Leverage App Monetization to the Fullest: Use Mobile App Development Platforms

Did you know US adults used 21 apps per month, on an average, in 2016? These figures published by eMarketer indicate the growing use of mobile apps. Another report by Flurry states that app session activity increased by 6% in 2017 while stating that people spent more than five hours per day using new and old apps on their smartphones.

So, whether you are planning on offering a paid or subscription-based mobile app to make money or are part of a company that wants to boost its profits by launching a mobility strategy, the recent trends of smartphone and app usage bode well for you.

Trends in Money Making

Global revenues generated by mobile apps available in app stores are expected to cross $110 billion in 2018, according to projections released by App Annie. Added to this is the impact of higher sales and increased productivity on the bottom line of enterprises. This has also been on the rise.

However, when measuring the profitability impact of a mobility strategy, it’s important to consider the cost of development. Most companies opt for custom mobile app development, incurring huge costs and waiting for months to launch the solution. Companies need to explore options like mobile app development platforms, which can significantly lower costs and get the app ready within weeks.

By doing so, MADP platforms offer businesses much higher ROI from app development. Mobile app development platforms provide companies access to several workflow specific modules that can be chosen based on existing processes and the goals of app deployment. MADP platforms also ensure a bug-free experience.

Other trends that are currently taking shape are related to the Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and apps for wearables. Mobile application development platforms would continue to boost ROI even with these latest developments.

People are increasingly embracing neatly packaged apps with little icons on their smartphones. Did you know that on an average, smartphone users had installed and accessed as many as 21 apps per month in 2016? These figures published in a report by eMarketer underline our love for the utility and ease of use that mobile apps bring. The report also stated that US adults were estimated to have spent more than two hours per day using mobile apps in 2017, representing an increase of 10.3% versus the time spent in 2016. And, this isn’t a passing fad that will vanish in some time. On the contrary, the time spent on using apps is expected to increase to almost three hours per day by 2019.

And while website owners complain about our short attention span while browsing, app session activity grew 6% in 2017, according to an article published on Flurry’s Analytics Blog. The article also mentioned that people spent over five hours a day on their smartphones in 2017, using both new and old apps.

Trends such as this bode well for those planning on developing a mobile app either to earn directly from it or to use it within the company to boost productivity, sales, and customer engagement. Worldwide revenue from app stores is expected to exceed $110 billion in 2018, says a report by App Annie. And, this figure does not even cover the monetary benefits of app usage to enterprises, which has also recorded an uptrend.

Weighing in the Budget Impact

To understand the complete benefit, it’s important to weigh it against the cost of development. And, costs have reduced dramatically with the use of mobile app development platforms.

Budget is the highest impact on app profitability. MADP platforms offer businesses a significantly higher ROI. This is because mobile app development platforms provide access to workflow specific modules that are already developed, tested and ready for use. Companies simply need to determine which processes are part of their mobility strategy and what goals they wish to achieve. The modules being predeveloped and readily available on MADP platforms reduces the time of custom app development from several months to a few weeks.

Higher Productivity = Improved Bottom Line

Companies continuously strive to improve productivity because this has a direct impact on profitability. Several studies have indicated that companies following a BYOD (bring your own device) approach and encouraging workplace mobility have experienced an increase in worker productivity.

A survey conducted in 2016 by CITO Research highlights some important trends in enterprise mobility. As many as 91% corporate employees use mobile apps to make their work smoother. Companies are driving app adoption because they’re aware of the positive impact on productivity and profitability. Among bigger enterprises, employing more than 10K people, 45% provided apps to at least half of their workforce. Many of these companies found app usage beneficial even after spending huge amounts on custom development, simply because they were unaware of the cost benefits of using MADP platforms.

The report also stated that apps were considered as tools that improved business processes, saved time and smoothened the workflow.

Higher Sales = Higher Revenues

There is also a distinct uptrend in the direct money-making ability of mobile apps. The two leading verticals for enterprise app adoption are the marketing and sales department and m-commerce. An increase in sales has a direct impact on revenue generation. The use of payment and banking related apps has surged. Other than these, health, fitness and telemedicine mobile apps are proven to be highly profitable for businesses. According to data published by Statista, them-health market is expected to grow to almost $60 billion by 2020.

