Month: February 2023

Top Hybrid Mobile App Examples to Inspire Your Next Project

Posted on by Georgin Jose

How can you stay ahead of your customer’s minds? Well, developing mobile apps for your businesses, products, or services is always the best method to stay on top. In particular, the app development solution you choose will definitely affect the growth of your business. Though native apps have their own significance in the market, hybrid apps are gaining more attention these days, especially by providing a developmental approach for modern enterprises. In this article, we aim to talk about hybrid apps and their examples.

What are hybrid apps?

Hybrid apps are no different from any other applications installed in your Android or iOS systems. As the name suggests, they have components from native apps and they are applications built for a specific platform like Android or iOS with components from web applications. Hybrid apps are more like websites that work like apps and can be accessed from a web browser using the internet. They are built using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. In comparison to web-based applications, hybrid apps have the benefit of gaining access to the device system. For instance, a hybrid app can easily access and control the inbuilt features in your device like the camera, contact list, files, map, messages, or any other feature in your mobile phone. Hybrid app development is also a cost-effective option when compared to the development of native apps because of the ease it offers while choosing the codebase.   

Top hybrid applications   

Here we are going to discuss some of the leading examples of hybrid applications that have played a significant role in taking businesses to the next level and creating a wave in the market with their performance and advantages.   

Gmail   

As a free service offered by Google, Gmail is one of the most popular and commonly used hybrid applications across the globe with around 2 billion users. In the initial phase, the usability of this hybrid application is limited as it is powered by HTML, and with the improvements in HTML5, it offers an enhanced user experience with a number of advanced functions and features. Once it was adopted to the mobile version, Gmail successfully integrated the components of native apps along with HTML into a single application to create an impeccable performance. In this advanced world of business, Gmail has become a powerful email platform that millions of people have used even in its basic form.   

Highlights  

  • The inbox is organized enough to sort messages/emails according to their category (promotional, important, social).  
  • Blocks irrelevant and spam messages from inboxes.  
  • Huge and free data storage capacity of up to 15GB.  
  • Supports more than one account.  
  • Access from anywhere.  

Twitter  

One another application with a huge volume of traffic and one of the best examples of hybrid applications is Twitter. It sorted out previous setbacks and delays experienced by hybrid apps, majorly associated with their issues in performance. Twitter has transformed users’ perceptions about the functioning of the hybrid application by providing smooth performance and reduced loading. Therefore, the demand for Twitter applications has risen in the digital world.   

Highlights  

  • Attractive user experience with premium and live video streaming.   
  • You get updated news on a regular basis.  
  • You can share thoughts, poems, writings, news, and anything around the world.  
  • Notifies you about viral and interesting news or stories every day.  

Instagram (IG)  

Instagram is one of the most appealing and largest social media platforms owned by Facebook, Inc, and runs with millions of users adding up every day. It also stands at the top among hybrid applications in 2022. Over the past decade, the app has gained a remarkable increase in the number of users with greater user engagement every day. The app enables users to upload images or videos along with features to edit them using filters, tags, and location. The user can choose to share the posts either with the public audience or with the chosen set of followers. Since the app is supported by an HTML5 codebase, it offers unrestricted access to media and other features online as well as offline modes.   

Highlights  

  • Multiple tools and features like filters, music, etc. to make stories and posts interesting.  
  • Direct message options and way more interactive than many social media platforms.  
  • Access to IGTV videos that are more than 60 sec long.  

Uber  

Uber, owned by Uber Technologies, Inc., is a US-based multinational company providing a range of services like ride-sharing, short-device distance transport services with electric scooters and bikes, and food delivery (Uber Eats). This user-friendly hybrid app suppresses its competitors by helping users to book taxis without difficulty. The app has the feature to function faster on multiple devices and offers many dynamic features to iOS and Android users. In fact, the online taxi booking service was globally revolutionized by Uber. The adoption of a hybrid platform for its app has made navigation easier and the user interface impressive compared to its rival services.  

Highlights  

  • Allow drivers to access the customer’s location easily.  
  • Displays the photo of the driver for the users to identify.  
  • Easy payments using debit or credit cards. 
  • Integrated with the map to monitor the driver’s location.  
  • Provide full information about the vehicle.   

