M-commerce & Enterprise Apps- The Need of Today's Hyperlocal Digital World

The move from e-commerce to m-commerce has been a result of an organic growth process in the e-tailing market. As people spend more time with online shopping on their mobile devices, it makes sense to have a mobile application ready for their convenience. Further, brand loyalty can be promoted by driving customers towards downloading the mobile application rather than shopping on the mobile site of the business. Enterprise application development is receiving a huge impetus from this emerging trend which is bounding towards a rapid rise.

Mobile Trends:

As per a report published by "We Are Social", a global social media agency, the internet traffic is generated, 27% on laptops and desktops, 1% on tablets and a whopping 72% on mobile phones. This number is growing and very soon, it may come to overshadow the 27% share of laptops and desktops too. This trend has set the majority of the e-commerce businesses to take a plunge in mobile commerce and in turn driven the enterprise app market online.

App Development Technology:

Whether it is WooCommerce or BigCommerce, application development platforms, especially the open source platforms are witnessing a huge demand as they present a distinct price advantage. The growth in m-commerce and hyperlocal business drives integration of features such as social networking and GPS integration as business trade locally. Enterprise applications for e-tailing are incomplete without social networking connectivity for promotion. In fact, Twitter's Bootstrap toolkit promotes easy integration of responsive sites for mobile with its social networking platform.

M-Commerce to Hyperlocal:

Hyperlocal has vast potentials and many up and coming startups are taking advantage of this new wave to sell everything from grocery products to high-end transaction items, including automobiles and real estate. Hyperlocal commerce connects the local retailer with customers within a particular area. They enjoy the advantage of lower logistics costs, inventory maintenance and shorter delivery time. The offerings are customized as per the tastes of the demographics.

It's a Two-Way Street:

Hyperlocal offers personalized services, improving their delivery capabilities while the hyperlocal stores depend more on goodwill and customer loyalty. Hybris development platform for ecommerce offers options to integrate product details, with multichannel management and operations management. This enables streamlined operations on a single platform.

Whether m-commerce or hyperlocal, or a synergy of the two, the digital technology has changed the face of how business is conducted and the new system is likely to change the face of the marketplace in a very evident manner.

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Time to Shift to Swift- The future of Enterprise App Development

A few months back Apple introduced a new enterprise mobile app development language Swift 2, and made it clear that the Swift is the future of iOS and OS X programming. An increasing number of developers and companies are adopting the language to port apps using Swift. Swift has the potential to become the effective programming language for creating immersive, responsive, consumer-facing enterprise applications.

 

Here we have stated 8 reasons to move ahead with the Swift to develop future enterprise applications.

 

Moving towards Contextual Apps:

 

The Enterprise IT departments benefit with streamlined device management and “Bring Your Own Device” BYOD strategies. In WWDC 2015 Apple’s announcements point towards an increasing reliance on data and machine learning to deliver contextual apps that offer productivity gains through pro-activity.

 

Full-featured language:

 

Swift is a more approachable full-featured programming language that will allow developers to uild all types of apps, including enterprise apps and embedded systems like the lower-power Apple Watch apps. While working on swift our developers have found that they write less code in Swift as compared to previous language. Code is  self-documenting ,has compile-time safety mechanism for returning a value or no value , zero manual code synchronization and modern language features support them in keeping lines of code more readable.

 

Interactive Coding with instant feedback:

 

Swift has interactive tools for experienced programmers enabling them to write an algorithm while instantly obtaining feedback. In short, Swift has inherent feature for avoiding repetition, string manipulation, and other obstacles in fast coding practices.

 

Swift is faster:

 

Swift runs faster than other programming languages, since breaking away from the "limitations of C". It compiles into native code via the LLVM compiler. Thus the case of aggressive optimizations can even get things running as fast as C.

 

Know more: Exciting Features in new iOS Swift- 2

 

Unified with memory management:

 

Automatic and high-performance memory management was a problem with old languages but Apple has resolved this problem and has proven swift can increase productivity. Swift offers language support with automatic reference count (ARC) for procedural and OOP paths. Therefore, memory management is quick and without memory leakage.

