There are two primary types of apps, Native Apps and Mobile Apps. Native Apps are developed for a specific device, have access to a device’s hardware and features (camera, location, push notifications, etc.) and are distributed in the App Store/Market. Mobile Web Apps are Internet-enabled applications accessible through the web browser of any mobile device or tablet and do not require downloading and updating from the App Store/Market.
 
At Cool Blue, we often get clients interested in app development. They envision their app will deliver a top-of-the-line user experience and be available in the App Store/Market. Although this describes the typical Native App, Cool Blue recommends that clients consider Mobile Web Apps because they have a greater reach and are more cost effective to build and maintain.
 
A few questions to answer while in the discovery process:
What features do you need? What is your deadline? Budget?

Key Points on Native Apps:

• Compatibility & Performance –  In tune with a device’s elements, they work quickly and efficiently therefore providing an advanced user experience.
• App Monetization – Opportunity for making money through advertisements and in-app purchases (i.e. Pandora).
• Quality Assured – Features reflect a high standard of excellence and security (i.e. touch ID in banking app).
• Upkeep Required - Each time new phone software is released, code updates must follow adding cost and complexity.
• More Development, More Cost – Native apps require a version for each type of device (iPhone, Android, Windows).
• App Fatigue – Users have developed a growing resistance to install native apps.

Key Points on Mobile Web Apps:

• Automatic Updates – No downloading required for the frequent iOS and Android updates.
• Reasonable Costs/Quick Turnaround – Avoiding development of separate Apple (iOS) and Google Android platforms means less time spent in development and significantly lower costs overall.
• Cross Platform Accessible – Responsive user experience for all phone devices that also works on desktops and tablets without separate coding efforts.
• Limited Access – While web based applications can only access certain native features on a device like geolocation, often a great user experience doesn’t require native app features like camera integration or touch ID security.
• Limited Data Measurement – Usage and deep data mining can be more challenging depending on log in requirements.

Cool Blue developed a Mobile Web App for Urban Enterprises’ ambassador teams. The goal of the project was to develop an application that organizes and reports on each team member’s tasks for various client projects. This solution was built as a cloud intranet system running on mobile browsers.

“Cool Blue evaluated our needs and recommended a mobile web app in the project discovery phase. They talked us out of considering a more expensive native phone app. Their assistance not only saved us time and money, but the application we call “Urban Copilot” allowed us to take on larger and more numerous client projects which led to significant and sustained growth in our business.”- Shayne Walsey, President of Urban Enterprises.

Cool Blue suggests you consider how users will interact with your services before deciding on a plan for your app. Have questions? Contact us.