Getting into app development services can be confusing. And although over time we have been giving some tips on mobile apps we decided to go further. That is why we have created a comprehensive guide that can help our clients and future clients to understand the process. In this article we'll cover the main topics when you decide to create an app including:
- What are mobile applications and what is their development process?
- What are the main reasons that lead a company to create an application
- Alternatives to developing native apps - web apps
- Who will develop it and how to make that decision
- The alternatives to application development
- The advantages and disadvantages of app development
Basic concepts of Custom Software Development Company in USA.
What are mobile applications?
Mobile application development software created specifically to work on a given device, be it Android, iOS, web or other technology, which can usually be accessed on portable devices, such as smartphones, computers and tablets, hence the name mobile.
What is the app development process?
It is the whole process that goes from the creation of the concept, through the creation of the UI / UX and the development of the app, tests and improvement updates.
You must first think about whether you really need an app. Then you should explore the options on the market to see if any one fits your needs and the degree of control you want. And if the answer to the first question is yes and the answer to the second question is no, it makes sense to move on to developing an app.
What are the reasons that lead a company to create an app?
A company decides to invest in creating an app when it finds that it can add value to its business . What does it mean? In reality it can mean several things depending on what it is intended for.
Process improvement in the organization
It can improve existing processes in the organization (allowing, for example, having information in real time to do business or obtain information in real time about the business). Our marine cargo client, for example, can receive the cargo values all by smartphone, and waste less time, either receiving the information or digitizing it. It also allows you to see the availability of space on the boat, for example.
Increased customer interaction
It can increase customer interaction. For example, it is possible to create an app to offer discounts and exclusive promotions, which makes the customer interact with it frequently.
Alternatives to app development
The alternatives to creating an app (or so-called web apps)
As app creators, we even seem to be speaking out against our product. And in a way, we are.
Many of the apps sold on the market as apps, at lower prices, are not really native apps or what we call real mobile apps. They are apps, which instead of being built for each operating system , such as android and iOS, have an app aspect but are responsive websites that work in browsers.
And there are (rare) situations in which it actually makes more sense to create these types of sites at the expense of the app. But there are also situations where the exact opposite happens, when you think you need a responsive website (aka web based app) and what you really need is an app.
Advantages and disadvantages of creating a native vs web app
The advantages of creating native apps
- The client has the app installed on the Android and iOS smartphone
- Much of the static information can be accessed while offline
- Receive notifications directly on the app
- Information collected and substantially greater authorizations
- Much greater security against third parties
Requires installation and takes up space (the customer must have an incentive to install it)
You have to have a unique offer, because the customer has to be motivated to want to keep them on the phone
Advantages of web application development (that work in a browser instead of an operating system)
No installation required
Disadvantages of web apps (which work in a browser instead of an operating system
If there is no internet access, the customer has no access to any information.
Information collection is limited
Native “real” apps have many advantages over web-based “so-called apps”, but the price is also different. It is best to consult with a professional to find out which is the best for you. If you want to speak with one of our people, you can do it here, without obligation.
Who should develop your app?
When you decide who should develop your app, you can make several choices: develop it yourself, hire a programmer, or hire an agency. Everything will depend on what you actually want to do.
Develop it yourself
You can develop it yourself, following the guidelines of Google Play and the App Store (if for Android). But for that you have to have the necessary programming knowledge.
Hire a developer
Some programmers may be able to develop the applications themselves. What often happens, in our experience, is that when you hire a freelance programmer he can even solve your problem. However, when it needs advanced features, or if the app doesn't work exactly as expected, it may not have the resources to do so.
Hire an agency
Hiring an agency often guarantees that the product is what you need, that it is supported and that will help you when you want to upgrade or want to. The problem is that not all agencies are good and give this type of guarantees. If so, we would not receive as many requests from companies asking to redo or change their apps.
So, hiring an app development is like hiring the development of any other product. You have to know how to explain the business well, ask for different quotes, understand why the costs involved, which team and what kind of results they can bring. Check the degree of control over the app, so that it does not become obsolete quickly.
