Go mobile to reach your customers anytime, anywhere
You need to be where your customers are, and more and more of your customers are using mobile devices. Mobile apps provide the best experience for your customers and prospects to interact with your brand. We’ll work closely with you to create, publish, promote, and maintain engaging mobile apps that meet the needs of both your organization and your customers. Whether you’re looking to publish rich content or develop a mobile commerce platform, we’ll apply our expertise in developing apps for mobile phones and tablets for all platforms.
We are experts in cross-platform technologies like Xamarin and ReactJS – helping keep development time and costs down. And if you need complex integrations – with, for instance, ERP services, authentication services, third party data services and the like, then there can be no better partner than us.
FEATURED WORK
TECHNOLOGY STACK
Some of the frameworks and tools that our development teams have used recently. A list that grows by the day.
RELATED RESEARCH
Relevant, interesting and current curated research content in the field.
Launch Announcement: InnerView – the Definitive Recruitment and Staffing Podcast
We are tremendously excited to announce the launch of InnerView – the Definitive Podcast driving thought leadership in the recruitment and staffing industry. InnerView is a collaboration between the teams at Quantilus, eNamix (https://enamix.com), and Appliqant (https://appliqant.com).
You can check out the latest episodes of the podcast and subscribe at: https://innerview-podcast.com.
To listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/innerview/id1451081544?mt=2
To listen and subscribe on Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ikjemzybzn7yspqerbqhzkc2ecq?t=InnerView
To listen and subscribe on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=364342&refid=stpr
To listen and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQ5WpwNDmcHPHsoGCYE1fg
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Mobile App Development Company
Whether you’ve got a large company with dozens or hundreds of employees, or a smaller business that employs only a few other people, a content management system (CMS) makes life easier, more organized, and manageable.
Content Management Systems Defined
To better understand how a CMS really can increase your company’s profitability, it makes sense to understand what it is and how it works. At its most basic element, a CMS facilitates people’s ability to more efficiently manage content. Some companies use internal, proprietary CMS while others opt for licensed, internet-based software to operate websites. The software enables the creation, editing, and publishing of a wide range of content that includes text, images, videos, and forms on websites.
How content management systems work
PHP, Perl, and Python are the languages typically used to program CMS, which are hosted locally, on company servers, or online. Generally, these systems support the very widespread MySQL database system.
Although each particular system has its own “flavor,” they share more similarities than differences. Users can define, edit, and arrange individual content modules like texts and images, for example, using HTML or WYSIWYG editors (what you see is what you get). These editors make website design very easy.
Current popular content management systems
Among some of today’s more popular CMS are the following:
WordPress (Open Source, uses PHP, MySQL)
This very cost-effective CMS is fairly easy to use, so you’ll also save money on upkeep and maintenance if you or an employee is capable of updating your site’s content. It’s easily accessible and updatable—all you need is internet access anywhere, anytime. The CMS is SEO-friendly, and when you use WordPress to build a website, you’ve got instant availability to simple, constant codes that facilitates Google indexing. You can also customize each page to focus SEO campaigns on high-converting pages, for example, to rank higher in search engines.
WordPress offers syndication, which is a highly efficient method of earning inbound links to your site. New content—like blog posts—can go automatically to an RSS feed. That option makes it easier for other people to syndicate the content you generate across directories and other websites. The CMS also includes responsive web technology, which means your site’s pages adapt to fit whatever devices on which they’re viewed.
If you choose to add plugins, WordPress makes it easy. Not sure of a new feature? The site has a healthy community of users happy to share experiences and advice. And since the system operates on a universal, open source platform, it’s easy to transition its maintenance from one person (or firm) to another.
Joomla (Open Source, uses PHP, MySQL)
This CMS is also a community-driven project and is the second-largest global open source CMS. It’s used by eBay and IKEA, Harvard, and the UN Regional Information Center for Western Europe. It’s easier to use because it requires minimal expertise in coding and programming. The graphical user interface allows people to easily change colors, layouts, fonts, and features with no coding needed. On the other hand, if you do want to add a customized tweak, you can use the built-in override system to modify the system’s templates.
