According to the findings reported by International Data Corporation (IDC), “Android is the most preferred platform with more than 82% of global users, followed by iOS with 13.9%, Windows with 2.6% and Blackberry with 0.3% users.” Does knowing this help you choose the platform for your app?
Mobile App development is an intricate process, with many more options than one may perceive. Not every mobile application is created in the same way. Hence, selecting the right platform on which to launch your app determines its success or failure.
Yet, mobile app platform choice is an overwhelming task for many business heads, as it must meet the specific needs of the organization. Thus, it is essential to assess as many platforms as feasible, depending on the specification, and conduct a comprehensive analysis based on the factors discussed below.
According to the findings reported by App Annie, “iOS App Store brings in 75% more revenue than Play Store (Android) despite the massive difference in downloads.” While this may be shocking, it highlights the importance of researching the target audience for the app. The obtained results will provide a clear idea of the devices the potential users favor, allowing you to develop a strong customer framework.
The other important factors that should be considered when choosing the mobile app platform are:
1. The latest trends – Mobile industry is progressing rapidly and it is necessary to be aware of the latest trends and developments. According to Statista, the portal for statistics, over 2 billion mobile devices are sold each year. To remain competitive and financially viable, every mobile company periodically introduces new devices with innovative features. Even though Android smartphones and iOS dominate today’s market, Microsoft-powered devices and Blackberry gadgets are also popular among consumers.
As noted in Smart Insights, “Apps account for 89% of mobile media time, with the other 11% spent on websites.” They also reveal that “33% of consumers start mobile research with a branded website, and 26% with a mobile app.”
The upsurge in demand for tablets, as mentioned in The Telegraph spectacles that, Even tablets are becoming powerful these days. Hence, any app development and launch strategy must be based on a multi-channel approach, which supports new devices as well.
2. Consistent user experience – Users expect a pleasing experience from an app. A study conducted by comScore reveals that, “3.1 million consumers access retail content via mobile phones with 8.2 million of those visiting mobile commerce websites.” Predefined websites are unlikely to fulfill their search demands.
According to the findings reported by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies, “Over 70% of iPhone owners report using applications or their smartphone’s web browser to help them while shopping in-store, and 41% are making purchases directly from their phones”. Though mobile apps are a great way to get started, users look for task-oriented clarifications that enable access to relevant information.
Multiple native mobile apps are designed to support precise business tasks and stimulate specific user groups. It is vital to channel your firm’s investments into mobilizing your enterprise apps, and get engaged with your business partners and customers, ensuring a persistent native mobile app that targets high-value tasks and produces profitable business results.
3. Data sources - Native mobile apps are a point of contact for those aiming to gain a broader business perspective. These mobile apps must be able to access information and output pertinent results after communicating with the predefined content and data sources. Thus, during the implementation process, it is essential to consider how frequently the information on the devices will be updated and how much data needs to be transmitted across the network. It is also vital to outline the connection between the native mobile app and the data sources. A good mobile app developer will be able to offer a degree of flexibility, so that proprietary information sources and enterprise applications can be incorporated into the app as needed.
4. Management challenges – Even the best apps can fail if the methods used to market and launch it are incorrect. It is also essential to ensure that the mobile app supports the various devices in the market. Most importantly, no app should ever allow third-party access to valuable proprietary information of your enterprise.
Selecting the right mobile app development platform is not an easy task. In addition to the factors outlined above, security, cost and compliance must be considered to make the apt choice towards determining the app platform.
Author Bio:
The author of this blog, Mr. Duhane Williams, is a keynote speaker, Inventor and strategic thinker on Digital Marketing trends. He has over 10 years of experience in the field with most of his time spent in digital media, ecommerce and applications integrations and enterprise development. Visit https://www.venttraffic.com to read more.
