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Using an iPads to Streamline Business

August 23rd, 2011 - 08:32

Tablet PCs, and particularly the iPad, have drastically changed the way people do business. From custom applications to portability and ease of use, the iPad is making the world, information and the internet more accessible than ever. Taking advantage of this almost means having an iPad development company on speed dial because many top companies are now creating custom apps which customers and employees can use to quickly find information and buy services.

Companies use these small tablets to store a wealth of information. Instead of having to carry around, or store, a library of books and manuals, an employee can have a simple tablet that has all the information they need to do their job stored on it. This information is both searchable and easily accessible, and always available, making jobs easier and employees more productive.

British Airways recently used an iPad development company to develop an application for their flight attendants that allows them to carry less on board the plane, but still deliver top-level customer service. The application has all the documentation the flight crew need, as well as a seating chart which can be uploaded before the aircraft leaves the gate and the ability to log incidents that happen both on the ground and in the air. These can then be synced with a main database once the device is brought back to the office.

Ipad development for business is still a very new field and there are very few people offering the services required by companies like BA who want to make their employees more productive with an app. IPad development is a mixture of web design, interface design, software writing and web development and requires a specialized team with lots of experience if it is to work well. Many applications will also require extensive testing by users to make sure they work in the environment for which they are destined, particularly high-intensity environments like the cabin of an airliner.

An iPad development company is a great way to streamline the development of these apps so employees can start using them as soon as possible. Ipad development for business is complex and needs to be done correctly the first time, otherwise it becomes time consuming and expensive – exactly the situation the use of iPad is trying to avoid.

IPad development means designing a complex app while sticking to the principles of the device – simplicity, ease of use, and a wealth of information, all right at the users fingertips.

Mobile Applications and ColdFusion working with HTML5

August 19th, 2011 - 16:36

HTML5 is making a big splash in the tech community. Heralded as a new standard to ease content creation and consumption on the web, it is still definitely in its infancy. Companies are coming out with new technologies, implementations, and tricks as they learn how to best take advantage of this new standard. Combining HTML5 with the surge of Mobile Devices makes for a winning combination. As more and more mobile devices gain popularity, developers are beginning to feel the strain of writing native Mobile Applications for each and every device. The promise of HTML5 is that it will scale and run like a native app on every device. One of the hurdles with this is establishing a functioning backend to support all of these new features. This is where ColdFusion comes to play.

ColdFusion is Adobe’s HTML5 content creation suite. It is billed as a fast, agile, and powerful development tool for both desktop and mobile implementations. ColdFusion can be used to refer to the software itself, or the custom scripting language which is akin to PHP in function. This can make some of the custom features of the program easy to implement and modify at a server level.

The feature set of ColdFusion is immense, capable of meeting almost any developer’s need. All of these can be leveraged at the mobile level, giving even more functionality to these portable Mobile Devices. Some of the features include server monitors to fine tune the application behavior, direct and easy image and file modifications, multi-threading capabilities to give complete control of application behavior, integration with Adobe Flash, Microsoft products, PDFs and much more! The ability to make robust, yet lightweight, Applications with ColdFusion and the relationship with HTML 5 serves to create the best in Mobile Web Apps.

The scalability of ColdFusion‘s offerings make it perfect for Mobile Web Apps. The features are unique and easy to work with so custom, specific apps can be created for a small business’s employees. It is also robust enough to scale to work with hundreds of thousands of users, all the while maintaining a rich and interactive front end.

ColdFusion and ColdFusion Development continues to change with the times. Always offering the latest in Web technology, it has grown into an extremely powerful and agile development platform. Its HTML5 offerings keep in in the front of the pack today. In addition, its mobile feature set makes it the perfect choice for mobile web app development.

The Cost of iOS Development

August 19th, 2011 - 16:01

iOS development — the development of Software for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Mobile Devices — can be a costly enterprise, particularly for those that prefer to program in a Windows or Linux environment.

