Do you have a plan for creating mobile applications for your business and customers?
Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Sr. Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark
iPhones. iPads. Android. Smartphones. Mobile Apps. All of these devices and technologies represent the growing movement of Bring Your Own Device where people are beginning to view their mobile devices as extensions of themselves, using them in every form of communication, entertainment and business use imaginable. Developing a strategy for how your business can leverage this new trend will be an important part of many businesses’ IT strategy in the coming months.
In today’s blog we will look at some of the different ways to begin planning for a new strategy in mobile applications.
Converting existing applications – Many companies take their first step into mobile application technology by fitting their existing web applications into a format more conducive to the mobile footprint. The benefit of this approach is the increased speed by which companies can be compatible with these devices. Unfortunately the results of this approach are very limited and seen by many as a short-term solution due to the fact that they are not able to leverage the power that mobile devices can offer such as GPS technology.
Consulting Firms/Software Frameworks – Companies that are ready to take the next step toward a true mobile application will often contact mobile app consulting companies like Layer 7 Technologies to work with them to develop initial applications that begin to deliver more to their customers than the basic alerts and discount specials. The cost can generally be higher but the timeline for delivery as a result is greatly reduced. Companies in this space can generally be evaluated easily with a Request For Information followed by more specific project information in a Request For Proposal.
Developing Native applications –Often, the best solution is to develop a mobile application internally. This solution can have the longest timeline but it also offers the most control and ongoing capability for support. The issue for most companies is that unless their core business is in developing software, they may not have the development staff capable of developing the software. In these cases, bringing in contingent IT labor to help supplement your current staff for the life of the project can help. In many cases your IT Managed Service Provider will coordinate fulfilling these needs.
For more information about how SafeSourcing can assist with connecting you with the right technologies and vendors to help with your mobile application strategy, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.
We look forward to your comments.
