Areas to Address when Determining a Mobile Application Strategy
Sippanont Samchai via Compfight
Before we go into detail I am going to define the difference between a web based application and a native based application.
Web Based Apps
A web based app is browser based and generally run off a URL, but can be added to a home screen of a tablet or smartphone. Written in text rather than binary code. Therefore a little less secure than a native apps. Web based apps are progressing rapidly but have yet to achieve the processing power of native based apps.
Native Based Apps
Native apps are your typical App Store and Google Market apps that can be downloaded, unlike web based apps that run in the browser. Native apps are great for enterprise because they can be loaded on devices and are very user friendly. Also they have offline capabilities. Think of a native app as software rather than a webpage.
Do you need Offline Capabilities?
Generally, if your organization needs offline capabilities and your team if constantly working in the field, than a native based app will best suit your organization needs. Native apps are especially beneficial to industrial, oil and gas, manufacturing organizations that may not have connectivity 100% of the time. Native apps are able to store information gathered during “offline mode” and upload the data to a server once connectivity is restored.
Generally, web apps need connectivity, there are methods that allow browser based apps to store information but they have yet to prove useful for enterprise organizations. Basically, if you need offline capabilities native based is your best bet.
Have you thought about Mobile Commerce?
So…this is a tricky one, because web-apps can be responsive (responsive = automatically adapts to the type of device the web-app is being viewed on i.e. a desktop web-app may look different than the mobile and tablet web app). The intelligence of a web app is able to recognize the device and display a mobile, tablet or desktop optimized web based application. Generally, the user experience is pretty good with web based apps. Cost is generally lower and many major brands are using web based mobile commerce platforms
A native based app offers an immersive experience that is catered to each operating system and downloaded to the device. Therefore the user experience is smoother, much faster and offers the opportunity to reach customers through push notifications. Since the user downloads a native app to their device, mobile commerce providers can market flash sales, new products, and other marketing initiatives through a push notification that offers an immediate call to action.
Are you Considering Leveraging the Capability of the Device…Camera, Calendar, Near Field Communications, GPS, Location Aware Offerings?
If an app is meant to leverage the potential of the device, than a native based mobile strategy would best suit your needs and objectives. Although certain web based techniques are being used to integrate the camera features, GPS and Location aware offerings they are unproven and lack user experience.
Read More4 Reasons Tablets Benefit Salepeople
Image Provided: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scobleizer/2341035218/sizes/m/
Sales
The emergence of tablet computing has created a tremendous opportunity for sales managers. They now have the ability to arm their sales force with powerful, media rich devices that are less obtrusive than laptops. Tablets act as a presentation tool that enables front line sales people to educate clients , and prospective clients on complex products through data visualizations and other forms of media.
Sales people can share information with clients via tablet
Product catalogs can be large, heavy and hard to navigate. Tablets allow sales people to share information within catalogs quickly, while incorporating hi res images and interactive content.
Pull up information quickly
Unlike catalogs, which involve flipping through pages, tablet applications can incorporate a search function and allow quick navigation between multiple products.
Use graphics to help tell a story in a way that is very memorable
Printing high resolution photos can be extremely costly. Tablets applications allow sales people to tell a story and engage customers.
Visual conversations
A visual conversation allows sales people to explain their product, while using visual representations. Therefore visuals of products may spark a conversation and lead to more billings.
To talk to a mobile expert call Drew @ 905-526-0386 ext 550
Follow @drewthachuk
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Infographic: It’s a social, mobile shopper world
FloatPoint Media always likes an informative infographic. Take a look at the statistics below and you will realize how much consumer behavior has changed. Our blog post also discusses future directions for mCommerce and mPayment for natives apps in 2012. FloatPoint Media works closely with enterprise organizations to help them implement a mobile strategy. Our mobile consulting division focuses on monetization, supplier acquisition, user interface design and tech infrastructure. Call us at 1-800-295-0482 To arrange a meeting.
5 Reasons to Build a B2B App
1) Competitive Advantage
Your business will be established as an innovator, and on the cutting edge of the industry. The development of a successful business to business app puts you a step ahead of your competition.
2) Increased brand equity
Development of a creative application that solves a problem for your customers can create brand loyalty. Those using your application will see your logo as they use it, and will therefore associate the convenience and utility of the application with your business and stimulate sales.
3) Immediate Call-to-Action
By embedding your phone number or email within their Smartphone’s application, it is possible for clients to contact you immediately through “click-to-call” and “email-to-call”.
4) Simplified Worldwide Marketing Solution
Smartphones are a worldwide trend, and the app distribution platforms (AppWorld, the AppStore etc.) are available globally. By developing an application you are able to reach customers a massive scale, increase brand awareness and attract new customers in difficult to reach markets.
5) Innovation Attracts strong Partners
If your application is of high quality and provides utility, large businesses may seek to work with you. Whether this is a large sales deal or just discussion, there is strong benefit to be had in making powerful business contacts and getting on their radar.
There are many benefits of developing a mobile app for your company. Triangle Fluid Controls Ltd. (TFC) is a wholesale supplier, manufacturer, and distributor of industrial sealing and pump products. It was identified that choosing the correct gasket for a job was a flawed process, and while not directly TFCs problem, they saw benefit in developing a solution. They contacted FloatPoint Media to help them create develop a mobile application for this process. The resulting application was an enormous success, helping TFC to build brand equity, strengthen customer relations, and has gained increased interest in its products.
If you would like to read more about TFC’s application you can view the BlackBerry Customer Success Story here: http://bit.ly/Lg48mn
Contact FloatPoint Media to discuss development.
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