To begin with, iOS development can only be legally undergone on the Mac OS X Operating System, using the Xcode integrated Development Environment (IDE) in the Objective-C programming language. Potential iOS Programmers who prefer a Windows or Linux environment, and who are hence unlikely to own an Apple computer, will therefore be required to part with at least a few hundred dollars for the requisite hardware in order to get started developing for iOS devices.

In addition to costs for Programmers unfamiliar with Mac programming, there exist costs that all developers, regardless of preferred development environment, will have to incur. In order to write software for iOS platforms, developers are required to register for Apple’s iOS Developer Program, a $99/year service providing the various tools required to get iOS programs up and running on Apple devices, and for distributing them to end users. The primary development tool is the iOS Software development kit (SDK), consisting of the iOS simulator for running, testing, and debugging iOS Software on the computer, the aforementioned Xcode IDE, and the various code libraries needed for control of device-specific functions. Next is a suite of tools allowing software to be run directly on the device, in order to test software on the hardware itself, and thereby enabling the developer to catch any hardware-specific bugs. Finally, membership in the program gives developers the ability to distribute their completed software through Apple’s App Store.

Even after the Software has been developed, tested, and distributed, there is cost to be accounted for. For each copy of the app sold, Apple takes 30% of the sale price. Hence developers are continuously losing a significant amount of revenue in the form of commission.

On a final note, iOS development is particularly pricey for those with an abundance of ideas but a lack of programming experience. In addition to the costs previously mentioned, these people will need to pay up to thousands of dollars to hire experienced iOS developers to implement their ideas.

Apple App Store vs. Android Market

August 18th, 2011 - 17:18

On paper, both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market provide very similar experiences. Both tools serve as a gateway for users on either platform to purchase and download apps for their phones. However, there are some critical differences in the two markets that mobile developers need to be aware of when beginning development. Being familiar with these differences can help developers decide whether Android development or iOS development is the proper path for their mobile app development strategy.

The biggest difference in the two platforms is that Apple reviews every app submitted before it is released to the App Store. Every app is judged on how well it adheres to the guidelines set forth by Apple, and is either released to the App Store or denied submission based on Apple’s verdict. The policy has come under fire from critics who say that Apple’s guidelines are too restrictive or too vague, and that Apple doesn’t provide enough feedback when rejecting apps. Android, on the other hand, does not have any sort of filtering process prior to apps being released to the Android Market. Mobile apps that have been built for Android can be published immediately, and will stay on the market unless they violate the Android Market‘s content policy. Typically, for apps to be removed from the Android Market, they have to contain some egregious violation. For example, the app must contain a virus, or blatantly violate copyright. Based on this difference, it is clear that Android development offers more potential than iOS development. Because Google does not screen apps prior to publishing them and does not limit what apps are allowed to do, mobile app developers don’t run the risk of pouring time and money into a project only to have it rejected.

On the other hand, Apple’s App Store might be more profitable than the Android Market. Statistics show that Android users pay for apps much less frequently than iOS users. While ads are a potential revenue source in free apps, mobile developers might desire the more consistent revenue stream that comes from charging for apps. In addition, the inclusion of ads can hinder the quality of mobile app development, as they take up space within the app. Because of this, app developers with a very unique, profitable idea might find more financial reward in opting for iPad development and iPhone development, rather than Android development.

There is an immeasurable amount of differences in the Apple App Store and the Android Market. The most important thing is for mobile developers to conduct research before beginning projects. This way, they can minimize the potential of a nightmare scenario where potential revenue is lost by developing on the wrong platform.

How Do I Find an iPad Development Company?

August 18th, 2011 - 17:06

You’ve decided on developing an iPad app. Terrific. Whether you’re an individual or a company, ipad apps can be used to achieve your goals. They’ve become ubiquitous in today’s world. iPad app development is no easy task, however. You’ll need to employ a iPad app development company to make sure your vision realizes its potential. For many, “How do I find an iPad development company?” isn’t just a question, it’s THE question. It’s important to find a iPad app development company that can adhere to your vision and that can provide results efficiently. This article will help you be sure that you are hiring the right crew of iPad app developers for your project.

