Mobile App Development vs. Responsive Web Applications

by | Oct 9, 2013 | App Development, Web Design, Website

Introduction/Overview into mobile app development vs. responsive web applications presented at the Clemson MBAe Studio Lunch

Notes and Talking Points

So one of the major points and differences between a mobile app and a responsive web application/web site is the responsive web site/ applications draw its content from a single source of information, rather than requiring the site owner to design multiple versions for different browsers and its specifications.

Responsive web applications/web sites is a real game-changer for the web development community and for new and emerging businesses. (In the past you had to design an web site or web application for multiple browsers; such as, IE6, IE7, IE8, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Chrome and the list of browsers go on an on.)

Responsive Web Site/Web Application
This option can be reached directly through a mobile device’s web browser and is therefore accessible by all smartphones and tablets that have an internet connection. What are the pros and cons of a responsive designed web site?

PROS:

  • A single mobile site can work on any mobile platform
  • It can be far less expensive to develop than an app
  • Responsive site can be found and acccessed via search engines, web sites and blogs
  • No need to have someone to distribute your content like an app requires Google Play or iTunes
  • There are not updates the users has to do
  • You can managed your content from your existing content
  • Easily update-able

CONS:

  • Requires a complete mobile strategy and plan before implementing, not so much a con as it is time intensive
  • You cannot access all of the smartphone native functions; such as, accelerometer, camera, gyroscope and so on
  • Can’t use the success of a built distribution network Google Play or iTunes

Mobile Apps
 An App is a software application that must be written in the native language of a particular platform; predominant platforms are Apple(iPhone), Google(Android) and Microsoft(Windows)…..But Wait, now there are other applications that will complete that native code and will produce in multiple platforms. One is call Titanium Appcelerator and the other is called PhoneGap. What are the pros and cons of  mobile app development?

PROS:

  • Using native code sometimes results better interaction on the device
  • There are now third party app development platforms (Titanium Appcelerator and PhoneGap)
  • Can create additional sources of revenue, selling app
  • Can create an ad revenue source on a free app
  • Enhance distribution through app stores

CONS:

  • More expensive to develop
  • More expensive to maintain
  • If developing in native code; you have to develop for each platform seperately
  • Requires approval of app store to distribute app
  • Requires user to update when bugs, and issues are found
  • Useless on desktops and notebook, unless designed specifically to be a plugin for browser
  • App stores can charge large fees for publishing, certifying and updating
  • App stores take a percentage of every sale

Conclusion
Make a plan first before deciding weather to develop a responsive web site/web application or a mobile app. Make sure to determine your audience and see if there is even a need for a mobile app vs. responsive web site/application.

If you would like Mojoe.net to discuss developing your web site, web application, need custom programming, or IT consultant, please do not hesitate to call us at 864-859-9848 or you can email us at dwerne@mojoe.net

Web Design, Web Development, Web Graphics, Website Designer, Developer, Development, Greenville, SC, SEOIf you would like to discuss Your Logo with Mojoe.net or your website’s analytics, custom logo designs, social media, website, web application, need custom programming, or IT consultant, please do not hesitate to call us at 864-859-9848 or you can email us at dwerne@mojoe.net.