What is a Mobile Phone Application?

With the popularity of the iPhone and other similar phones, it is possible to access the internet without having to be tied down to a PC or laptop.  Phones are becoming mini laptops.  Wireless connections are also more readily available in places like shopping centres and coffee shops, many offering this service for free to entice more customers on a social and business level.  Put these together and you have the perfect business opportunity!  The idea that you can browse the internet, check your e-mails, play games or even compare the price of products in different supermarkets, on a phone, wherever you are!

Mobile phone apps can be downloaded onto your phone to do almost anything.  There are thousands to choose from, some can be downloaded for free, and some need to be paid for.

Who uses mobile apps and why?

Consumer – The great thing about mobile phone applications is that you don’t need a reason to use it, the variety of applications is so vast, the list would be endless.  You can download anything from being able to use your phone as a spirit level to checking your facebook account. 

Business – Businesses are starting to realise that providing mobile access to certain business applications can increase productivity and revenue.  Mobile technology can be used for business in many ways.

Many businesses already provide their employees with a phone that enables them to keep in contact with each other and allow access to their e-mails whilst out of the office, (increasing efficiency, especially if a lot of time is spent out of the office or travelling).  But a mobile phone (such as an iPhone) can be used for many more things.

Businesses are starting to access the real potential of mobile technology and using it to improve productivity and business efficiency by allowing their employee’s access to key business software, data and information anytime, anywhere. 

For example, a mobile phone application could be developed to allow specific users to enter PIN numbers into secure software they would normally only be able for use in the office, or being able to link up to any software already being used by the business.  For some companies, being able to fill in forms on site might increase efficiency, e.g. a safety inspector may need to inspect machinery on site, fill in a form manually and then input the data collected onto the computer when he arrives back at the office.  Using a specially developed mobile application could mean the inspector can fill in the form whilst onsite and have the data save directly onto the computer. 

Do I need a Mobile Phone Application for my business?

If your business uses or needs to update information on a regular basis, a mobile phone application could save the business time and money.  

Firstly consider what kind of processes/current practices are involved in your business.  

• Think about each employee’s role and duties, what tasks do they have to complete on a regular basis. Do any of these involve using a computer or laptop regularly?
• Does any information need to be input manually? 
• Do they need access to information or data when at meetings or on site? 
• Does this data or information need to be compiled before or after working away from the office? 
• Do you use software packages regularly to run your business? 
• Is access to these packages needed by numerous employees? 

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then a mobile application could help you run your business more efficiently and effectively.

How do I choose a mobile phone apps developer?

There is a difference between a website developer and a mobile applications developer.

Anyone can create and upload content for a website. In the mobile world fluctuations in signal strength, screen size and network speeds can vary constantly, updates may not be done regularly. Therefore, mobile applications designers and developers need to be using the right tools and know how, to develop mobile content.

Need a mobile phone app for your business?  We can advise, design and develop a mobile phone app that can be integrated into your business.