 

Open source for Enterprise App Development:

 

After Microsoft .NET, Apple made the big announcement to make Swift open source. Open sourcing of core libraries expands developers' capabilities to create contextual apps on the latest versions of iOS. Swift facilitates opportunities to create enterprise apps to drive employee productivity and to accelerate the enterprise performance.

 

Know more: Essentials Guide for Developing next generation Enterprise Applications

 

Dynamic libraries to reduce initial app size:

 

Usually enterprise apps are very big in size and take time to load. With the help of dynamic libraries the initial size of app can be reduced as it is directly uploaded in the memory. Dynamic libraries have never been supported on iOS until the launch of Swift and iOS 8. Switch from static libraries are already updated at major point releases (iOS 8, iOS 7, and so on), to dynamic libraries. This feature allows current Swift apps to link against newer versions of the Swift language as it evolves over time.

 

Swift is a future you can influence:

 

It provides the development community a direct way to influence a language that will be used to create enterprise apps and apps that support Apple Watch.

 

Let’s Conclude:

 

Swift aids iPhone developers in creating wearable devices applications such as Apple Watch to support enterprises in quick and cost-effective manner.

 

Wanna get started?

 

If Swift makes Objective – C easier, we make iPhone app development a lot more easier.

 

If you would like to see our Swift app development portfolio, please click on the link. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss a business opportunity with swift expert, you can reach out to us by emailing us at Inquire Us.

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Top 7 Technology Updates and Trends in IT Industry

In the ever-changing world of software development; it is important to keep updated with the current technology, methodologies, frameworks and upcoming trends.

 

Selective updates about new technology to learn causes us to miss important trends. We have created a comprehensive list of technologies and technological trends that signify potential and a major change in the future markets. Some of the points may be considered to be old, but they play a dominant role in defining future trends.

 

1. Rise of swift: 

 

Data from a recent survey shows Apple's Swift is now most-loved language among developers. Almost immediately following Swift’s release to the programming world, it enjoyed over 11 million downloads.

 

In less than a year, swift programming language has received huge acceptance and become one of software developers' favorite tools. Swift is featured in apps from numerous well-known brands including American Airlines and LinkedIn. Keeping this rising new technology in mind, we have already developed many projects based on new Swift and our developers are ready to strike the Swift market. 

 

2. Document-oriented database “NoSQL”:

 

The term “NoSQL database” has been gaining popularity in the IT industry recently. The world’s data is doubling every two years. This epic increase in Big Data has highlighted new methods for addressing the volume and variety of structured and unstructured data. In recent discussions based on database, one of the terms frequently heard about is “NoSQL.”  Today, non-relational, "cloud," or "NoSQL" databases are gaining mindshare as an alternative model for database management. Trending technologies following the concept of NoSQL are MongoDB, Hadoop, CouchDB. These are generally called ‘document-oriented database’

 

3. Going Responsive with Bootstrap:

 

Emerging trends have led websites to have responsive sites that are compatible with mobile and other screen size devices. When it comes to developing responsive websites, Bootstrap is the first choice. Recently Bootstrap has released its new version 3.3.5 with many bug fixes, accessibility improvements, and documentation updates. Mobile-first design strategy was the adopted by Bootstrap, which emphasizes on responsive web design by default. Bootstrap technology is here to stay long in responsive website development. 

 

4. Don’t you know Node JS and Angular JS?: 

 

Node.js is an open source, cross-platform runtime environment for server-side and networking applications. It is gaining adoption as a server-side platform and is used by  many big IT companies like: IBM, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Walmart, Groupon, SAP, LinkedIn, PayPal etc. Seeing this you can imagine how famous and emerging Node JS platform is. Recent Node JS releases is 0.12.7  

 

 

AngularJS- It is the most popular in software development, an open-source web application framework maintained by Google and by a community of individual developers and corporations to address many of the challenges encountered in developing single-page applications. According to JavaScript analytics service Libscore, AngularJS is used on the websites of NBC, Intel, Sprint, ABC News, and approximately 8,400 other sites out of 1 million tested in July 2015. New stable version release 1.4.3 (code name foam-acceleration).

