As mobile app development takes the centre stage, we need to look beyond the traditional software development methodologies. Uniform packaging of application, increased time to market, issues with respect to security & integration and cost overruns are the drivers that prompt developers to adopt a mobile app development platform. The mobile app development platform provides uniform approach to develop, deploy, test and manage the application. The right choice of mobile app development platform is an important factor before beginning with mobile app development services.
So what are the characteristics one should look for when choosing Mobile App development platform?
Every platform has some pros and cons. However these are the 5 features which should be there for sure in any mobile app development platform:
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1. Multi-Multi feature
A mobile app development platform should have the capability to support all types of mobile devices including phone, tablets and phablets. The platform should have the capability to configure the features across devices with minimal customization. If the same platform can be used to provide mobile app development services for multiple OS, it can be an added benefit as developer does not have to work on multiple development platforms.
2. Integration Adaptors
Mobile apps do not always work in silos. It has to be interfaced with multiple back end systems. The pre-configured integration adaptor helps in reducing the integration efforts. It reduces the overall development time and cost. The interface does not have to be built from scratch each time. Thus, with pre-configured integration adaptor, uniform approach can be adopted for interface development and application packaging.
3. Security
Today, the mobile applications are not restricted to any specific boundary which is the case with software applications. The software applications are meant to be used only by in-premise executives. Since mobile and tablets stores confidential information such as mails, contact lists and credit card wallet details, it is important that security is built at various levels to restrict access to such data. This includes defining security at application and user levels to ensure that there are no security breaches.
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Encryption is another important aspect of security. The data stored in app should also be encrypted. Thus mobile app development platform should provide the packages to implement security procedures. The availability of out of the box algorithms to encrypt the password or sensitive information can be an advantageous for developers.
Audit & governance
A mobile application platform should support audit (unbiased examination and evaluation) and governance. Mobile apps such as WhatsApp and Skype have become important means of communication. Therefore, mobile platforms should provide the functions and procedure to implement audit features. It should also provide the capability to enforce certain country specific restrictions.
Future Proof
A mobile application platform should be future proof. It is necessary that the mobile app development platform should incorporate latest technologies and continue to evolve as new technologies are introduced.
Thus mobile development platforms with multi-device support, security and back-end integration capabilities significantly reduce the development efforts. This enables developers to concentrate on mobile app development services such as application design and workflow rather than on other issues.