The other trends that would boost the money-making capability of mobile apps include IoT, apps for wearables, blockchain-based apps as well as apps that support augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Whatever the industry or app features needed, mobileapplication development platforms would continue to boost ROI.

Benefits of Mobile Enterprise Application Platforms.

If you’re looking for efficiency in the functioning of an organization, you needn’t look further than Mobile Enterprise Application Platforms. Read on to know their benefits.

Technology and efficiency have rapidly been developing an unbreakable bond, as we watch the world constantly tapping away at their various mobile devices. One way to fulfill this undying demand for efficiency within an organization is the development of mobile enterprise application development.

Mobile devices are quickly becoming an extension of the human psyche rather than a separate device. In such a mobile-laden consumer base, enterprise applications that run on mobile platforms are the most obvious answer to ensure their ability to transform to consume-driven trends. These mobile enterprise applications bring with them a bounty of benefits that aim at appeasing a widespread user base.

With streamlined operations and smooth workflows, there is no longer any space for infinite filing cabinets and neither time to organize stacks of paperwork that is constantly threatening to spill over. As every aspect of our business makes room for mobile enterprise application platforms, so does the functioning of organizations through the development of mobile enterprise application development.

In opposition to time and cost heavy traditional mobile enterprise application development, HokuApps has automated the mobile enterprise application development to deliver cross-platform apps that are reliable, affordable and made at 10x speed.

But how exactly does the environment of an organization benefit from mobile enterprise application platforms?

•   Ease of Accessibility

Due to the widespread use of mobile phones and similar devices, the development of mobile enterprise apps ensures maximum usage. Their availability creates a platform for communication and eliminates any obstructions to the flow of ideas and opinions. The HokuApps mobile enterprise application platform ingrains all apps with a communication framework for real-time chat and notifications.

As everyone gets connected under a single umbrella application with this framework, organizational efficiency rapidly increases. Enterprise mobility solutions also ensures constant connectivity. Space and time is no longer a barrier to communication. Mobile enterprise applications eliminate the issue of distance without compromising functionality. This allows employees a lot more freedom while simultaneously increasing efficiency.

•    Enable Creative Problem-Solving

With the increase in communication, solving problems and making decisions becomes an expedited process. MEAP applications provide a user-friendly network that permits quick discussions and fast exchange of suggestions. Decision makers have access to mobile apps with Enterprise Administration Backend to administer the apps, and come equipped with a granular reporting engine that provide real-time data analysis that if fully configurable.

Deliberations no longer remain confined to human data collation. The mobility of the mobile enterprise application platforms allow a larger thinking environment which becomes an inspirational backdrop that promotes out-of-the-box thinking. Decisions can hence be made immediately and responses can be received in real time.

•     Save Valuable Resources

Not only do mobile enterprise application platforms save time, they also reduce the requirement of manpower and cut down costs. Utilizing these applications allows a single employee to connect through several devices as this technology work on Android, iOS and the Web. It also eliminates the tedious requirement of paperwork as data can be accessed on all smart devices from anytime-anywhere, which in turn optimizes usage of time and financial resources. The enterprise applications reduce the involvement of humans in certain areas which brings down the cost of manual labor.

•     An App for Every Requirement

Mobile enterprise application development does not limit themselves to a singular function. There are several options within enterprise apps that are directed towards fulfilling specific requirements.

1.     Content Management Systems [CMS]

This help organizes a large amount of content of different types. They allow the exchange of content such as information, statistics etc. in a hassle-free manner.

2.     Enterprise Resource Planning [ERP]

These simplify the administrative aspects of the organization and ensure the smooth functioning of its various parts. They allow people in higher posts to supervise in an easier way. They also provide a platform for employees to communicate easily.

3.     Customer Relationship Management [CRM]

These accumulate customer related data which may be analyzed to employ methods that would lead to an increase in client satisfaction.

4.     Order Management Applications

These are aimed at overseeing orders from the early stages until the delivery takes place. They help in consolidation of order related data which makes answering questions related to orders much easier.

There are also other such mobile applications designed to serve specific functions depending on the personal requirement.