One question you might wonder is “How do I find an iPad development company that can understand my vision?” When choosing a iPad app development company, you’ll find that there are plenty of options both domestically and abroad. While offshore companies might be tempting with their low pricing structure, their results typically reflect the price. It can also be difficult communicating with mobile app developers who are overseas, further reducing the odds that your vision will be realized to its fullest. For best results, you should stick with a company that employs iPad app developers based in the United States. That way, you can be sure that communication barriers will kept to a minimum.

Another question you should consider is “How do I find an iPad development company that will focus on my project?” With some external companies, there is high diversification within a single team. Some companies are mobile app development companies, but the same teams also work on Flash or other projects. You should look for a iPad app development company with team specialized in mobile app development. It’s fine if a company has services besides mobile development, but look for a company that has a team specialized in mobile development. Continuing on this idea, you should seek a company with a team of iPad app developers that can work on multiple platforms at once. With the rise of Android and the steady popularity of iOS app development, apps need to be available on both platforms to reach your full potential market.

Hopefully this article has helped you find an answer to the question “How do I find an iPad development company?” You can have the greatest app idea ever, but without the right individuals executing it, the idea will be worthless. Following the advice outlined here, you will be more equipped to hire the right company and make sure that your vision is developed properly. With so many potential firms marketing their services, it’s more important than ever to do your homework and hire a dependable team who can fulfill your iPad app development needs.

Custom iPad Apps Redefine Real Estate Sales

August 17th, 2011 - 11:18
iPad apps for Real Estate

A custom iPad app could make it easier for Realtors to put this sign up on their properties

The real estate market is one that can quickly change: offers for housing go back and forth, interest rates change, clients have different wants and needs. And the only way

to stay on top of this fast paced world is to leverage technology to work for you, rather than as a cumbersome side effect of your job. The iPad presents a wonderful tool set for companies looking to have a flexible, mobile system. iPad apps for real estate need to be custom designed so they can seamlessly integrate with existing computer systems and client needs.

The iPad presents a wonderful canvas for iPad app developers. Complete with a beautiful, crisp display and a 3G Internet connection, it is always connected with the latest happenings. A custom designed app from a great iPad development company will boost sales and ease the communication between various parties. There are various iPad apps for real estate, but a custom designed app by the best iPad app developers may look something like this.

Imagine a custom iPad app made by a dedicated iPad development company for your business. A realtor gets an email from a client who would like to put their house for sale. The realtor takes the information and plugs it into the iPad app. It is then plotted online on a map with a picture of the home, both Google Street View and home owner provided. Then, a prospective buyer contacts the realtor. They meet at the office and the realtor pulls out the iPad complete with all of the photos, information on city/county taxes, even a room layout. After driving to the house, the prospective buyers decide that they want to put in an offer. The realtor then connects to the real estate office to get the latest rates and information available, drafts an electronic offer, which everyone signs directly on the iPad. It is then emailed or faxed to the homeowners for review.

This simple process is not a pipe dream. iPad app developers are building things like this all the time, but it is imperative that a competent team build the app. Finding the right iPad development company is a combination of meeting your needs and price, as well as competency in the marketplace. There are not a lot of iPad apps for real estate, so the right company can make or break a deal.

When looking at iPad apps for real estate, there are quickly more and more. Finding the right iPad app developers to ensure that your information is paramount and most easily accessible is key. The right iPad development company can truly make a difference and take your business into the 21st century.

 

Web Apps vs Native Apps for Mobile Devices

August 17th, 2011 - 11:07

There are many apps available for all mobile devices on the market. Both HTML5 web apps and native apps are available and both have their own advantages. A web app can be accessed through the Internet while a native app is one designed to work on a specific operating system. 
Web apps have many advantages, such as no third party fees charged when a mobile web app is brought to market. Web apps are not required to be approved, which means a web app can be created for just about any subject matter. Mobile web apps are designed to run on every mobile browser that exists. Web app users do not have to download an application or update it because, when the apps website is loaded, it updates the app. Web apps are much easier and cheaper to develop than native apps. Web apps allow users to access their content on several different mobile devices. Most businesses prefer web apps to native apps because mobile web apps are more valuable to businesses than native apps. 

