e-BLS develops innovative training solutions

Shane Wilson5 March 2012

Technology Taranaki

the Dogbert app…

e-BLS holds ISO 9001:2008 Certification in: “Multimedia and resource development, specializing in creating customized training solutions”.

why are we here? Kiwis' internet smartphone usage tops 2.5m“The number of mobile broadband subscribers rose 34% to 2.5 million in the 12 months ended June 30 compared to a year earlier”

NBR, Oct 2012

Total NZ Mobile ConnectionsVodafone: 2,434,000Telecom: 1,987,0002degrees: 875,656TelstraClear/MVNOs: 50,000

NBR, Feb 2012

That’s over 5m mobile connections for 4.5m people!

definitions

term definitionapp / application - computer software designed to perform specific tasks

web site - set of web pages containing text, images, video, audio, etc- static [does not perform a task]

mobile web app - an app accessed online, and coded to adapt to suit whatever device it is viewed on

native app - an app that is downloaded and installed on a users device from an app store

hybrid app - an app that is appears native, but much content from the web (e.g. Sencha)

cross-platform app - Create one app, and publish to many platforms

native app development tools

iOS (Apple): Xcode and the iOS SDK Language: Objective C

Android: Eclipse + ADT (Android Developer Tools) SDKLanguage: Java

Microsoft: Visual StudioLanguage: C++ or Visual Basic.net

pros of native appsaccess all sensors and data:-geolocation, accelerometer, camera, compass, media, contacts, events, connections, notifications, storage/files very rich mobile experienceaccess apps offline

cons of native appshave to choose which Operating System (OS) to program for:-iOS (Apple), Android, Palm webOS, Windows Phone 7 & 8, Bada & Symbian, Tizan-or create multiple versions for multiple systems-can become expensive if significant functionality required submitting to each app store is timelyApple’s App Store will charge 30% for all purchases

mobile web app development tools

(Dreamweaver, notepad ++ etc)

pros of web-based apps- smartphone, tablet & PC friendly (cross-platform)- no approval required to submit to app store + no revenue paid- significantly reduces time, cost, complexity

cons of web-based apps- cannot access most sensors or data: accelerometer, camera, compass, media, contacts, events, connections, notifications, storage/files - no offline access to app - no marketing support of the app stores

hybrid app development tools

iOS (Apple): Xcode and the iOS SDK Language: Objective C

Android: Eclipse + ADT (Android Developer Tools) SDKLanguage: Java

Microsoft: Visual StudioLanguage: C++ or Visual Basic.net

PLUS HTML 5, CSS 3, and JavaScript (Dreamweaver, notepad ++ etc)

pros of hybrid apps- program primarily for web (html5), & create native components as required - access all sensors and data- some offline capability- faster to develop and update than pure native apps

cons of hybrid apps- need to submit to each app store / market (payments + permissions)- need to hire or contract native and web app developers

cross-platform app development tools

PhoneGap (Adobe)

Titanium (Appcelerator)

Sencha Touch (native + web)

Adobe Air

- Total of 97 on wikipedia (native + cross-platform)! - Range from very basic ‘drag & drop’ to very good (and expensive) that are close to native

pros of cross-platform app development- program once (+ 10%) and publish to multiple app stores- multiple screen sizes, devices and operating systems- tools require CSS3, JS & HTML5 (no Java/C#/Objective C, C++ etc)- offline capability and access to all sensors- marketing support of app store

cons of cross-platform app development- layer between native code and app: not as perfect as native- vendor lock-in (proprietary languages) risk- functionality 6-12 months behind native device features- requires payment to app stores and permission time lag

a popular mobile web app

-saves FT 30% on all subscription revenue-allows FT full access to info on subscribers-2m users within 10 months-12% of FT’s paying subscribers use the app

e-BLS created the 2010/11 NPDC Festival of the Lights app, available on iTunes App Store and Android Market (Play).

Designed to inform the public about the entertainment programme, provide maps, and any additional information.

Flash-based: a good option in 2011… (fastest to develop, available offline, multi-OS).NPDC Requirements

-Fast to build and inexpensive-Content available off-line -Multi-platform: iOS & Android-Able to update/edit XML Scripting for changes to events

A training Web App for Powerco (software by Zebra Crossing)

Web-based training solution to enable users to understand and practice software changes/updates.

Zero tech know-how, but you have a great App idea?Use a product like AppGyver…

AppGyver: enabling business weenies since 2013

http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/01/pitching-app-ideas-appgyver-delivers-mobile-app-prototypes-in-minutes-no-technical-know-how-needed/prototyper_1/

Summary - major considerations

Do I need a native app or can I use a mobile web app?

Do my users need to access the app offline?

Will my users be on one type of device or do I need to plan for multiple types?

What programming languages do I already know that can be used?

Should I start with one app store (iOS or Android) or both/all?

If I need a native app, will a multi-platform approach be a better way to start or should I go native from the start?

Kia ora and thank you

Questions?

www.e-bls.com