Get Ahead With HokuApps Mobile Enterprise Application Platform

With competition constantly building, there is a need to keep up with technology advancement and explore new possibilities. Mobile enterprise application platforms are a shining example of revolutionary technology that represents innovation which must be integrated into present systems to help businesses stay ahead of the competition.

Why You Should Hire an Expert Mobile App Developer

If you are planning to develop a mobile app for your business which will give you an edge over your competitors, turn to an expert who can best translate your requirements. Read more to know why you should hire dedicated mobile app developers.

Smartphones and other devices are becoming the most common point of communication between companies and their customers. In such a scenario, staying relevant as a business and ahead of competitors, is closely linked with creating the most appealing representation of itself in the form of mobile applications.

Mobile applications can exploit the accessibility that smartphones provide, to boost the way a business is received by customers. However, since mobile applications carry such a large responsibility by being the focal point of customer interaction and streamlining business operations, it is necessary to develop custom mobile applications by partnering with a cutting-edge low-code mobile app development company.

To ensure that your custom mobile applications meets every business requirement, it must be designed by a dedicated expert who has experience and understands the demands that need to be fulfilled. Hence, the best idea is to hire dedicated mobile app developers.

Hire dedicated mobile developers from HokuApps for 100% custom solutions that are affordable, secure and built at 10x speed. Hiring experts who develop mobile applications is the best way to achieve maximum usage of the app, for front-end and back-end.

Developing mobile applications is a crucial task that will go on to define the success of the business in a world where mobile apps are at the forefront of a customer’s interaction with the company. For this purpose, a smart way to determine the best possible app for a business is to hire a mobile application development company that provides a low-code technology platform.

The HokuApps low-code platform takes a 90-10 approach to app development where 90% of the process is automated with pre-defined elements. Namely, pre-built business modules, pre-built technology components, pre-built connectors and a design studio with pre-built UI/UX designs. These elements are brought together via a drag and drop process. Post which, the 10% customization is required. For this you would need to hire dedicated mobile app developers.

The applications are automatically compatible with OS platforms such as Android, iOS, and the Web etc. This is why your best bet is to hire dedicated mobile app developers who know the intricacies and trends to build robust solutions.

Hiring HokuApps, the best mobile application development company, is one of the most important steps to beating competitors in this day and age. Your application must fit the bill of what is expected by consumers and business partners alike. Expert mobile app developers know what drives the market at any point of time and are hence able to provide the correct guidance and service that you require.

So why exactly is it better to hire dedicated mobile developers from a mobile app development company?

• Excellent Service

This mobile app development company provides excellent support when noting your requirements. They know all the right questions to ask to make sure that the application is personalized to your needs. They also know the best ways to ensure that the application will be well received by consumers.

• Be Unique

Expert dedicated mobile developers are very helpful when finding the right way to represent a company through the app. Hire dedicated mobile app developers, who on the automated platform customize the apps to fit individual requirements.

• Keep Things Simple

It is important not to over-complicate your mobile application so that it is easy for customers to navigate. A good mobile application developer is most likely to help you achieve maximum functionality through apps that are reliable and affordable.

• Don’t Waste Valuable Time

By hiring HokuApps, you ensure that your precious time will not go wasted as the technology platform develops and deploys apps 10x faster. Experience helps them translate the needs of a company into the perfect application. Their dedicated approach towards the development of the application will produce solutions that accomplishes a high level of efficiency.

• Save Your Money

Hiring a mobile application developer will ensure that your money is spent the right way. Mobile application development companies like HokuApps have a predesigned system that can be personalized to your business’s unique ecosystem. This is a quick process, accomplished at a much lower cost in comparison to traditional app development platforms.

• Communication is Key

Mobile application developers will ensure that you are notified throughout the process of the creation of your application. This way you can keep track of the progress and request changes when required.

HokuApps is a mobile application development company that offers all these on its technology platform. Their Mobile App Development Platforms is a one that is automatically compatible with a variety of systems such as Android, iOS, Windows, the Web etc. They create reliable applications that are personalized to fit the business need and they do so at 10x the speed and at a much lower cost.

