Five Quality Features of Business Apps

The fact that smartphone apps have long been part of our daily lives is reflected in the increasing sales and the number of different applications. The proportion of B2B apps is enormous - already half of all mobile applications can be assigned to this area. At the same time, of course, the need for appropriate quality assurance increases.

In the past year, the industry has increasingly dealt with the topic of smartphone applications. Businesses want to use apps to get more efficient operations . Current statistics show that business apps make up the second largest segment after the smartphone games in the German Android App Store, with Apple it behaves similarly.

After all, as in private, apps can also help accelerate and centralize processes in the business environment. For example, retail orders via the app can be handled faster, easier and above all error-free. By synchronizing different devices, such as a laptop or tablet, the file management can be made much easier with a business app.

Business apps are a market with a future . Anyone who can establish himself as the industry leader here will find a huge market open to them. In the next two years, according to many analysts, B2B apps could already account for half of global mobile application revenue - and the trend is up. However, in the long run, only providers who ensure that their applications work without problems will prevail. Because unlike private users, who in case of dissatisfaction in case of doubt change within seconds to the competition app, faulty applications in the industrial environment can also mean great economic damage.

Before the market launch, every provider should therefore subject their B2B app to software testing so that it runs smoothly in the hands of business users.

The following quality characteristics should be checked before the market launch:

1. Functionality - Does everything work as intended?

2. Usability - Is the user interface of the app intuitive?

3. Security - Are sensitive customer information secure?

4. Resilience - How well does the app run under heavy load?

5. Localization - Is the content understandable across national borders?

Only if suppliers carry out essential quality checks before launching the App, they are assured of the long-term loyalty of their customers. Only then can they hope for the largest possible share of the pie of the booming market for B2B apps.
If you have questions, the Internet Agency ECS Professionals is always at your disposal.

Which App Strategy is Right for my Business?

The use of mobile devices is and remains a trend and offers companies a great opportunity for mobile commerce. The fact that they want to jump on this train is not a question for most companies - they have to judge which app strategy is suitable for them. Because as different as the company goals may be, so differentiated should be the choice of app type. What are the features, advantages and disadvantages of the various app types?

The Web App (HTML5 App)

Web apps work on all Internet-enabled devices, regardless of the operating system. Basically, a web app is a programmed HTML5 website that is recognized as an app by the device in use. The content is dynamically adapted to the corresponding operating system and can be saved as a bookmark on the home screen if desired. Advantages are the low development costs. Web apps do not need to go through an approval process that is required before publishing a native application. They can be published and updated at any time. Even data can be saved offline because the web app does not require constant Internet access. In addition, the user interface is very similar to a native app and thus has a very high quality.

The mobile website

Mobile websites are optimized for smartphones and tablets. All content can be accessed through two different websites. Benefits are shown in the search engine ranking and website performance, as these mobile pages fulfill important criteria, such as mobile data usage.

Die responsive Website

A responsive website first develops the mobile version. Only then does the desktop variant emerge. For companies that want to transport a lot of content, this variant is particularly suitable because the look and feel and thus the quality of the online offer for all end devices is optimized.

The native app

A native app is designed for a specific operating system, such as iOS or Android only. After the installation, where the data of the app is transferred directly to the terminal, the icon of the application is displayed on the home screen, giving you quick access to the application. The big advantage of native apps is that the features and features of the device can be used optimally. If the user allows it, the app has among other things access to the camera, address book, GPS and phone functions. Native apps also work in the background, even when the app is not open. The data is continuously updated and - if desired - the user receives push notifications. Native apps mean a huge presence for companies through their own app icon and the constant proximity to the customer. And the potential is not yet exhausted - native apps will continue to integrate into everyday life in the future and effectively strengthen mobile commerce.

Conclusion

Browser-based apps offer fundamental benefits in terms of development effort, platform and device independence, and increased reach, eg through SEO optimization. They are also cheaper than native apps.

An investment in a native app can be worthwhile, depending on the business goal, as it offers a new opportunity to retain customers in the long term and to learn more about their behavior, for example via interfaces to social networks. Decision-makers should always consider the forward-looking potential of a native app.

The decision for an app type should always be made on the basis of the respective business case.