This CMS works well for simple and high-performing sites and looks less like a blogging platform. Since it’s a “light” PHP framework, web developers can write web and command line applications using PHP. It allows users to create multiuser and interactive websites like online storefronts, social networking sites, and e-commerce sites. WordPress still dominates with the number of plugins and themes it offers, but Joomla has nearly 8,000 of its own plugins, templates, components, library, language, modules, and packages.
Joomla’s built-in SEO tools come ready to use immediately and include keyword planning and monitoring, metadata creation and modification, sitemap generations, menu creation, robot exclusions, and support for SEO-friendly URLs. Some of the optional extensions also provide URL redirection functions, link management, native analytics, and browser standardizations.
A potential drawback to this CMS is its user interface’s degree of complexity, which is higher than WordPress’s. There’s a bit of a learning curve and it’s not as intuitive; however, many companies that use it feel it’s worth the time to learn it.
Drupal (Open Source, uses PHP, MySQL/MariaDB/PostgreSQL/SQLite/Oracle, MSSQL)
Drupal is the third-most popular global CMS because it’s reliable and stable. Its flexibility makes it a popular option for a wide variety of websites including community portal sites, intranet/corporate sites, blogs/art/portfolio/music/multimedia sites, e-commerce, resource directories, and social networking.
It includes a good degree of functionality that include polls management, a graphics modification tool, user management, and advanced menu management. Site admins can create new user accounts easily, divide users into groups, give assignments, and establish permission rights.
It’s a very scalable CMS which allows easy integration of the modules with its core. It includes over 29,000 modules and over 1,000 themed templates. The system’s structure enables users to categorize content through URL addresses, paths, and customized lists, which makes it easy to manage, search, and even reuse content. It offers a very large selection of customizable attributes in features, operation, layout, and design. Facebook, Twitter, and Google analytics provide an extensive API support system, and it’s also SEO-friendly, like the other two major CMS.
Also like Joomla, this CMS is mobile ready and doesn’t require special programming to adjust the website view based on the device on which users view the site. It does, however, require more advanced knowledge to install and modify, and if you’ve got a very large website, the script generates a large server load which slows it down more than WordPress.
Is it really worth it to use a content management system?
A CMS helps users to manage sites—a real benefit for sites that see a high volume of content. Users don’t need to be crackerjack programmers, either. There’s no need to access a website’s code; instead, the CMS include tools that are fairly intuitive to use. WordPress is, by all accounts, the easiest to learn whereas Drupal does require at least some basic coding/programming knowledge.
The three largest CMS also have a robust online community forum from which to seek advice and additional components to customize the system to an individual business’s specific needs.
Still not sure?
If you agree with the following questions, chances are, your company would benefit from using a CMS-based website:
- My company updates its website content often.
- My company’s website includes more than 10 pages.
- My company regularly outsources website updates to third parties.
How an iOS Developer Can Help You Build Your Dream App
It’s 2018 and you’re looking to take your business to the next level. Gone are the days when a well placed print ad or a responsive customer service phone number were enough to garner the attention of a global audience. Nowadays, businesses sink or swim in the virtual world. Specifically, in the arena of websites and mobile applications.
Mobile internet use has been slowly overtaking traditional desktop browsing for years, and mobile phones are the preferred method of browsing for on-the-go consumers.
When developing a mobile app, the first thing to ask yourself is, “what platform should you push your app out on?” Over 99% of the global app market is controlled by two platforms, Android and iOS. Before you go thinking that because Android controls the lion’s share of the mobile market, iOS is irrelevant, you should think again.
Developing an application that functions on both iOS and Android casts a wider net that will open up the volume of potential leads and customers for your business. And just because more people use Android, that doesn’t mean iOS should be ignored.
A skilled iOS developer can create a flawless iPhone and iPad app that will work overtime to promote your business and increase your return on investment.
