February 28, 2009
Why Developing Handheld Apps Is Difficult
All the experts agree that handheld app development is harder than you’d expect. There are many explanations for this:
- Multiple devices to support: One of the first decisions to make is which mobile platforms to support. Is it better to limit yourself to the latest devices or should you target a broader set of devices? The device you choose has a huge influence what your application can or cannot do.
- Radically different application models: Limiting yourself to a single device isn’t enough, often you’ll still have to choose between different application models. On the BlackBerry platform, for example, you must decide between developing a full-fledged BlackBerry application or a more portable Java ME application.
- Long-term learning curves: Developing a mobile application can require learning a new programming language (like Objective C) and/or a new set of programming tools (like Visual Studio). Since the market is so fractured, programmers often have a difficult time finding good development tips.
- Confusing data storage options: Except if you’re creating an browser-based app, you’ll want to store data locally, and there are many options for doing this. Complex data requirements may necessitate a proper embedded database. Less complex applications may get away with simple data persistence options, but syncing that data with external databases can be quite more complex in those cases.
- Consumer versus large business focus: While Apple has shown that there is a lot of money to be made serving the consumer market, there is still a lot of demand for business-focused applications. These markets are completely different, however, and you can’t really target both of them with the same app.
- Not insignificant startup costs: Handheld application development is expensive. Labor are hard to find and charge accordingly, and there are non-trivial expenses in terms of hardware and carrier charges.
If it’s so hard, why create mobile applications? The benefits outweigh the expenses. The return on investment of a mobile enterprise application can be tremendous, especially for apps aimed at field personnel. The demand for mobile consumer apps means there’s a lot of money for companies able to satisfy that demand.
Handheld app creation is a lot easier if you do your homework. To write a great business app you’ll need to invest in great mobile enterprise tools. For consumers, you’ll still need good development tools, but you’ll also need a lot of flash and a simple user interface.
To be successful at handheld app development requires a lot of thought and planning.
Filed under Uncategorized by on Feb 28th, 2009. Comment.