 

5. Time of Open source cloud platforms:

 

Open source software has become a source of grief for tech majors like Cisco, IBM & Oracle. The advancements in cloud computing and the Internet of Things are the major drivers of open source. Companies are seeing larger benefits with adoption of open source software as a core strategic technology. According to a recent Gartner report, by 2017, about 90% of Indian IT organizations will have open source software (OSS) embedded in their mission critical platforms.

 

Financial sector majorly banks, retail and telecommunication sectors are looking at customized enterprise solutions based on open source platform for greater flexibility and cost reduction.

 

International Data Corporation IDC forecast indicates a rise in adoption of open source software especially among the small and mid size businesses.

 

 

6. MBaaS shoot-out:

 

The concept of Mobile Backend as Service is already well developed. Enterprise-oriented MBaaS systems provide integration with existing applications and databases. Nowadays, enterprises follow the concept of MaaS to develop enterprise mobile apps. The general idea of MBaaS is that mobile apps need common services that can be shared among apps instead of being custom developed for each. It typically provides push notifications, file storage and sharing, integration with social networks, location services, messaging and chat functions, user management, the ability to run business logic, and usage analysis tools.

 

7. eCommerce turning in to M-commerce:

 

Increasingly, eCommerce businesses are switching to M-Commerce with businesses developing a mobile site, according to new survey “M-commerce market in India to touch $19 billion by 2019”. With the rise and rise of mobile adoption, every one demands instant purchase. Users of m-commerce perform a wide variety of transactions via mobile from paying for utility bill and movie tickets to shopping and holiday planning. Enterprises are looking for on demand solutions to develop eCommerce apps for mobile. To fulfill this requirement our M-Commerce team continuously provides on demand eCommerce solutions and have developed multiple online store platforms that can be used for any of your eCommerce needs.

 

This is the results of our extensive research. If you wish to receive latest technology updates or looking forcustom software solutions then, you can enquire with us by filling the enquiry form.

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Essentials Guide for Developing next generation Enterprise Applications

As the adoption of mobility usage is growing day by day, businesses have identified a huge scope in developing enterprise application, endowed with multiple functionality that enhance user experience, satisfy needs of customers, employees, other stakeholders, and generate maximum revenue. Enterprise Mobility Solutions are sought for streamlining operations and leveraging the potential of technology to deliver highest customer satisfaction.

In today’s dynamic business environment, enterprise applications are complex, scalable, distributed and cloud enabled. They may be implemented on a variety of platforms across networks. A robust  enterprise application must be:

1. User-friendly

2. Cloud-based

3. Cost effective

4. Secure

5. Modern

6. Administrable

7. Optimized

8. Maintenance free

In order to ensure success of an application with so many features and functionalities, quality testing is highly essential. The Enterprise Application Models mentioned below gives you a way to accomplish the above needs and deliver seamless user experience.

Let us understand the components under these development models:

1- Development model-  

• Development team
• Development process
• Project management
• Security
• Code Testing
• Delivery and maintenance

2- Business model-

• Business goals
• Development cost
• Return on investment
• Resources needed
• Time constraints
• Business rules and policies maintenance

3- User model-

• User interface
• Ease-of-use requirements
• Training and documentation
• Application support

4- Logical model –

• Logical structure of the application
• Object and data modeling
• Business objects and services
• Interface definitions

5- Technology model-

• Component development tools
• Deployment platforms System
• Database technologies

6- Physical model-

• Physical application architecture
• Distribution and interconnection of components
• End product of the iterative inputs of each of the other sub-models

To build an enterprise application you need to create a small set of modules varying from different categories, and map each requirement with the other module.  You can also use these models to break up the complex task of enterprise development into a small set of more manageable sub-tasks. When you understand the interactions between groups of requirements, you can tackle them in a systematic manner, balancing and adjusting each requirement as you go.

8 Industries benefiting by Enterprise Solutions:

The above development models can be implemented and used to provide enterprise solutions for below 8 industries. As so many industries and enterprise giants have already been benefited by applying these development models.

