Apps - The future of information

For a few years now we have been hearing about the "cloud". What the cloud is in its most simplest terms are programs on the internet. Developers call these "Cloud Services". The benefit is it's remote and has the potential of being compatible with multiple operating systems because they run off of a web browser. Most of us have actually used a cloud service for years if you have an email account with hotmail, yahoo or gmail. Having a web based email account you have the ability to check your mail wherever you are and you can also check it using a windows, apple or linux operating system. This is the benefit of the cloud. What does this have to do with Apps?

2. Smaller more powerful hardware.

If you have have an ipad you quickly notice how portable it is compared to a laptop or a desktop. Now that people are getting used to smaller hardware using smart phones and tablets they are becoming less inclined to haul larger equipment around. And since you want to use your smartphone you would also like to be able to have your files "synced" to your work computer. So now that we understand the pros of using cloud services and smaller more portable devices we have a clear view of the future of information.

3. Apps evolving into cloud apps

Complete cloud services are not yet ready. Google has created google docs and although people find it great (though sometimes not the most user friendly) it is not replacing stand alone software like Microsoft Word ect. Why? because the internet is still not as fast or as secure as stand alone software. The solution … Apps .. or more precisely apps that sync with dedicated business software. We have just completed an Ipad app where users can input client information and when the app notices a wifi signal it automatically transfers the data to the organizations database. This gives the user high speed, powerful security as well as being a cloud service. As the internet grows I believe all software will move to the cloud and apps will become cloud services .. for now we are seeing a hybrid that takes the best of both worlds. The main thing is that whether stand alone or cloud apps .. with the advancements of mobile devices .. mobile apps will take the centre stage of software development because it will be the most common way for people to access information. Even now I know many people to use there iphone more than there laptops for information. It is a trend that will accelerate at a fast paced.

If your company is interested in moving its services and information to mobile devices contact us at Design and Logic. We would love to talk about it with you!