Purpose - The aim of the research is to discuss the design and development of a mobile application using two technologies known as software agent (SA) and mobile web services. Design/methodology/approach - The objectives were achieved by testing the integration of SAs and mobile web services into mobile applications. The approach suggested in the paper has relied on some modeling techniques such as service chart diagram and addressed some security issues. Findings - It was found in the course of the work the necessity of being aware of the limitations of mobile devices, despite all the major developments that are happening. In addition, it was found that it is deemed appropriate to provide some modeling techniques which suit the development of mobile applications. Originality/value - The paper discusses the concept of mobile web services. The paper is particularly useful to those who are in the field of mobile computing. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.