Amazon App store  

Another hybrid app powered by HTML5 is the Amazon App store, specifically designed for android operating systems. The Amazon App Store offers a brilliant experience for users who have access to it. Its excellent user interface not only makes it rare but also makes it look attractive and engaging to users. The apps you can access from Amazon AppStore are of high quality and are free of charge than the apps you purchase from other app stores like Google Play Store or Apple Store.  

Highlights  

  • Fast checkouts without delay.  
  • You can get feedback and reviews from users.  
  • Globally recognized.  

Advantages of hybrid apps  

  • Targets a lot of customers since it supports android and iOS operating systems.  
  • Easy to repair and update and fits the budget.  
  • Effective user engagement compared to native apps.  
  • A single codebase to manage.  
  • Requires less time for development and minimal cost.  
  • Functions without the internet and data can be accessed easily.   
  • The loading speed is higher.  

Wrap Up  

Hybrid apps are high-performance, seamless browsing apps that do not demand much maintenance. Compared to native and web applications, it has better features and is a lot easier to access. It is able to handle huge traffic without causing any app crashes and takes less time to develop, hence having a better reach in the market. The above-mentioned hybrid applications give a satisfying explanation to be chosen by a lot of businesses.  

Robotic Process Automation Vs. API 

Posted on by Mugunthan K

The process of automation has reached the point where it has achieved its own recognition and status as a result of various technologies involved in it. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is one such advanced technology. It is the type of automation that emulates human-like features and functions way better than humans. Another one is the Application Programming Interface (API). It facilitates interaction between applications. When it comes to selecting one of them, businesses mostly get confused. In most situations, a hybrid strategy is the best choice, in which API integrations are used for certain operations and RPA for the larger framework. Let us have a discussion on these technologies and what they can offer you.  

What is RPA? 

RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation, a technology in which an automation software bot is used to interact with applications in the same way that a human worker would do. To be precise, RPA bots emulate human actions and performances to finish a task through a series of steps, in an ‘automated manner’. The term ‘automated manner’ indicates that the task is operated entirely by the device itself without any human intervention. Moreover, RPA technology aims to reduce the time and cost spent on manual tasks performed by human laborers as it automates the entire process. Some of the areas where RPA is deployed include: 

  • Accounts payable 
  • Human Resources 
  • Customer relations 
  • Invoice processing 
  • Credit card applications 

What is API? 

An application programming interface (API) is a set of established protocols, codes, and definitions that describe how computers or applications interact with each other. APIs serve as a mediator that occupies between an application and a web server, thereby processing the transfer of data between systems. API also allows a product or service to interact with others without having to learn how they apply to other products and services. As you design or manage new tools and products, the API provides you with enough flexibility, simplified innovation, and room for creativity. With API integration of different applications, the data flow and availability will become more efficient and the time to perform various tasks will be reduced. Some of the areas where API integration is used include: 

  • Universal logins 
  • Text messages 
  • Network Integration 
  • Google map services 
  • Travel bookings 

RPA vs API 

RPA and API, two are similar and can be used to automate tasks. But when it comes to the business world, both have different purposes. For instance, RPA can automate a single application or a group of applications. It is built to perform a specific business process or on a common platform. Meanwhile, API acts as a doorway between systems and services. It enables you to integrate various applications and services together. 

RPA communicates with the target applications through the front end. Software bots perform actions much similar to human employees with more speed and accuracy. API uses a different method and it communicates with the target applications via the back end.  

Though building an RPA tool takes less time and money when compared to API, the maintenance cost of RPA is higher than API. 

Both RPA and API are designed to eliminate human intervention in business processes, but the approaches used by both are totally different. RPA helps in automating business processes by emulating human actions whereas API is used to connect software systems in order to facilitate direct interaction.  

RPA vs API: Pros and Cons 

Integration of applications using RPA platforms and APIs is a part of digital conversion initiatives. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages when we look into their general definition and performance. 

Pros of using RPA 

Robotic Process Automation has revolutionized the automation process, which has brought many benefits in different fields. Here are the different benefits of Robotic Process Automation.

Supports legacy systems 

Most legacy systems do not disclose their APIs even if it is commercial software or an in-house application. RPA support legacy system and it is capable of emulating human interactions with old systems which enables them to be a part of the automation and modernization efforts. Thereby successfully incorporating legacy systems rather than replacing them. 

Well defined projects  

Fixing the requirements right is one of the most challenging features of IT projects. Since RPA has a high success rate, it can be used in processes that are already well-established and synchronized with well-understood applications. As API projects include new applications and processes, it may take many turns to attain the desired result. 

