Mobile App, also known as a mobile application and smartphone app, is a software built to run on handheld devices such as smartphone, tablets, or watch.
With the advent of the smartphone, people are resorting to shopping on a go. Over 95% of customers for business are smartphone users, and over 70% of smartphone users choose to shop online.
Although an old stat, 70% of Amazon.com shoppers placed orders using a mobile device during the holiday season.
Hence, app development becomes essential for almost all kinds of businesses. Get in touch with best mobile app development in Des Moines for all your business mobile app needs.
What is App Development?
App Development refers to the creation of computer applications for use on mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches.
Developing a mobile App relies on five different platforms
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Front-end development tools
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Back-end servers
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Security add-on layers
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System software
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Mobile app testing
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Front-end development refers to developing the front interface of the mobile app. A developer may use HMTL5, CSS, C#, C++, and Java depending on the ease and usability of the application
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Back-end servers provide a set of reusable services that are centrally managed and controlled. A back-end developer may use ActionScript, browser-based interface, JavaScript, C#, and PHP to design the back-end server.
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Security helps for data encryption, malware protection, and building a firewall to protect the software’s integrity
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The system software is designed to provide a platform for mobile apps to operate. System software includes OS such as Android, macOS, and Windows that helps to run the apps.
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The final process before releasing any app is to test it in the real environment. Mobile applications are first tested within the development environment using emulators and later subjected to field testing.
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It generally deals with UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience). Front-end development relies on;
- UI design tools
- SDKs to access device features
- Cross-platform accommodations/support
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It provides the following abilities:
- Integration with back-end systems
- User authentication-authorization
- Data services
- Reusable business logic
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It provides the following features;
- App wrapping for security
- Data encryption
- Client actions
- Reporting and statistics
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Mobile App Programming
Mobile app programming for Android is largely done in Java. This is something Google promotes. An android app developer can also use HTML5, C#, C++, ActionScript, PHP by using the Android Native Development Kit (NDK) to develop new apps.
The basic programming language for Apple’s iOS is Objective-C and C. A developer must use Xcode platform to develop iOS apps which are generally free to download. Xcode is a graphical interface provided by Apple. It comes with tools to write codes for an iOS app. Today, it is also possible to use OCaml and C++ for developing iOS applications.
Windows mobile app mostly relies on .NET Compact Framework that supports development in C# and VB.NET. C++ or Embedded Visual Basic can also be used.
How useful is Mobile App for the Businesses?
An app is stored in a local device, so fetching and loading data is faster than a website. App frameworks are 5x faster than Javascript frameworks, hence they are more accessible and user-friendly.
Your business in Des Moines can derive endless benefits from app development. Some of the major benefits of mobile app development in Des Moines are as follows;
a. Presence
The core idea of business marketing lies in being visible all the time. Study shows that the average American spends more than two hours a day on their mobile device. The chance of being ‘seen’ is greater when you own a business app. You are a click away from ‘being seen’.
b. Direct Marketing Channel
The business mobile app can be a great medium for direct marketing. A customer wouldn’t need to call or email you in case of need, they will take a coupon and wait for to follow-up later. It helps to minimize the slack in finding the right channel and delivering the message. You can push your marketing and sales-related campaign through an app. Next time you send a message, consider hiring the best mobile app development in Des Moines.
c. Build a Reliable Brand
When everyone is using a smartphone to search, analyze, and digest digital-data, it becomes important to be accessible. A mobile app is like a billboard or a placard, you can do what you want with it. You must remain relevant to their need that helps to expand your growth and ultimately build a brand
d. Improve Customer Engagement
With the availability of information, customers can engage more with your business. A mobile app basically offers every information a customer may need while purchasing a product. business-to-customer communication is important, however, a reverse communication is equally relevant. Your customers will love it when they can reach out to you in time of need such as concerns, complaints, or feedback regarding the product or service.
e. Geo-Targeting
A mobile app is useful for marketing. The customer engagement accounts for direct communication that helps to bring valuable information such as demographics, geographical locations, and shopping behavior with respect to your products and services, helping you to understand the market demand and improve your sales and marketing strategies.
How much does it cost to build a Mobile Application?
A business mobile app with basic feature could cost between the US $10,000 - $50,000. This will be suitable only for small or medium businesses.
If you’re a large company with the need for a complex mobile app, be ready to pay anywhere from $171,450 - $350,000. These sort of apps come with advanced features and unlimited support, cross-platform programming, and complex features.
State of Mobile OS (Operating Software)
Android
Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world. Developed by Google, it is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. Unlike Apple’s iOS, Android remains an open-source code.
Android can generally run on handheld devices, desktop (however, with minimal features), watch, etc. It was initially developed by Android Inc. in 2005. With the first commercial Android device launched in September 2008, Android OS has seen numerous upgrades. The current stable version is Android 9 called "Pie." It was released n August 2018 and is the 16th version of the OS. As of December 2018, the Google Play store features over 2.6 million apps.
iOS
iOS or iPhone OS and Apple’s iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. A closed source, it is used in every iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The OS used for Mac or PC is known as MacOS.
iOS remains the second most popular mobile operating system globally after Android.
iOS was released in 2007 with the iPhone. As of March 2018, Apple's App Store contains more than 2.1 million iOS applications, 1 million of which are native for iPads.
Cross-Platform Programming
Cross-platform programming or cross mobile app development refers to the development of mobile apps that can run on multiple mobile platforms such as Android, Windows, or iOS. With the growing trend called BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), it has made necessary for businesses to develop their corporate mobile apps that are able to use in many different mobile devices that operate on various networks and use different operating systems.
Although a popular choice, cross-platform mobile development comes with many flaws. Get in touch with mobile app development in Iowa to understand better about cross-platform app development.
Mobile App Development in Des Moines
Consider this information before hiring the best professional for mobile app development in Des Moines.
a. Freelance vs. Professional agency
You can find both freelance mobile app developer and a professional agency with a team of specialists. It’s essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option before choosing. Although cheaper, freelance developers may not be available to address system lag, downtime, or complaints on time. Professional agencies are always answerable to your queries and will address whenever you need them. Although expensive, with the team of their specialists you can build a reliable business mobile app.
b. Ready-to-use vs. custom apps
You can choose from ready-to-use mobile apps to custom-built apps. Ready-to-use apps have a prefixed framework that requires minimal input before you can use it for your business. Custom apps allow you to build an app from scratch. You can add any features you want in your app.
c. Native vs. hybrid mobile apps
Hybrid apps are often chosen by small-sized businesses for its portability (one code base, multiple platforms). Medium-sized and big-sized firms can go with a native app that works best in any environment. It offers better user experience, access to device hardware/software (GPS, location, shake, calendar, etc.), easy to discover in app stores (Google’s Play Store & Apple’s App Store), and also Native UI allows users to quickly learn the app.
Mobile App Development in Des Moines – Designed by Searchable Design
Searchable Design LLC offers the best mobile app development in Des Moines. We believe that Mobile apps should measurably drive leads, sales, and deeper engagement with the customer. With the best mobile app development in Iowa, you can target not only your customers but also the future business goal
Apps should be more than a handy tool. A business’s app needs to act as a growth engine powering lead generation and nurturing sales opportunities – Mobile app development in Des Moines.