Jobs had a big hand in  ? changed the mobile marketing game by opening up advertisers? eyes to the possibilities inherent in reaching consumers with their messaging via personal handheld device. While the mobile market would have evolved with or without Mr. Jobs, it can be argued that he helped accelerate its pace significantly. 

"The term 'revolutionary' is applied too often, but in the case of Steve Jobs, it simply doesn't go far enough to account for his influence and impact,? said Michael Becker, managing director for North America of the Mobile Marketing Association, New York.

"Informed by a personal vision of what could be, as opposed to one driven by market research, Steve Jobs imagined devices that were more than the sum of their parts and programs, and which became an extension of the user's needs, desires and aspirations,? he said. ?He not only changed the face of the mobile channel, [but] his devices and those created to compete with Apple's offerings are creating a new world based on his vision.

"While Steve Jobs? loss leaves the world a poorer place, it is a world that he helped re-imagine and re-engineer. That world will be his legacy.?

The loss of Mr. Jobs raises questions about the future of the company he helped build into a technology giant and with which he has been so closely associated.

However, it is generally understood that Mr. Jobs ? who had been sick with pancreatic cancer for some time ? made sure to put people in place at Apple that he felt could continue his vision.

?The transition has been in the works for a long time,? said Mark Beccue, senior analyst at ABI Research, New York. ?Still, there is no way to replace Jobs, who was one of the greatest businessmen ever and a certifiable genius ? the bar is awfully high.?

Here is what others in the mobile industry have to say about Mr. Jobs' impact on the mobile industry:

Phuoc Truong, managing director, Mobext, Boston
It is a tremendous loss for the entire industry. His impact on the mobile industry is tremendous from a marketing perspective.

Prior to the launch of the iPhone, mobile marketing was virtually nonexistent or struggling to find its rhythm. The iPhone, with its touch interface and ease of use, really changed the game.

From there, the whole industry realized that there is a better experience to present content. At the same time, there is the opportunity to present mobile advertising display banners.

The pioneering aspect of what he did by introducing the iPhone will live on. You are going to see a lot of innovation from companies that used him as an inspiration.

Liz Schimel, chief digital officer of Meredith, Des Moines, IA
Steve Jobs built Apple into one of the truly great companies of today, and we at Meredith are saddened by his death.

We are confident Apple will maintain a strong leadership role in the mobile space and continue to build on Steve's legacy.

Even so, perhaps Steve?s most profound legacy was his unrelenting passion and drive, which gave a whole generation permission to innovate, iterate and dare to be great. The world will benefit from his legacy for years to come.

Pete Chelala, New York-based mobile specialist, The Weather Channel
Steve Jobs made it possible for the masses to access life with the tap of an app and the swipe of a screen no matter where you stand. By doing so, he empowered today?s consumer and forever altered the relationship between brands and their customers.

Thanks to Mr. Jobs? standard of excellence and innovation, our industry has never been more exciting to be a part of. Brands are now in people?s pockets, creative can literally be hands-on, and the overall media mix can be connected by activating mobile.

Fernando Ruarte, cofounder and chief technology officer, Glam Media, Brisbane, CA
Apple was able to turn both the believers and the non-believers onto the iPhone and iPad and that is absolutely to the credit of Steve Jobs? tenure.

I think the iPhone accelerated a lot of the mobile marketing opportunities and indirectly created mobile advertising opportunities for other operating systems like Android.

I expect Steve Jobs? legacy to be maintained and for Apple to continue running a high-impact technology company for a long time.

Ken Willner, CEO, Zumobi, Seattle
I can't help but wonder where Zumobi ? and countless other companies ? would be today if it weren't for him. How many companies' fortunes ? like ours ? have turned on being in Apple's extraordinary orbit?

His innovations jumpstarted our industry, and his products are an inspiration. A profound loss indeed.

Josh Martin, senior analyst for WMS, Strategy Analytics, Newton, MA
It?s a sad day for the tech world.

It?s not possible to encapsulate how Steve Jobs shaped the technology industry, but one of his greatest legacies will be creating a culture at Apple that will allow it to continue to succeed even without his steady hand.

While the loss is sad the company will continue to innovate led by the team Steve handpicked for their capability of continuing his vision while making Apple their own.

Final Take
Chantal Tode is associate editor on Mobile Marketer, New York