By following the models mentioned above, as well as staying in close contact with your business requirement, you can confidently move forward for perfect enterprise solution. To develop a perfect enterprise solution you should fulfill following points:

1. Choose and Execute the right development model
2. Gather the right information
3. Ensure security
4. Cross platform support
5. Alerts notification Updates
6. Device Management
7. Admin control
8. Monitor and Measure the usage

Solution Analysts provides Enterprise Applications that supports variety of business organizations and leveraging enterprise apps with advanced capabilities such as access control, social integrity, and excellent search. Our solutions help enterprises to quickly and efficiently adopt mobility solutions, thereby adding additional benefits to business.

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Recent Trends in Mobile App Development That You Need to Know

As the “Internet of Things” is emerging; the future of technology looks brighter for IT companies.  Mobile technology growing in such a high speed; and we cannot deny that it has become an integral part of the digital ecosystem. People increasingly expect that mobile apps will allow them to do virtually everything their laptops can do (if not more), in a smooth, integrated experience. Recent trends already proved that the future is mobile.

 

Thus, to ensure a sustainable success to your business, it has become more than necessary to stay updated with the latest mobile app development trends. We are already past halfway through 2015, and here are some of the recent trends that you can look up to.

 

1. Rise of Hybrid Apps:

 

If you haven’t considered hybrid app development then you should now. In the recent months, hybrid apps is on rise as it includes both native and web apps. The great advantage is; it can be developed with limited resource and can be launched on multiple platforms.

 

Notable Features: Best fit on multiple platform, classy features and robust performance.

 

Technology/Framework: PhoneGap, Mobile Angular UI, IONIC, HTML5, Intel XDK, Appcelerator Titanium

 

2. Enterprise apps:

 

Enterprises are having a tough time keeping up with the demand for mobile apps. So this has given an amazing opportunity for developers. Many big organizations and companies are using customer focused enterprise apps to add value in their businesses; this trend is all set to continue in for next couple of years. Moreover businesses are introducing enterprise mobile apps and bring your own devices (BYOD) concept for their employees to improve the work efficiency and productivity.

 

See Also: Essentials Guide for Developing next generation Enterprise Applications

 

3. Internet of Things:

 

Mobile devices will not be limited to being smart phones. This one of the biggest change and trend everyone is experiencing. IoT has changed the way we see our lives and interact with things around us. According to recent statics more than 4.9 billion mobile devices make up Internet of Things. Mobile apps are now acting as a bridge between smart phone and various electronic items allowing you to control them. Using existing mobile platforms—mainly iOS and Android— developers and enterprises finding lots of opportunities for building mobile applications based on proximity locations, home automation, computing, retail etc.

 

Technologies:  iBeacons, BLE, NFC, Wearable’s.

 

See Also: How Everyone Life is Influenced by IoT - 8 Real Life Examples

 

4. Don’t Stop; Go Cloud:

 

Cloud technology is playing a major role in mobile app development. Now every one need mobile applications that can be accessible from anywhere, on multiple mobile devices with same feature sets and functionality. This mean everything should be placed on cloud. This technology brings a positive change in every business.

 

5. Wearable Technology:

 

Mainstream technology for upcoming years. The wearable is going to move beyond Google Glass, Samsung Galaxy Gear, Apple Watch, Mi wrist bands or more; this technology will surely explode with a variety of wearable’s including those focusing on healthcare and fashion. Now, it will come to developers to build wearable apps functioned or synchronized your present mobile applications. It is expected that wearable industry will cross several billions within the next few years. Hence mobile developers need to keep a close eye on the latest wearable technology and its ecosystem, in order to walk together competitively in this fast-moving technology market.

 

See Also: 8 things to explore for awesome wearable app development

 

6. M-Commerce and Payments:

 

This is the most emerging trend we have ever seen recently. This is a term or can say technology almost every one of us is using for online payment and goods purchase. Now businesses are shifting towards world wide web and want their presence online so as to increase their business value. Hence it is obvious that they will be in need of having mobile app that can help users to explore their businesses, purchase goods and make payments accordingly. This has created an opportunity for developers to build mobile apps that can process transactions without the need of physical debit/credit cards or cash.

