S3Corp. Tech Blog

Apple and IBM’s announcement of an exclusive partnership signaled a significant shift in how companies approach mobile business app development. Apple, a leader in the mobile revolution and web application development, acknowledged through this collaboration that enterprise mobility demands a unique approach. Enterprise apps are now a critical driver for business models, emphasizing their role in transforming organizational operations.

Data from Apperian’s 2014 Executive Enterprise Mobility Report underscores this trend. By 2016, over 70% of executives planned to deploy mobile apps to more than 1,000 users, with a third aiming to reach over 5,000 users. These statistics highlight the rapid adoption of enterprise mobile applications and the need for a comprehensive strategy to manage their deployment and use.

The Growing Influence of Enterprise Mobile Applications

Enterprise mobile applications are reshaping workflows and enhancing efficiency through a user-centric design borrowed from consumer apps. These applications enable organizations to innovate, streamline operations, and unlock new productivity levels. Mobile platforms provide unprecedented access and engagement opportunities, creating a pervasive impact across industries.

However, deploying enterprise mobile applications without a well-defined strategy can result in inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. Organizations must understand the complexities of integrating these apps into their ecosystems while safeguarding sensitive data. A robust approach ensures the apps not only deliver value but also align with business goals.

Harnessing the Power of Unstructured Content

Mobile applications generate vast amounts of data and insights, often referred to as “unstructured content.” This content includes user-generated knowledge, transactional data, and other forms of information that may not fit traditional databases. Effectively managing this data can unlock significant organizational value.

One common approach involves integrating mobile apps with enterprise solutions like SharePoint, which offers advanced content management and workflow capabilities. This integration captures and organizes unstructured content, ensuring it is accessible and actionable. Additionally, some enterprises use social media-inspired solutions, such as corporate wikis, to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The exchange of data between mobile apps and enterprise systems must be a two-way process. Apps need timely and relevant data to function effectively, but they must also feed back insights into the organization’s ecosystem. This feedback loop ensures continuous improvement and aligns mobile app usage with business objectives.

The Role of Integration in Enterprise Mobility

Enterprise mobility often requires apps to access and interact with multiple backend systems. Legacy systems, which may house critical business data, must seamlessly integrate with modern mobile solutions. This integration is vital for supporting complex business processes that cannot rely on a single system.

Many organizations achieve this through “composite apps” or “mash-ups.” These applications combine data and functionality from various systems, providing users with a unified experience. To enable such integration, enterprises need a robust foundation capable of supporting diverse interfaces and connecting disparate systems. Without this foundation, mobile apps risk becoming isolated, limiting their effectiveness.

Crafting an Effective App Strategy

Developing a successful enterprise mobile application strategy requires careful planning and execution. Organizations must address architecture, lifecycle management, and deployment challenges while ensuring security and usability. A well-defined strategy minimizes risks and maximizes app performance.

Security is a cornerstone of any enterprise mobility strategy. Applications must utilize encryption and other data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information. They should also be designed to detect and resist tampering, such as jail-breaking or rooting, which can compromise app integrity.

While security is critical, it should not hinder usability. Employees rely on mobile devices for productivity, and overly restrictive security measures can disrupt workflows. Instead, enterprises should aim for security solutions that enable trust and flexibility across their mobile device fleets.

Managing the Deployment of Mobile Applications

Deploying enterprise mobile applications involves more than simply making them available to users. Organizations must consider diverse employee needs and ensure apps provide relevant and secure functionality. This requires a tailored approach that accounts for the specific requirements of different roles and teams.

A comprehensive deployment plan should include clear guidelines for app usage, regular updates to address security vulnerabilities, and ongoing support to address user concerns. Enterprises should also monitor app performance and user feedback to identify opportunities for improvement. These efforts ensure mobile applications remain valuable tools for achieving business goals.

The Future of Enterprise Mobility

As enterprise mobile applications become increasingly common, their management and integration will play a vital role in organizational success. Companies must adopt strategies that balance innovation with security and usability, enabling employees to harness the full potential of mobile technology.

For businesses looking to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape, partnering with experienced mobile app development providers like S3Corp can provide a competitive edge. S3Corp specializes in web and mobile solutions, offering expertise in outsourcing and development tailored to enterprise needs. By leveraging such partnerships, organizations can effectively navigate the challenges of enterprise mobility and achieve lasting growth.

For more information on managing enterprise mobile applications or exploring outsourcing solutions in Vietnam, contact info@s3corp.com.vn.