In this digital world, mobile apps are one of the most effective ways by which businesses reach and stay in contact with customers. With the astronomical rise in the number of smartphone users (it is estimated that by 2020 there would be 6.1 billion smartphone users), no reasonable business can afford to be left out. For any business that wishes to develop mobile applications, the first step is to determine its app development requirements. Does your business need an app on single or multiple platforms? If it is on multiple platforms, then you have to decide between native apps or cross-platform apps. Finally, you have to decide if you wish to hire a mobile app development company or rely on the in-house developers, or possibly consider an independent app developer to create the app. Each of these options has their pros and cons. Below are some of the reasons to consider hiring an
Android app development company to create your mobile app;
1. Dedication and focus:
One of the key benefits of hiring mobile app development against your in-house IT department for your Android app development is dedication and focus. A mobile app development company does nothing but develop apps. When you ask the in-house IT department to handle Android app development, you inadvertently spread their focus and add extra work to their plates. This is not very efficient. In order to get the best from your IT department, you must give them the necessary free time and headspace to focus on the business that matters most. While you hand over the app development process to a company that is dedicated and focused on doing nothing but developing mobile apps.
2. Specialized knowledge:
Typically, the IT people in most businesses are jack-of-all-trades. They are called upon for a wide range of services, from as little as faulty printer cable to an unresponsive wireless network. Although in some cases they may have a fair coding and development knowledge, they lack the specialization that is needed to take on something as technical as mobile app development. An app development company, on the other hand, does nothing but develop mobile apps, therefore they possess the specialized knowledge of developing mobile applications.
3. Fixed contract:
Reputable app development companies are professional in their dealings, hence they offer a fixed pricing for any app development project. These prices do not change, except in cases where the client wants something extra. But in the case of freelancers, they hardly offer fixed prices rather they charge per hour. This will eventually cost more than the fixed rate offered by the company. Therefore, app development companies can help in not only keeping cost down but in giving a better sense of budget. Working with app development companies will assist planning as you will know exactly what an
app development project will cost before you embark on it.
4. Project manager:
App development takes a lot. Aside from expertise and experience, there is also a need for a coordinated effort between all those that are involved in the development of the app. This is where a project manager's duty comes into the picture. A project manager can be aptly described as the "check and balance" of the mobile app development process. The project manager is responsible for ensuring that deadlines or milestones are met and to also ensure coordination among all members of the development team. The project manager is also the team's PRO, acting as the avenue of communication between the developers and the clients. App development companies offer project managers to help in the realization of their objectives.
5. Availability:
This is a major area where mobile app development companies differ from freelancer developers. When you hire a mobile design company to handle the development of your apps you are not hiring an individual, you are hiring the company. This means that if, unfortunately, the particular person responsible for the development of your app falls ill or is not available the project can easily be transferred to another developer. This continuity will ensure that deadlines are kept and will forestall disappointment.
The opposite is obtainable when a freelancer or an independent developer is hired. In the event the developer is ill or indisposed, the project is put on hold until when he/she is available. This results in constant extension of the deadline and delayed projects.
6. Advanced technology:
IT is highly dynamic. Each day, there are new advancements in technology and newer tools are required to deliver the best cutting-edge android app development services. Another reason to opt for mobile app development company is their access to the latest technology and tools. An app development company does nothing but develop apps hence they possess all the necessary and latest tools and software required to deliver on the job. This will ensure that their apps are compatible and work well on desired platforms.
Independent developers or your in-house IT staff cannot have access to such latest tools and software. Investing in such resources will cost your company too much.
7. Continued relationship:
As times goes on your mobile app will need updates, improvement of functionality, tuning up of aesthetics etc. Therefore, it is important to have a mobile app development company by your side all along the way. You can build a quality relationship with the company. But such lasting continued relationship is impossible when it comes to a freelance developer. The developer may just change his line of work or move to another industry and hence be unavailable to provide such service.
8. Affords you peace of mind and sufficient time:
Investing in mobile app development company is investing in peace of mind. An app development company has the expertise and professionalism to deliver a quality job. This will be evident from their portfolio, testimonials, and reviews. Therefore, when you hire an app development company you can rest easy knowing your job is handled by the best.
Not every freelance developer has sufficient portfolio and has garnered such testimonials and reviews to put your mind at rest, therefore there will still be a need to look over their shoulders at they do the job. Time spent on this could have been spent invested in the business.