Modeling business processes  

RPA can quickly and easily model a business process by mimicking and recording the performance of a human employee against a UI. Modeling a business process and developing a service using APIs can be very costly. Meanwhile, the RPA can succeed from the overall perspective of the total cost of ownership. 

Packaging business process  

RPA offers a packaged solution to any specific business problem you aim to address. It does not give you a chance to worry about the inner working because RPA platforms will cover A to Z things in a single stretch. However, they do not promise the flexibility that an API can offer you. 

Cons of RPA 

  • The scalability of RPA is less when it comes to high-speed workflow transactions. 
  • RPAs require high maintenance as software requirements keep varying according to business needs. 
  • RPA can make existing processes efficient, but it may not be able to improve them. 

Pros of using API 

Here are the different benefits of the Application Programming Interface.

Reuse  

APIs are an integrated collection of methods that perform a single function, which can be the basis of an application or service or an RPA. Businesses can greatly benefit from portability as they can use them again for various purposes, unlike RPA which serves a single purpose. 

Fast and efficient  

APIs can be commended for their live connectivity benefits because of their ability to connect rapidly and efficiently with their partner and SaaS applications. 

APIs are everywhere  

APIs are universal in business. With the beginning of modern software applications publishing their APIs, it has become easier to develop connectors that sync those applications. 

Good for nuanced problems  

The benefits of RPA are sometimes limited to minor business processes such as data entry or simple end-to-end setup. Many business processes are much more subtle than this and based on scenarios that include complex integration of data or applications to function as needed. The issue becomes more complex in the reality that IT landscapes depend more on cloud applications. This increases the need for better data management and administration in API tools. 

Cons of API 

  • APIs are rather expensive and require a lot of time to develop, than RPA. 
  • Changes to the API need to be linked to a formal IT change process. 
  • API has no universally accepted standard format. 

Wrap up 

Robotic process automation (RPA) and application programming interface (API) have their own benefits depending on the requirements and necessities of the company or business. Mostly it depends on two factors – the business needs and the budget limitations. APIs are an excellent tool for high-capacity transactions, but an API integration is practical only if it is already available, and the specific problem should be defined. Robotic Process Automation is comparatively inexpensive and fast to implement but needs continuous and thorough support to ensure success. The pros and cons of both are discussed here in this article and the use of both technologies together would be a better option for your business in all aspects. 

Rapid Application Development Methodology Explained 

Posted on by Binoj

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a term that has been in the IT industry for over a decade now and has gained popularity among the IT community. RAD is a methodology employed for software to be developed quickly and efficiently, without relying on the development models such as the waterfall model, which has a lack of flexibility and difficulty in changing functions and attributes once the software is built. The Rapid Application Development approach developed by James Martin is an alternative to the traditional waterfall model. Although it has been in the industry for some time, the popularity of the RAD approach is huge among those who are looking for dynamic methods of application development to suit their developing business and the requirements of the clients.  

Rapid Application Development: An Overview  

What do you call an agile software development methodology which gives priority to rapid prototype releases and iterations? Well, we can call it the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology. Now, what makes it different from the waterfall model? The answer is that RAD focuses on the feedback of users and the use of software for rigorous planning and recording of the requirements, which apparently makes it different from the waterfall model. The main advantage of a RAD methodology is the rapid project reversal, which makes it a perfect alluring choice for developers working in a post-haste field such as software development. This quick acceleration is made possible by RAD’s emphasis on increasing the development of prototypes and reducing the planning phase.  

RAD enables project managers and shareholders to calculate the progress, precisely measure, and communicate in real-time about emerging issues or changes while reducing planning time and focusing on prototype iterations.  

Phases of Rapid Application Development Methodology 

There are mainly 4 phases of rapid application development, which are explained below: 

Requirements Planning  

This is the first phase and is similar to that of a project scoping meeting. This phase is also a crucial step in determining the success of the project, though the planning stage is condensed when juxtaposed with other methods of project management. At this stage, developers, the customers or software users, and team members discuss the objectives of the project, expectations from the project, and existing and potential problems that have to be resolved during the development. This phase can be divided into: 

  • Studying and analyzing the existing problems 
  • Elucidating the project requirements 
  • Fixing the requirements with the approval of each shareholder 

Giving everyone an equal opportunity to communicate the aims and expectations for the project is very essential. Moreover, gaining the approval of shareholders and developers helps eliminate any kind of miscommunication.  