Native apps also have many advantages, including access to APIs that web apps can’t access. Native mobile apps allow the user to save data and reload it when the app launches. All native apps are integrated with whatever operating system the mobile phone uses. Many native mobile apps can be run offline and apps can be customized to the capabilities of the user’s phone. Media and entertainment businesses can benefit financially from native apps by forming a stream of revenue come customers paying for the apps. This allows customers to be able to get free news and videos on their phone. Internet access is not required to run native apps and they offer a faster user interface than web apps. Native apps provide access to microphones, cameras, and GPS tracking. Users of native apps will be able to access their content even if the phone is not connected to the Internet.

There are advantages to both web apps and native apps. Which one is best for an business is determined by what the company wants to be able to do with the app. For a free consultation on what mobile development solution is right for your business, contact EcomSolutions the mobile development experts

HTML5 – The Future of Apps for iPad and Other Devices

August 17th, 2011 - 10:47
HTML5 Mobile web development

HTML5 Logo by W3C.

HTML5 is the biggest buzz in the tech world. A standard that was only agreed upon in the last few months, developers are actively writing and rewriting applications and services to run on the new system. The advantage of HTML5 is its standards base, cross-platform operability, and ease of implementation. Any mobile development company who is wanting to stay on the cutting edge needs to have a firm understanding and the abilities necessary to create these new mobile applications.

The biggest draw for companies to have an HTML5 mobile web app is its ability to run on any standards compliant browser. Instead of writing different apps for iPad, Android, and Desktop computers, one application can be written and run natively on each of these devices. The user experience is completely engaging and responsive to the end user. In fact, with a company well versed in mobile web development, the experience will be one that performs exactly like a natively written app.

As many people know, Apple currently takes 30% of all sales made through its App Store from any mobile development company. Google takes a similar portion from the Android marketplace. This has caused some large name companies to begin offering their own mobile web app. Amazon’s Kindle experience has recently released an HTML5 application to avoid the proprietary restrictions imposed on the iPad and iPhone. With a solid mobile web development company, any business can optimize their spending on app development by having one mobile web app written.

The features of HTML5 are immense. The ability to create custom web pages and apps that move and flow in ways that could not happen without Flash before are now a reality. Every standards compliant browser renders these the same way, so one mobile web app runs the same on any mobile device. This revolutionizes mobile web development and creates a strong competitor to Apple’s iPad and App Store. The biggest choice for businesses to now make is which mobile development company to choose.

Many developers now exist for iPad and iPhone but specialize only in iOS apps, a limited market share. However, a mobile development company who specializes in mobile web app creation can future proof your business and keep updates for all devices on the exact same schedule. The future of applications lies in mobile web app development. Keeping all consumers on the same footing provides the same features to everyone and allows interoperability previously impossible on different mobile platforms.

What Would a Low-Cost iPhone Mean for developers?

August 17th, 2011 - 10:29

With rumors of the debut of a low-cost iPhone beginning to swirl, it’s important for iPhone developers to Low-Cost iPhoneassess what it would mean to them. The rumors are currently suggesting an iPhone model with less storage than previous iterations of the device. This new model would rely on Apple’s cloud storage services for its data needs; music, photos and other media would be saved to and pulled from the cloud in lieu of being saved to the device. Anyone running or working for an iPhone development company should be paying close attention to what Apple unveils in the coming months.