 

7. App Security is very essential:

 

Developing a mobile app is not enough, making it secure from vulnerabilities is more essential. Long back, Gartner predicted that 75% of mobile applications will fail in basic security tests. As the online transactions are keep on rising, so making enough efforts to secure data is necessary. If you are a developer then make sure to perform complete Static application security testing (SAST) before releasing your mobile app.

 

See Also: Six Principles of Mobile App Security Testing

 

8. Mobile Apps Acting local growing global:

 

This is new to know, but yes apps based on locations are growing fast. Years ago Foursquare, Yelp, Quicker and many more shared the space, and flourished the new way for real-time location apps. Identifying the potential in expanding the local business by developing mobile apps based on locations and proximity, now it has picked the full speed. Don’t miss it; keep an eye on this local trend. Some rising examples: Zomato, Ola Cabs, Foodpanda.

 

Just reading about the mobile app development trends isn’t enough; it is the need of today. Don’t wait. Pace up your self for your next amazing mobile app. Share your idea now.

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8 Things to Explore for Awesome Wearable App Development

Enterprise mobility is a summation of wearable devices and related technology and mobile applications that are slowly transforming the equations and interactions of work in enterprises. The mobile applications for wearable applications is an extension of the mobile Android or iOS app. However, it is further condensed to integrate it with the wearable device ecosystem. Our app development team's  ideation and research has led us to identify these 8 factors which must be explored to develop a perfect wearable app.

1. Create a Use Case: Draft a set of questions identifying the relevance from the wearable context. From this you can identify the best available wearable hardware, API/SDK, development frameworks/ platform and other measures for app development.

2. Choose a Correct Platform and API: There are several tools and API available in the market like Android, Salesforce, Apple. It is essential to choose the correct platform  based on requirement. Instead of having multiple versions for different devices, end users like to have one single app that is compatible with every device and with quick response. The more cross-platform capability and compatibility a wearable app has; the better possibility of its success.

3. Design and User Interface: As the wearable device is small in size, it is challenging to implement several feature sets with limited physical space. Design and User interface of the app is also a big factor as the users interacts with wearable gadgets in different manner from smart phones, tablets and other devices. While developing the app, designers focus should be towards streamlined end user experience with limited physical visible space.

4. Data Security: Wearable technology is still on the upward swing of the growth phase and hence security risks are to be anticipated. Wearable tech devices cannot connect to the Internet on their own. They require multiple synchronization or third party functions in order to connect with apps installed on Internet-enabled devices. This is the major concern when end user purchases the wearable app. Developer should accomplish all the necessary security measures to protect sensitive information.

5. Functionality and Features: “Ease of use and its mobility” this is the ultimate goal of any wearable device app. Before developing, the first step is to add a rich features set and functionalities that add value to end users. Developers must understand user needs and make it real.

6. Keep Updating with Latest Technology: New wearables are arriving in the market so is the technology. To sustain in the market and for long term success; fulfilling end users need, updating the app for the latest technology is essential. While developing the wearable apps, developers should consider these future updates.

7. Battery Consumption and Memory Space: Battery consumption is a big factor in all smart devices. It is always desirable for applications that they should consume less power and memory. While developing the wearable app, developer should optimize the code in such a way it takes less memory and battery; appositely performs more effectively.

8. Testing: “Users want mobility and businesses need efficiency”. The only way to measure success of wearable app is its performance, which can only be achieved with robust testing. At present, wearable devices are primarily attached with other devices, small screens with limited functionality that rely on another device. What happens if the associated device with wearables stops working? This will surely create a lapse in efficiency. So, before releasing an app for wearable device it is must to undergo robust testing for all possible functionality and compatibility with other devices.

Wearable app development is very challenging. These are few measures that our experts identified during wearable app development. As devices and platforms change, developers need to be ready to meet the demands. Business success relies on keeping up with these latest trends and technology.

Give flight to your business with these current trends. If you have amazing Wearable App Idea don’t hesitate to share with us. We will surely transform your idea into reality.

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