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Difference between a Web App and a Mobile App

By on February 16, 2012 in IPhone App Development, Mobile App Development

There has been an increased attention to mobile applications in the past one to two years due to the rise in use of smart phones and tablets. Yet, most people still do not know that there are two types of mobile applications, web based applications and native applications. I have put together a guide to help you determine which mobile application you may want to choose for your business.

Before we break down the requirements for each type of application, it is important to know some background information about the two applications. A web application is commonly referred to as a mobile website and in order to access it, you must use a mobile browser. While, a native application is installed directly on the phone by the user from a platform specific “app” market place.

Web App and Mobile App Differences

Reach

Depending on your target audience, one application may be better than the other. For example, if you want to reach only a particular group of smart phone users, then a native application is ideal. However, if you want your mobile application to be compatible with all mobile operating systems, then a web application will be better.

Performance

Although a web application can be accessed by all mobile platform systems, the main issue of web applications are the limited features, however, they are good for applications that need and emphasize broad accessibility and searchability. On the other hand, Native applications are better for more complex applications that utilize graphics, calendar integration and mobile features integration with the mobile application.

Limitations

A web application is only limited by the restrictions of your phone’s browser. In other words, a web application can only be used on the web. The native application, on the other hand, is only limited to the restrictions of the mobile phone device.  This means that the native application can utilize all of the smart phones features including web access, camera, contacts, email and mapping system. The downside is that a separate and unique application needs to be developed for each mobile operating system.

Cost

Web applications are usually cheaper than native applications. The reason for this is that native applications require different types of programming and customizations for each type of mobile device platform. Even though there is a higher cost, this is offset by the wide variety of capabilities the app can access within each operating system, while a web app is limited to the capabilities of a mobile browser.

Determining which type of application to utilize for your business can be challenging. Softway Solutions has been developing native and web applications since 2009. For further information on which application is best for you, contact Softway Solutions at 281.914.4381.

 

 

 

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Mobile Application Development | What You Need to Know?

By on February 10, 2012 in Android Development, IPhone App Development

According to an In-Stat research study, “about 65 percent of the U.S. population, or over 200 million people, will have a smartphone…..in 2015.” With an increase in use of smart phone devices the mobile market will grow, and tech-savvy business owners will take advantage of this opportunity seeking out mobile application developers. The question we ask is do you know how to select the best mobile application developer? Below are some things to be on the lookout for when seeking mobile application development.

Mobile Application Development Checklist

Source Tools

Open-source frameworks/plugins allow programmers to build applications faster because they have readily available components, which in turn, brings down cost. The downsides of open-source tools are that developers need to update the tools on a regular basis to maintain stability and enhance performance of the mobile, there may be little or no support from the source provider, and although open source is usually free, tools like these have a greater learning curve because there may not be enough documentation. If your application developer is using any open-source tools you need to make sure they have the licenses to be in compliance with the mobile application tools. Here is a link to different types of open-source and free software licenses.

Native Application Development

Find out whether the application being developed for the phone is a native application or a web application. A web based application is usually a mobile website built for a specific platform . Many business owners are tricked into thinking that this kind of mobile application development is a common practice for developing mobile applications when in reality a native application may be best for developing your mobile application. Native applications, on the other hand, are faster and have a better user experience compared to web apps. Native applications are also developed in platform specific programming languages such as Objective C for IOS or Java for Android

Cross Compilers

If you want to use the same mobile application across many platforms, ask the developers if they can use a cross compiler. Cross compilers allow for one code base to be translated into various platforms. This will prevent the developer from having to write the code over and over for each and every specific platform you want your application to be available on. Although cross compilers allow you to save money and time, some features of your app may not be well supported on all platforms like maps and calendar integration. If your application has platform dependent features it is better to avoid cross compilers.

Experience

You want to make sure your developer has experience before developing your mobile application. In addition to having the mobile application developer show you his work, ask for references to call upon to see if the developer was able to deliver what they were seeking for.

Business

Along with asking questions about the developer’s experience, make sure to research the company. How long has the company been in business for? What kind of employees will be doing the work or coding of your mobile application? How soon can they deliver a protoype of the mobile application? Finally, will they be able to help you upload your mobile application onto a certain platform and also market the application?

 

Hiring a mobile application developer may take you into the unknown. Softway Solutions has been developing mobile applications since 2009 and has developed various kinds of mobile applications. If you would like additional information on how we can help you with your mobile application development, contact us at www.softwaysolutions.com or 281.914.4381.

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Why You Need Mobile Applications For Your Business?

By on February 3, 2012 in Android Development, IPhone App Development

According to an In-Stat research study, “about 65 percent of the U.S. population, or over 200 million people, will have a smartphone…..in 2015.” This statement is a reason for businesses to jump start their mobile application(s) identities. With mobile applications, customer engagement and company awareness can increase for any business. Once downloaded, the mobile application will reside as a program on the device and can be accessed from anywhere with ease.

Mobile Applications Increase in Popularity

Mobile applications lend flexibility to daily tasks that can now be conducted in the palm of your hand while on the go. For example, you  are a sales person attending a networking event who uses Salesforce at work. The Salesforce mobile application in a smart phone will allow you to  enter any and all of a lead’s details into your device.  In addition, doing this task upon networking will allow you to enter a lead’s information without having to turn on your laptop and enter the information manually. Upon returning to the office the next day and login into your Salesforce account, you will be able to see the lead’s information entered from the evening before.

Mobile Applications Enhance User Experience

Banks, such as Bank of America and Chase, have mobile applications that reduce costs and enhance their customer’s digital banking experience. Social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, use mobile applications to allow users to stay connected and up-to-date with friends while on the go. Calorie counting has been revolutionized by MyFitnessPal’s mobile application which allows you to keep up with your calorie intake and calories burned.

Financial benefits to businesses

There are two different ways for businesses to earn revenue through a mobile application. The first is by charging for each download and the other is selling advertising within the mobile application. Depending on the type of mobile application, the price to download the application can range between $0.99 to $9.99 or higher. Some companies choose to do both but this is not recommended.  Offering an intuitive and user-friendly platform to your current clients will positively affect the bottom line in many ways.

Developing your Mobile Application

Softway Solutions provide is braced with a team of engineers that can help you design and market your mobile application. In addition, we can provide you with statistical reports about your mobile application. Contact Softway Solutions at www.softwaysolutions.com or 281.914.4381.

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