The platform features technology components to suit your business needs, such as GPS tracking, payments, QR code scanning etc. They also offer an inbuilt communication framework that permits real-time business chatting. All of these services make them the right choice when you are looking for the best application to define and represent your business.

Mobile App Development : Best Practices

Creating great mobile enterprise apps isn’t necessarily easy, but it can be easier if you follow these critical tips.

If you’re in enterprise IT in 2016, the odds are pretty good that you’ve already been tasked with building a mobile app, or that you’ll get that type of project sometime in the next few months. We get it. Mobile apps are cool. When you’re asked to build an app for the first time, it’s natural to start looking at all the things that are different between building an app and developing an enterprise application. You might look at frameworks, languages, APIs, and SDKs.

We have put together the following list by talking to best mobile app developers, looking at stories of how successful apps were developed and drawing on our own experience of managing application development.

1) Start With Security

If the app you’re building matters to the company in any way, then it’s almost certain to involve sensitive information or information that is private to the user. In either case, you need to keep that information secure. You should start the process of thinking about security at the beginning of the development process, not the end.

Thinking about security from the start means knowing what kind of input you’ll be dealing with so you can build data testing into the app. It means understanding the network components and communications mechanisms so you can secure the data in transit. Security means knowing what authentication mechanisms are in place and what ones are available for use, so you make sure only authorized users get involved with data. It means a lot more, too.

Ultimately, though, it means building security into the app rather than bolting it on at the end, and that’s the critical difference. So make sure that the very first whiteboard at the start of the project has “security” on it — your users and your organization will be grateful you did.

2) Know Your Audience

Apps don’t live in a vacuum. Even if they’re designed to the most flexible HTML5 standard, the platform on which they run will matter. So will the expectations of the people using the app. So will the way those people use the app. All of it matters, but too many developers act like they simply don’t care.

The first thing to do is bring users into the process early — before the first line of code is written. Talk with them about the app and really listen to their answers. Then, don’t stop listening. Make sure that there are feedback mechanisms built into the app and that your team is paying attention to the information coming back via that mechanism and others.

You should pay attention to support logs. You should run regular analytics (more on that, later). You should make sure that someone from the user community remains part of the development team as long as the app is in the field. I guarantee it will change the way you view the work you’ve done.

3) Plan Ahead

No matter how agile you become, if you want to create reliable, successful code, you need to do some planning ahead. If nothing else, choose key pieces of the application framework and decide what they will be and how they’ll be implemented. Then get flexible with what goes on between them.

You can (and should) build the user story into the planning, and you should allow for the flexibility required to deal with new conditions or unexpected results from testing. But all of that flexibility should come within a known framework. Plan ahead. You’ll really be much happier if you do.

4) Build From The Core Out

We like blinking lights and pretty pictures. We get it. And we understand that each week brings something new in the way of an interface to copy or an app that is the new definition of perfect. I’m here to tell you that none of that matters as much as the functionality that goes on at the core of your app. Get that right, and the pretty interface will follow.

By “core” we mean the essential business function of your app. Make sure that the mobile app development processing is rock solid, that the interface to the backend database is absolutely locked down, and that the results returned to the app are correct. Make sure all of that is working perfectly and then the time you spend working on the bells and whistles will be seen as a solid investment.

Mobile Application Development- Taking Businesses Ahead

In an age where technology (‘smartphones’ in particular) has overpowered the choices of community, saying ‘No’ to mobile apps isn’t an option for businesses. Really did you ever consider that mobile app development is only a pick of those million dollar businesses? Certainly not!

We have been dwelling in a space that has transformed into a world of web and gadgets since almost a decade. Smartphones have become ‘un-ignorable’ and so does the mobile apps. With a maximum of a business’s target audience being exposed to internet, it happens to be a profitable idea to reach them through one’s own mobile app.

Listed under are some key value features of Mobile application development that aids in taking businesses ahead-

Smarter, Better and Transparent Tool for Lead Generation

Today, customers have turned more rational and are hugely concerned before making a purchase decision. The reason is, they are open to all elements and information of the product (or service) through several mediums on the internet. Mobile apps are smart tools that can be downloaded almost instantly and connects with customers round-the-clock to offer them a world full of requisite information. Existing businesses use mobile apps to expand their customer base and reach areas where they haven’t been serving much. On the other hand start-ups can use mobile apps as a tool for marketing their product/service from the scratch.