But what are the benefits of having an app developed for iOS? Why should you invest time and money in its creation when the market is dominated by another platform?
That’s what we intend to show you.
Greater Opportunity for ROI
If you’re developing an application, then you want a strong Return on Investment. After all, that’s the main goal of any business venture, right? To make money.
It would stand to reason that, since Android controls over 80% of the mobile market, they would have the best opportunity for ROI. But this is one of those instances where reason and reality differ from one another.
Apple still holds the crown when it comes to paying clients. Users of the iOS platform have been proven more willing to pay for an app than those using the more open sourced Android. Android has many more free apps on its store, so its users are less likely to pay.
It also helps that the average cost of an iOS application is almost 50% lower than a typical premium Android app.
Availability and affordability help to drive an iOS application’s return on investment.
Interface Appeals to Tech Savvy Demographic
Apple regulates its application environment far more than Android. So, while developing an app on Android is infinitely easier, the more stringent iOS interface demands a higher quality of service.
At the end of the day, you want to strive for perfection when creating an application that will represent your company. To many consumers, your app will be their first impression of you and your business. As the saying goes, you only get one chance at a first impression. A crashing app, or one that is ill adapted to mobile settings can be akin to poor customer service.
Apple users rave about the regulations that increase the usability of their apps. The iOS platform ensures that all of its apps remain easy to use, which improves upon the customer experience. Happy customers mean positive reviews. Positive reviews lead to more sales!
Apple also attracts an audience that is more tech savvy. No one appreciates a functional and well-designed app more than a person who understands the work that goes into them.
Better Protection Against Cyber Threats
As the world moves more toward the virtual atmosphere, criminals have taken to the digital arena to cheat and steal from unsuspecting victims. Cyber crime is on the rise with phising scams and identity theft running rampant throughout the web.
In fact, the global total of funds lost to cyber crime by 2019 is projected to hit $2 trillion.
So, right away consumers are going to be wary of any online application that wants their payment information. That’s why you have to present the safest and most secure online experience possible. Remember, if your app gets hacked and your users suffer as a result of cyber crime, it will negatively impact your reputation forever.
Luckily, Apple has always been on the forefront of security features. Their computers have often been hailed as the safest in the industry, so it comes as no shock that iOS is extremely proficient at keeping users safe throughout the entire platform.
A strong anti-virus and anti-malware shield surrounds all of the apps that are available on the iOS app store, protecting both the identities and personal data of users while also safeguarding your business’s reputation.
Higher Level of Performance
Android’s platform is spread out over a wide array of devices. While some might see that as a positive, it can also make life complicated for developers. The iOS developers don’t share such woes, as the platform is only available on iPhone and iPad products.
Android’s device list is so massive that it increases the time spent on the initial testing period. Apple’s low device load allows developers to create apps and test them in a far more efficient and speedy manner. The end result is an application that hits the market faster, fully functional and ready to go.
Apple’s Reputation
You can’t overlook Apple’s stellar reputation in the tech industry. It is one of the most well-respected companies on the planet, and apps on the iOS store still have a level of prestige not shared by its Android counterpart.
Remember, Apple started the smart phone craze with the first iPhone, revolutionizing the entire tech industry with its innovations. Apple also unveiled the iPad, starting the industry wide rush to develop tablet functionality.
Consumers know this, and Apple’s amazing reputation and presentation shine through in their app store. Some of that luster will rub off on your company through nothing more than association.
In Conclusion
A skilled iOS developer is worth their weight in gold. From increased security to a high return on investment and brand recognition, it would be foolish to overlook the effect Apple still has over the mobile app market.
That’s not to say that Android should be ignored. Develop your app for both platforms to reach the widest audience possible.
What to Look for When Hiring an App Developer
If you’re looking to create a mobile application for your business, then good job! You understand where the eyes of your audience are and you’re taking steps to move your product or service in the right direction.
