Checklist that would help enterprises build apps.

The major determinants for mobile development, here is a checklist that would help enterprises build apps the right way.

1. Define Your Business Objectives

Behind every app idea of yours, there would definitely be a purpose. While the nature of this purpose can vary depending upon its users and your business type, it is integral that you clearly define your expectations about the application. Analyzing your industry, its requirements and scope can very well help in laying out a properly defined roadmap for the development process.

2. Decide on the Platform

Several factors such as the app utility patterns, information reach, cost and security constraints are to be considered while choosing the mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows or Blackberry. Your business should have a clear perspective about their target platform before they narrow down their requirement specifications further. Multiple platform development is an option that you should consider invariably if you resort to an unrestricted deployment.

3. Understand What Differences Native and HTML5 can Bring About

Now that you are a business, Native and HTML5 are two techie jargons that might bewilder you. Make sure that you understand what differences these two approaches can bring about before you move on to adopt either of the two. If you are on the lookout for an exemplary user experience and performance, Native approach can best suit your needs.

However, you need to be aware of the extra efforts that are to be put in here that can make it a bit expensive. HTML5, on the other hand, is a relatively less expensive approach which promotes the development of a mobile website. Here, multiple platform support can be enabled with the help of changes specific to each platform. Major technologies such as Sencha Touch, jQuery Mobile, jQ Touch and PhoneGap can be utilized to support cross-platform development.

4. For HTML5 Approach, Select Your Target Devices

While HTML5 allows easier deployment to multiple platforms, the differences with regard to device specifications such as screen size and resolution can be a limitation. This calls for device specific tweaks and customizations that would make the development process long. A proper selection of target devices would avoid the futile expenses and simplify the process.

5. Be Clear About the Services to be Integrated

Development companies can help you in integrating a multitude of features and services into your app. But it is vital for the enterprises to be clear enough to choose what exactly is required for their business.

If you intend your app to perform as a promotion tool, social media integration can be helpful. If your app aims to be an e-commerce platform, a payment gateway integration becomes necessary. If revenue generation is your app’s objective, various models such as in-app advertising need to be incorporated.

6. Decide on the Content that Will Go into Your App

Coding is the developer’s business and the user has nothing to do with it. It is its design and content that would appeal any average user. Have a clear idea about how your app should look like, its design and animations. Your app can be a branding tool for your enterprise and it is up to you to decide on what it should be like – right from the layout, color, content, typography, icons and screens.

7. Ensure Data Security

Depending on the nature of content that will go into your app and its sensitivity, you will have to adopt various levels of security measures. Again, this is a factor that would rely largely upon your business type and it is important to discuss this with your developer. While permitting offline data access, third party cloud packages can be used to provide additional security.

8. Consider Building Companion Websites for the App

Most of the businesses today develop companion websites to highlight the features and functionalities of the app. As this would add on more to the development cost, it is good to analyse its scope before resorting to invest on an exclusive website. In case you think a website is crucial for the branding and promotion of your app, it is recommended to depend on the same team of app developers for its development.

9. Know About the App Deployment Procedures

Once your app is ready, the deployment procedure depends on the nature of your app. If your app is intended for external customers, the application has to be submitted to the specific app-stores and each submission requires separate registration and submission fees. For internal app deployment, the enterprise should have MDM (Mobile Device Management) systems installed within their organization.

10. Take Decisions on App Support and Maintenance

Your application would require version upgrades, maintenance and other support functions from time to time depending on its type and utility. Check whether your developer can provide you with an ongoing technical support. If not, identify a third party group to support and maintain your application.

It is for sure that a mobile application can bring about major changes to the way you do business.To ensure that your app stands out from the rest, the best key is to understand the processes involved with it, analyze the possibilities and complement the development team.