The global mobile application phenomenon is expected to reach even greater heights in the near future, thanks to the growing popularity of devices like smartphones and tablets. Employees and consumers worldwide are using these gadgets on a daily basis, whether to access work-related content or personal data anywhere, regardless of their physical location.
Operating systems such as Android and iOS are only fueling the global mobile application landscape, which is still very much in its infancy. A recent Juniper Research report said that more than 160 billion applications will be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets by 2017, more than doubling the amount in 2013. Only 5 percent of these apps will be paid for, however, making monetization an issue for developers.
"Carrier billing has become an increasingly viable option for MNOs who want to see a share of app store revenues, and also for app stores who want to distribute their content to unbanked consumers," said Juniper report author Sian Rowlands. "However, MNOs must realize they won't see as great a revenue share as they did during the pre-app store era."
The research firm said that app stores, such as Google Play, will be a hotbed of activity, especially for games. Google Play allows real-time multiplayer games and leaderboards to be accessed not only on Android, but iOS as well.
The opportunity to create mobile applications does not require developers to be experts in the field. Those looking for ways to produce highly visual and customizable apps for Android, iOS or Windows Phone can do so by using free and easy-to-use tools. Android controls, iOS controls and Windows Phone controls allow users to create applications native to these platforms and make them accessible through smartphones, tablets and the Internet.
The Benefits of Cross-Platform Development
The ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) philosophy has emerged as one of the most influential trends to impact the corporate landscape in quite some time. Nowadays, employees are using all types of devices powered by various operating systems. By using Android, iOS or Windows Phone controls, firms can now create applications suited for all platforms that will support all of their workers and serve to handle the unique needs of the business.
Cross-platform development delivers results in many areas, according to TechRepublic's Joseph Parker. Users taking this approach can boost development speed and reduce costs by reusing previous code for future projects.
Parker explained that cross-platform tools are also easy to use, employing common scripting languages such as JavaScript, HTML and CSS. These languages also make it easy to shift the use of apps from the Internet to mobile devices.
In addition to BYOD, cloud computing is another major trend reshaping the IT landscape. The cloud is also viewed as a viable option for cross-platform development in which Parker noted that cross-platform development solutions can be easily integrated with cloud solutions.
Whether developers want to create custom-built applications to support corporate endeavors or unique apps like HTML5-based games, they can now easily do so, thanks to affordable and easy-to-use cross-application development tools.