For iPhone developers, one thing to make note of is that a low-cost version of the smartphone means more users to market apps to. Currently, the biggest hurdle to owning an iPhone is the cost. If Apple were to release an iteration of its model that could be afforded by a less well-off segment of customers, it would potentially mean millions of new users flocking to iOS. Apple would finally have a device to compete with the lower-end Android devices that are currently available. For an iPhone development company that also develops for Android, it would likely mean that they need to consider shifting resources to iOS development. By taking this step, iPhone developers would avoid missing out on a massive wave of potential new customers.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a low-cost iPhone doesn’t just mean more users. It means more users who otherwise couldn’t afford to purchase one of Apple’s phones. These same users are also much more likely to prefer free apps over paid ones. Since the Apple App Store currently has a strong focus on paid apps, this could mean a chance for an iPhone development company to steal market share. By releasing ad-supported alternatives to paid apps, iPhone developers could cash in on a new market segment that inherently prefers free apps.

The prospect of a low-cost iPhone is certainly interesting to consider. The move makes sense for Apple because it would help stop some of the bleeding that has been caused by Android over the last year. Almost anyiPhone development company would be sure to appreciate this, as it means a larger market share. On the other hand, it also means deviating from a strategy of releasing only one model at a time – something that has worked out extremely well for Apple over the last four years.

Advantages of Not Outsourcing iOS Development

August 17th, 2011 - 10:13

When a company decides to pursue an iOS app development project, there are two general ways to develop it. First, the company has the option of developing

Not Outsourcing ios development

The advantages of outsourcing iOS development may seem obvious, but a lot of the costs are hidden.

internally. Second, the company can outsource the project to an iOS app development company. Typically, a business choosing to outsource its iOS app development needs might choose an offshore company to outsource the project to. There are several prospects that cause companies to consider these non-domestic companies. Businesses interested in developing an iOS app should fully consider the consequences of outsourcing.

One of the largest lures about outsourcing iOS app development is the cost savings. Companies rationalize that they can save money by hiring someone else to do the work. This is especially true in the case of offshore outsourcing, in which labor is generally much cheaper than in the United States. As far as upfront costs are concerned, offshore outsourcing is much cheaper than keeping the project domestic.

Companies should be aware, though, that there are more costs beyond the upfront cost. When outsourcing to an offshore companies, there may be discrepancies between how the two firms view acceptable quality. An outsourced iOS app development company is more likely to have lower quality standards than the firm contracting the work. Even though the labor is cheaper when outsourcing, companies will more than likely have to contract for more hours than they would if the project wasn’t outsourced. Additionally, a company taking on an outsourced project won’t have the exact same ideals as the company in need of iOS development. They won’t have the same standards and will likely take extra time to understand the vision of the project. It’s likely that extra time will be wasted in trying to conceptualize the project for the contracted company. In the end, the result may never match what the company hiring for development was hoping to achieve.

In addition to this, many offshore iOS development companies do not provide support for the app. You pay them, and once the project is released, that’s the end of the business relationship. What happens a month later when a bug is discovered? Or what if you decide to add a new feature to the app? The majority of the time, you’re left on your own. You can take the project to a local iOS developer who then might update it, but it will cost far more than if you had developed domestically to begin with. This is because it is very difficult for iOS developers to go through someone else’s code, especially when it’s of the low quality found in outsourced developers. Many local iOS developers would be unwilling to provide fixes, and you’re left with a buggy or unfinished product.

Another important thing to keep in mind with offshore outsourcing is the communication barriers. Real-time communication can be virtually impossible with these companies. For example, the time difference between New York and Beijing, China is 12 hours. Instead of being able to give the iOS developer a call or email and discuss issues immediately, communication is staggered. Language barriers can also be a hindrance, as you’ll need someone who is bilingual to facilitate communication or you’ll have to do with poor quality online translations. Because of all of these communication issues, a conversation that might taken ten minutes with a domestic developer can take days or even weeks with an offshore iOS developer.

When this is taken into consideration, it becomes clear that there are fiscal as well as non-fiscal advantages of not outsourcing iOS app development. When companies opt for outsourcing, the hidden costs typically add up. While the stated costs of a non-outsourced project may be higher than those for outsourced companies, the total costs are usually higher when outsourcing. Because of this, it’s advisable that companies not outsource their iOS app development projects.

EcomSoulutions is a New York based iOS development company with a dedicated team of iOS developers.

 


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