User Design 

Once you have dealt with the project planning phase, it is time to look into the development of user designs using different prototype iterations. This is the main ingredient in the RAD methodology. At this stage, the developers and clients work in coordination to make sure that their requirements are being fulfilled at each stage of the design process. This is like developing customized software that allows users to examine and ensure that each product’s prototype satisfies their requirements at each stage.  The client examines the prototype designed by developers and then assembles it to discuss the feedback about the functioning. This process allows the developers to make changes in the model until they end up with a satisfactory result.  

Rapid construction  

Here in this stage, the prototypes and beta systems from the previous phase get converted into functional models. Since most of the problems and changes were solved during the comprehensive iterative design phase, it is easy for developers to build the final working model faster, instead of going behind traditional project management models. This phase can be divided into: 

  • Preparing for rapid construction 
  • Developing program and application 
  • Coding 
  • Examining system and unit integration 

At this stage, the software and applications are examined thoroughly to make sure that the goals and expectations of the clients are being met. This is a very important phase because the Clients can provide input all around this phase, suggesting changes or bringing new ideas that will solve the problem they may find. 

Implementation  

This is the final stage of rapid application development and is also known as the implementation stage where the end product is introduced. In this stage, the developers resolve the technical debt incurred in initial prototyping and optimize deployment to enhance stability and preservability when finalizing the product for launch. This phase is divided into: 

  • Finalizing the product 
  • Testing  
  • Implementation 
  • Data conversion 

All the components will be sifted to a live production environment for extensive testing and training. The team members will finish documentation and final touch-up tasks before handing over the product to the client. 

Benefits of Rapid Application Development 

Some of the major benefits of RAD include: 

High flexibility

It allows the developers to make alterations and changes during the development process until it meets the requirements of the clients.  

Focuses on development

Since the planning phase is shorter, it gives the team more time to focus on repetitive design construction and development. 

Code reuse

This indicates less manual coding, fewer errors, and less trial time. 

Reduced risks

Shareholders can discuss and resolve weaknesses in the code as development processes continue. 

High customer satisfaction

As RAD takes feedback from clients at every stage, it facilitates a higher level of cooperation and coordination among shareholders and developers. 

Optimized team efficiency

The task-based framework enables project managers to optimize the efficiency of the team by allocating tasks to team members based on their specifications and experiences. 

Wrap Up 

Rapid application development is an approach that some companies find difficult to follow. It is not easy to incorporate Rapid Application Development software in your project if your organization depends on multiple teams working together for a single project. But if you have the ability to cycle fast between prototype and feedback, if you have developers who are capable of changing anything in an instant, then rapid application development is worth giving a try. 

Mobile App Development for Small Business  

Posted on by Joshua Gracias

Mobile development has become increasingly important for small businesses in recent years, as more and more consumers use their smartphones and tablets to access the internet and make purchases. A mobile app can provide small businesses with a valuable tool for engaging with customers and building brand loyalty.

Most people often go for mobile applications rather than websites as apps give preference to user experience and are designed to meet specific needs and view patterns of the users. As of the situation, users are spending an average of more than 4 hours a day on various mobile applications, so it should come as no surprise that businesses aim at constantly being a part of a user’s interaction with their device apps throughout the day.

But entrepreneurs are often reluctant to invest in mobile app development for small businesses, even though it offers the same advantages: consistent advertising on users’ mobile devices, smooth promotion of products/services, brand recognition, and much more. Developing a mobile app for small businesses can still seem like a difficult task though it offers a lot of benefits. It is true that small business app development has time and budget limitations but with proper planning, the benefits can outweigh the costs to a greater extent. With the transition from mobile phones to smartphones, the range of users has also changed. Interacting with customers has become easier with geolocation technology and push notifications.  

Mobile app development for small businesses: Benefits  

Here are some reasons why small businesses need mobile applications. Let’s talk about them one by one.  

Reduce the wait   

Building an application for your business essentially reduces the waiting time of your customers. This means that instead of spending a lot of time searching for a product or service and standing in a long queue to make a purchase, customers can simply explore your services or products, go through the new offers, and purchase whatever they need right at their convenience by using your app. The app will also show push notifications which will notify you of any requests or inquiries from customers, thus helping you to address all their concerns in no time.  