Convenience and Time-saving approaches

Mobile apps have made the buying and selling processes simple and convenient with no extra efforts involved, even minimizing the physical presence. Not only does it offer convenience to the customers, it also does provide a reliable and secure process for conducting all the transactions. Businesses that are already established can utilize the time and energy saved on some other operations like infrastructure, employee satisfaction etc.

Secured Payments Gateways

With numerous platforms and framework available for the development of mobile apps, businesses can offer their clients’ utmost security through the most trusted payment gateways. This has invariably contributed in the business growth and has helped being acknowledged as a dependable name. Such add-ons have made mobile apps for businesses way more popular and adaptable.

More and even more benefits

Mobile apps offer opportunities to avail coupons and promotional codes that always drive larger audience to seek business offerings. It allows sending ‘push notifications’ about any new (or existing) feature of the app to those who are already using it. It guarantees more than 90% probability of being opened by the user. Features like podcasts and GPS etc. prove to be a plus for businesses.

There is a labyrinth of features available in the mobile application arena to choose from. But, not all are to be mandatorily stuffed into your personal app. All business must prepare a blueprint of what benefits do they really expect from their mobile app and then opt for the feature accordingly. A wisely mobile application development will sure make a business prosper in leaps and bound.

The History of Enterprise Mobile App Development Platforms

In 2008, mobile enterprise application platforms (MEAPs) hit the market. These solutions were described as a “multichannel” suite of products and services designed to enable the development of mobile applications that have three or more operating systems or back-end systems. MEAP executives presented their solutions as integrated platforms that address app design to deployment. However, these one-size-fits-all solutions were high on promise and short on delivery, with significant limitations and inherent “vendor lock-in,” precluding the ability to move to other platforms.

By 2012, mobile application development platforms (MADPs) found their space in the marketplace, largely with the ambition to overcome the problems associated with MEAPs. The market quickly became fragmented in the form of native toolkits, web toolkits and cross-platform suites that offered a single code base. Since MADPs generally served professional developers, rather than democratizing app creation for “app developers,” they have often been considered slow, complex and expensive.

Around the same time, mobile back-end as a service (MBaaS) solutions emerged as back-end integration tools that could generate services that were consumed by front-end mobile apps. Providers strived to give developers the ability to focus on delivering rich user experiences instead of dealing with tedious back-end infrastructure. However, this put a burden on the enterprise to pair a best-of-breed MADP with a best-of-breed MBaaS, resulting in similar slow, complex and expensive approaches.

Come 2014 and Gartner established the category of rapid mobile app development (RMAD). These next gen solutions came to market promising to create mobile apps with faster and simpler development, and by a wide range of lower-cost resources such as a business analyst.

Source By

https://www.enterprise-cio.com/news/2017/jun/13/new-generation-enterprise-mobile-app-development-welcome-rmad-30/

The Emerging Trends Impacting Mobile Application Development Platform Market

Mobile applications have become a ubiquitous part of the human experience. Smartphones and apps are a fixture in contemporary lifestyles. To say that there is an app for everything would not even be a slight exaggeration.

With apps being rolled out to satisfy every human desire - ranging from basic contemporary needs to exclusive preferences - new trends emerge and vanish more quickly than ever. Some of the emerging trends have begun to show signs of becoming potentially dominant in the app market in the near future. Therefore, mobile app development platforms need to be programmed with features that enable developers to create apps in alignment with these trends.

Examining a few of these emerging trends will allow mobile app development platforms to be more effective in reducing developers’ burden of excessive coding and other related tasks.

• Open-Source and Collaborative Models: Agile development is essentially collaborative, and for good reasons. To demonstrate the same, Apple’s open-source programming language, Swift overtook Objective-C in terms of usage and popularity on the TIOBE index in January 2016. Collaborative models of mobile app development consistently result in applications becoming more effective and aesthetically appealing.
  
  DevOps, a development practice that blends functions performed by an organization’s development and operations teams, deserves a mention in this regard. It promotes better communication between different teams, establishes a cross-disciplinary community which includes developers, users, stakeholders, and business executives.

