App development must support all operating systems

Mobile applications are becoming the lifeblood of many organizations, so it will be important for businesses to decide which platforms and operating systems will be most beneficial. However, there are more considerations than ever included with app development, including the programming language being used.

When it comes to coding, many developers will start with what they know best, which often involves taking a native approach to the software. In this case, most will have the tough decision of whether to support Android, Apple or both. As WhaTech noted, Apple is dominant in North America and other markets while Android tends to have more support globally. However, employees expect to bring in devices from these manufacturers, along with numerous others. No matter which operating system has proven to be the most popular or profitable, all systems will need to be supported if users are to be productive in their daily tasks.

Organizations should consider HTML5 form for their apps, which would cover all of their bases with a cross-platform program. Through this, they can become more agile to user needs and quickly deliver any updates, ensuring that issues are resolved. HTML5 can also be used in hybrid apps, enabling developers to get the best of both worlds from native and Web-based methods, according to BetaNews contributor Andrew Burgess. With this combination, organizations can include the features and device-specificity they want while reinforcing it with a streamlined way to add or adjust various elements to ensure a positive experience.

"There is no doubt that mobile app development is a key priority for organizations going forward and the faster IT teams can accommodate new mobile projects into their workload, the more responsive IT will be to meeting business needs," Burgess wrote.