Direct sales channels   

Mobile applications are like channels that promote direct sales and are becoming a common trend among businesses day by day. This brings your consumers directly in contact with you and eliminates the need for any intermediaries. It is more like a ‘buy one get one package’ because it avoids any other cost of advertising. Your app gives your business more reach without any extra cost.  

Market yourself   

Branding is an important factor in business and marketing. People go behind the brands that have higher recognition and greater market value. Mobile applications are one of the greatest tools for marketing your business, no matter whether it is small or big. The more you market, the more reach you will get. Gradually this helps in making your business and brand go noticed.   

Social Platform  

If you are looking for a community to back your business, then social platforms are a great choice to connect with different users. These user communities can take your product/service to greater heights as they help in sharing blogs, articles, videos, products, etc. with the outside world. The products and services offered by businesses get a wider reach through social apps developed by the company. 

Customer engagement   

It is already clear that mobile apps reduce the waiting time that irritates the customer and it also promotes great user engagement throughout the process of purchasing a product/service. It also helps your business to identify the target audience and carry out the plan accordingly.  

Enhance brand visibility   

Creating a brand might be easy but improving its visibility is a complex task for small businesses. But this can be made easy through various campaigns conducted in the mobile app you have developed for your business. Announcing special discounts, offers, coupons, and other exciting rewards for long-term users is one way of increasing brand visibility.   

Mobile app development for small businesses: Tips to follow  

To develop a mobile app, small businesses can either hire an in-house developer, outsource the development to a third-party company, or use a mobile app development platform that allows businesses to create and publish their own apps without the need for coding.

There are also several popular platforms for mobile app development, such as iOS and Android, that small businesses can choose from. It is recommended that the business should have a clear understanding of the target audience and what platform they are using before starting the development process, as it would determine the set of tools and the budget for development.

Build a goal  

You do not want to build an app for your business just because others are building one. You need to figure out certain things before you start creating your own app, like the objective or goal behind building an app, the audience it should address, the features it should include, and the ways to promote your app. Have a clear idea about the goals behind developing a particular app for your business because identifying the goals is very important in the app development lifecycle. Describing the goals of a small business application enables you to monitor the progress of your app and complete your project faster.  

Plan your app  

Once you get an idea for developing an app for your small business, it’s time to turn that idea into an app. The initial thing to do is to organize a team for your app development with people who have a thorough understanding of the whole process, marketing, and also about technical aspects. When your team is ready, start discussing the key elements like whether it should be an Android, iOS, or multi-platform app. Analyze the pros and cons of each platform and choose the one that helps you in the long run. Discuss the budget constraints, the time expected to complete the project and launch the app, and decide the company or individual app developers you want to hire.   

Find a development team   

According to the studies, almost 46% of small businesses use in-house developers for app building because that is easier, more convenient, and more practical for small businesses. The in-house staff knows your business better than any other person. There are other ways also. You can hire a freelance app developer with limited expertise and with a fee based on the hours required to complete the task. You can hire a mobile development company with 24*7 support, availability, and professional expertise but at a great cost. You can also do it yourself by referring to online tutorials or videos and it is the best choice if you have previous experience.   

Get the approval  

Every app has to go through a submission process, whether you are releasing it in Android or iOS, they have to follow strict guidelines. Therefore, it is always better for small businesses to be aware of the guidelines before submitting the app. Failure to comply with the guidelines will lead to further delays in the accreditation process and no small business would want to have such an experience. Hence, it’s important to know more about how to submit or launch a new app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.  

Focus on App store optimization  

ASO or App Store Optimization (ASO) is similar to content optimization, which ranks the app high and eventually increases app downloads and installs. What a small business needs are visibility and reach. When the app is optimized efficiently, it enables small businesses to go beyond traditional boundaries. ASO is important for small business app development because they do not have such a huge budget for paid promotions.   

Promote your app  

If your app does not get enough promotions then consider it a failure because no app survives without a good reach. It is essential for small businesses to promote their app among the target audience they have which may result in increased app downloads and user engagement. For small businesses, promotion is an important part, without which no one can find out about your app or use it.  

Wrap Up  

Creating an app for small businesses can take time and can cost you a lot of money – more than the amount that you have invested. But if each stage of the app development is planned carefully, and involves the latest technology and professionals who provide you with extreme value, then you will be able to build an app that works with results within your budget.