But one thing you should not do is attempt to create the app yourself if you’re not a skilled developer with a mountain of coding knowledge. Coding is literally a whole new language and attempting to ply to coding waters with you’re anything less than an expert could cost you big in both time and money. How long before you give up entirely? Or, even worse, what if you release your homemade app with a plethora of bugs and crashing issues?
Remember, you only get one chance to make a strong first impression.
That’s why you should hire an app developer. The acquisitions of someone fluent in coding with a vast level of experience designing and developing apps on the platform of your choosing is the key to ensuring that the first time your audience downloads your app, it will be an overwhelmingly positive experience.
But what should you look for when hiring an app developer? What are the skill sets and experience levels necessary to ensure that your development and launch process go off without a hitch?
Experience Level
Anyone can lie on a resume. While it stinks to have to be overly suspicious in this regard, it is necessary in the freelance app development world.
You want to make sure that the developer you’re considering isn’t padding their resume to score the job. You want plentiful and relevant experience from your developer which can be backed up with proof.
What kind of proof?
Any developer worth their salt will have an extensive portfolio of apps that they’ve worked on. Make sure that you ask to see any and all applications they had a hand in developing. Also, ask questions about their role in the development. Were they in charge? Assisting? Someone could say that they worked on the development of a stellar application when all they actually did was deliver coffee to the real developers.
Make sure you go in depth on their experience. You also want to see the kinds of apps they’re developing because you want to make sure that they have experience relevant to the kind of app you’re looking to make.
Also, ask to see a list of their clients, both past and present. It’s good to see the size of their previous clients. If they have a bunch of smaller companies that are nowhere near the size of yours as their only experience, then maybe they’re not up to the task of working on a higher level.
Platform Experience
It’s important to choose carefully when deciding what platform or platforms you’re going to be releasing an app on. Android and iOS control 99% of the mobile market, with Android taking the lion’s share of that pie. It’s usually a good idea to develop your app for both platforms in order to increase the size of your potential audience.
But the processes of developing apps for Android and iOS are vastly different from one another. That’s why you want to make sure that your developer is an expert in your chosen platform.
If you want to develop your app for Android only and all of their experience is in iOS development, then you need to continue your search. Your developer needs to come into this project as an expert. Your app is too important to trust to someone who is learning on the job.
Another question that you should ask is what kind of phone your developer uses in their personal life. If they are an Android developer who uses an iPhone, that’s a little odd and you should question that choice. An Android developer should be more comfortable using Android. They should understand and believe in it more.
Integration of Analytic Programs
You want to be sure that you can track your app’s effectiveness following launch. To do so, you need to have it connected to certain analytic programs. Your developer should be an expert in such things, so it’s definitely something to bring up in an interview.
Ask about their experience with programs like Google Analytics, or Facebook Share Dialog. Most analytic gathering programs take under an hour to connect, so if they’re going to take more than a day working on that aspect of your development then it’s likely they don’t know what they’re doing.
It’s important to be able to track your progress. You want to know what is working and what is not so that you can redesign or course correct your app strategy when needed. Any good developer should understand this and have a plan already in motion for it.
Documentation
Your developer should educate you in the regular upkeep of the app. Unless you’re hiring them on full time, you will need to be able to make changes as needed. As such, they need to provide you with documentation on how to app works, and what the process is to make changes at will.
The worst possible scenario you could encounter would be to have an app that can’t be updated. All apps need to grow and change with an ever-evolving market. Make sure that you’re not left in the dust.
Outsourcing
When you’re questioning a developer and decide that you’re happy with their skill level, you want to know that this is the person who is going to be working on your app. Ask if they outsource any of the development responsibilities. If they do, then you need to know who the person is that is being hired to do that work in order to ensure that they are up to your standards.
If you’ve hired an iOS development expert to create your iOS app and they’re outsourcing to an Android expert, that’s a huge problem that can negatively impact the overall usability of your finished product.
In Conclusion
Hiring an app developer is one of the biggest and most important decisions that you’ll ever make for your company. It’s not a search that should be entered into lightly. Ask the right questions and ensure that the development of your mobile app is in the right hands.