App development is initiated by seeking input from technical and non-technical business leaders alike. This ensures that the app being developed serves the needs of customers and is aligned with the company’s commercial goals at the same time. Once completed, beta versions of the app are released, allowing users to create their opinions on it. Feedback is actively sought, and the app is modified accordingly. Consequently, the app is always morphing to remain relevant and continues to add tangible value to customers’ lives.

By adhering to a collaborative model, apps are developed in a perpetually evolving, rapidly adaptable and highly resilient manner. Each app is built to address both customer-specific and business-centric demands. Besides, automating application testing and deployment reduces issues arising from human error and accelerates the entire process.

In spirit with open-source practices, citizen development is gaining significant ground. DIY (Do It Yourself) tools such as IBM’s Mobile First and Microsoft PowerApps come with a fundamental WYSIWYG design, custom templates, drag-and-drop features and allow for automated development. These mobileapp development platforms allow individuals with little technical training to develop apps. While low-code mobile app development is still in early stages, it is steadily gaining traction.
Mobile app development platforms have to be designed in accordance with the principle of DevOps. The methodology they deploy must be able to create more effective apps within shorter durations.

• The Cloud for Backend Operations: Smartphone users tend to go for applications comprising dependable server-side support which enables access to the app and its data regardless of device or location. Apps supported by secure cloud-based offerings also occupy minimal storage space on the device being used to access it.
  
  By linking itself to the cloud, synchronization of an app on multiple devices is easily achieved. Flexibility in coding, testing and deploying apps is achieved with ease. Consequently, the development lifecycle is accelerated significantly.
  
  Using cloud-based mobile-backend-as-a-service (MBaaS), developers can make enterprise applications store an increasingly larger amount of corporate data. By integrating mobile app development platforms with the cloud, collaborative development becomes seamless. It enables software developers working on the front-end, back-end, or the full-stack, to work in tandem with citizen developers and other stakeholders, facilitating seamless coordination of peoples and processes.
  
  
• IoT and Security Challenges: People expect apps to work not just on their smartphones, but on every smart device they own. The invasion of wearable technology has made it apparent that smart thermostats and smart bulbs can tap into an enormous market. Therefore, the Internet of Things (IoT) is poised to have a highly disruptive impact in the app development domain. Mobile app development platforms have to be able to create personalized user experience across a range of IoT enabled devices.
  
  With more devices, security concerns become more emphatic. Apps, especially the most well-known ones are always subject to the attacks of hackers. An IoT breach has far-reaching consequences as it has the potential to infect and damage multiple devices. If these connected devices are being used to accomplish life-saving functions, such as in healthcare or law enforcement, a hack can lead to physical damage, injury or loss of human life.
  
  To address these security concerns, a set of uniform standards must be established in order to outline standard security against breaches. Policies for ethical use, surveillance and encryption must take front-seat in these discussions.

• BYOD and BYOA: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has been an integral part of enterprise mobility of late. It entails employees bringing their own devices into the workspace and using them to accomplish their everyday tasks. This helps streamline business operations and make them more effective as they do not have to juggle multiple devices and can do office work using the same device that they are already acquainted with. it allows employees to meet deadlines and finish work from any location. Such a provision is especially helpful when someone is stuck in a traffic jam or has to stay at home due to illness or other reasons.
  
  While BYOD has been around for quite some time and is much talked about, BYOA (Bring Your Own Access) is the relatively less popular but steadily rising trend. It refers to providing wireless remote access to an organization’s network through an independent operator. This reduces the vulnerability of enterprise networks to the threats posed by BYOD approach while enabling employees and executives to work outside the office with fewer restrictions. When combined with BYOD, BYOA will become the inevitable next step in enterprise mobility. Consequently, mobile application development platforms must be equipped to incorporate abilities for BYOD and BYOA for apps they create.
  
  

Google searches for “MADP” or “MADP platform” are now directed towards information about mobile app development platforms that are able to accommodate and evolve in connection with the aforementioned trends. Naturally, any app creation platform must recognize and incorporate abilities to create apps that keep pace with the evolution of user expectations, technology and changing market structures.