Enterprise mobile app development is a massive market that reaches millions of users and consumers globally each year. If you are running your own corporation or if you are heading enterprise mobility for your company, choosing between iOS and Android platforms when developing new apps can be daunting, especially if you are limited to choosing just one.
Defining Your Needs
With more than 93% of American adults using the internet regularly, it is no surprise that mobile app development has become the way of the future. Before you begin searching for a mobile app development for an enterprise solution that works for your business, it is essential to first define the needs of your project and the scope of the size of the project itself.
Whenever you are thinking of allowing employees and contractors the ability to use their own mobile devices and/or computers, you will need to consider the security risks and potential implications that are possible with that decision. Consider the following when you are thinking of enterprise mobility for your own company or organization:
- What type of enterprise iOS app development or Android development are you looking for?
- Who are you targeting with the app or program you are interested in developing with Android enterprise app development or iOS development services?
- What demographics do you intend to reach with the enterprise mobility development plan you have in mind?
- How important are security and encryption when it comes to developing, promoting, and sharing apps or games on the open market? Is your company vulnerable or at risk?
- When comparing both iOS and Android development platforms, it is also important to consider whether you will be developing a native or a hybrid mobile app.
- What budget do you have available to work on and is it possible to work with numerous platforms, or are you limited to choosing just one?
Comparing both iOS and Android operating systems is also advisable when you are learning what each has to offer.
Benefits of Enterprise Mobility
Implementing enterprise mobility solutions into your own business model can be extremely beneficial, especially as more companies are transitioning to remote or hybrid working models throughout all industries and markets. While more companies help employees to transition to a work-from-home model or work remotely, understanding the benefits of implementing enterprise mobility into your own business can help you to get started on a path that is right for you, your employees, and the future of your company.
Increased Productivity
One of the most notable advantages of properly integrating enterprise mobile app development into your own business model is the increased productivity you will experience from your employees. Commuting to work, in-person meetings, and even communicating with co-workers at a workplace can all eat into time that can be used for being productive, especially while at home or when working remotely with little to no distractions. Allowing employees to work remotely with enterprise mobility in mind can go a long way when it comes to meeting deadlines and setting and achieving goals.
Reduced Overhead Costs
Another benefit of considering mobile app development for enterprise purposes is the ability to reduce your overall overhead costs. Running a business is anything but cheap, which is why reducing as much overhead as possible will allow you the opportunity to allocate funds elsewhere for the purpose of growing and scaling your business even more.
Data Loss Mitigation and Prevention
Using enterprise mobility management or app development solutions is a way to mitigate data loss and prevent potential security breaches. With the right enterprise development solution, you can also maintain your peace of mind as employees are able to work remotely without hassle.
What iOS and Android Offer to Business Owners
Selecting the right platform to work and develop on can make a world of difference in just about any market or industry you represent. When it comes to iOS, it has plenty to offer to business owners, such as:
- Document and attachment support: With iOS and Apple’s iWork suite, you can take advantage of the ability to easily open and view Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and any email attachments without requiring additional software to be downloaded and installed on all of the devices you are using.
- Email: With iOS, maintain peace of mind knowing that all of your emails can be received, exchanged, and secured using iOS, including Microsoft Exchange email accounts. Additionally, iOS also supports ActiveSync, which is ideal for enterprise clients who are working with multiple email addresses, thousands of contacts, and calendars that may require updating and changes in real-time.
However, while iOS has a lot to offer in the way of business perks and advantages, Android also stands out with the following features:
- Java portability: The use and portability of the Java language helps Android to stand out, as it allows more flexibility and customization options for those who are looking to get into the trenches with development.
- J2EE backend services: In addition to enterprise-focused services (which are not only available from Android, but also from iOS), Android also includes J2EE backend services, which are not currently available or provided by Apple. With J2EE backend services, users with Android are able to develop with the use of native connectivity, making it simpler and safer than ever to edit and confirm software updates.
- Java libraries: Because Android is so compatible with Java, there are plenty of packed frameworks, tools, directories, and libraries available for additional resources and assets that may come in handy while developing an application or program.
Security
Security is a top priority for most business owners and developers alike, especially with the rise of online identity theft, hacking, and even phishing scams. Because safety and encryption are such top priorities for any app developer today, comparing Android vs. iOS in terms of security is also essential.
While both iOS and Android have plenty to offer in terms of features and broad capabilities, Apple iOS maintains more control over its own hardware and software, which can ultimately result in tighter security protocols. Because Google’s Android devices are open-sourced and can be easily modified and/or updated from the backend, security is not always tight and guaranteed, especially when working with third parties as well as third-party APIs.
Ultimately, both Android and iOS have come a long way in terms of safety, security, and online encryption. For developers, the free and open Android solution may be more appealing, especially for developers who enjoy working from the ground up or developing programs and apps from scratch. However, for the traditional business owner who is more interested in encryption, safety, and security than flexibility and customization, iOS is a clear winner when it comes to enterprise mobile app development.
As with any business decision, you will need to consider the needs of your own company as well as your prospective customers before choosing a platform that is right for your mobile app enterprise development needs.
When you are in the process of scaling a project or an entire organization, choosing the right development path is imperative. Knowing the ins and outs of enterprise mobility and app development with both iOS and Android devices can help significantly once you begin outlining a plan of action that works for you and your project.