Catalyst IT Services Sees Shift to Mobile-First Application Development
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) February 27, 2014 -- The rapid adoption of mobile devices is driving a “mobile-first” strategy among companies developing or enhancing enterprise applications, according to Catalyst IT Services. This trend mirrors a growing demand for mobile application services, which Catalyst delivers through an onshore agile approach that helps reduce the complexities of developing for these types of devices.
Catalyst IT Services was identified as a sample vendor in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Wireless Devices, Software and Services, 2013. The company provides a suite of mobile development and product engineering services that specialize in iOS and Android, native mobile apps and mobile web applications, including mobile portals that give employees smartphone and tablet access to e-commerce systems.
Facebook recently reported that in the fourth quarter of 2013, more than half of its advertising revenue came from ads appearing on iPads, smartphones and other mobile devices. The social networking company is joined by companies like Google and Yahoo in declaring that they are mobile-first. A growing number of companies across all sectors are acknowledging the rising impact of mobility. In fact, an Accenture CIO mobility study found that two-thirds of CIOs and other IT professionals believe mobility will impact their businesses as much as or more than the Internet did in the 1990s.
“Adopting a mobile-first stance puts even greater pressure on enterprise firms already struggling with developing for mobile platforms. One big hurdle is a lack of in-house mobile skills,” said Michael Rosenbaum, CEO, Catalyst IT Services.
Building applications for mobile platforms is complex because it requires developers to consider a range of different devices, operating systems, network carriers, network types (e.g., 3G vs. 4G), and constant changes in a mobile user’s location.
Adding to these complexities are end-user expectations: end users assume they will get the same performance and functionality as they do on their PC despite the inherent constraints of mobile networks, such as bandwidth, latency and jitter. Few end users are aware of these constraints.
Onshoring Promotes Collaboration, Communication
The limitations of conventional development approaches – such as the waterfall methodology and offshored development – are sparking interest in alternatives.
“Companies are discovering that onshore agile development supports frequent iterative releases and removes the communication and time zone barriers common to offshoring that block real-time collaboration and rapid trust development and understanding between developers and line-of-business project owners,” said Rosenbaum. “The Catalyst team understands mobile complexity and is well-equipped to develop mobile apps that deliver value to both the business and the end user.”
Business stakeholders are now central to the success of the IT function. According to a 2012 study on the impact of mobility on the SAP user base, the employees wielding the greatest influence on mobile strategies are line-of-business management and executives. Those with the least influence are end users.
About Catalyst IT Services
Catalyst IT Services provides onshore agile application services working with clients onsite or from development centers in Baltimore, Md. and Portland, Ore. Catalyst is an innovator in applying big data to team assembly in order to transform productivity and quality, delivering better results at comparable or lower prices than major global services providers. For more information, visit http://www.catalystitservices.com.
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Marty Brandwin, [email protected], +1 (410) 581-6123, [email protected]
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