Sunday 24 August 2014

HTML5 - How is it beneficial for iOS apps?

HTML5 web development
The gradual boom of HTML5 has led several giants such as YouTube, Flickr as well as Facebook to use it. Although it was popular for web development at one point of time now it is finding more takers for mobile app development since it provides the perfect foundation to build sophisticated, responsive apps which can be directly run within a browser, providing a great experience. There are several benefits associated with it which has led to its increasing popularity amongst iOS, Windows, Android as well as Blackberry developers. One of the major shares of the market is being dominated by Apple’s iOS; so here’s taking a look at how HTML5 has benefitted iOS apps.


Time as well as cost saving- One of the most universal reasons for its unique popularity amongst developers is that the app need not be associated with any development platform. This allows a huge amount of time to be saved for project development work; the overall deployment cost decreases as well. In fact, the iOS app can be easily deployed on other platforms as well as put up in other app markets too.

Constant improvements- There was a time when HTML5 was not really multifunctional but with time the scenario has certainly changed. The fast evolving ecosystem is lending new functionalities with each passing day. It is supported by all mobile as well as modern desktop browsers.

Automatic updates- Apple is known for its comprehensive services; with HTML 5 developed apps, it can take its service to a different level. With such apps there is no need for manual updates; users do not have to do anything and the updates take place automatically. In fact, whoever visits or uses the application will see the latest version only. It not only provides the best benefit to the user in terms of service but the developer is benefitted as well since support for the app’s multiple versions need not be provided by them.

Full stack web technology- This is a benefit that is aimed solely for the developers since it helps make the app building process a whole lot easier one. Platforms such as Node.js make it easy to use full stacked web technologies from both clients as well as server. If the iPad version of a product has been developed and you need to develop the iPhone version then the same code as well as the technologies can be reused which makes the development a piece of cake. Even in server side the same thing can be repeated since several algorithms as well as data structures may be reused which leads to speedy development cycles, increased maintainability and low possibility of bugs and mistakes.

Huge developer community- Those who are still in the learning process find app development easy in HTML5 due to the support of its huge developer community. The back-end as well as front-end developers are provided with support and new tools.

Geolocation API- GPS hardware is fitted in Apple devices which helps find out the geographical locations. The geolocation technology in this development platform gives the developed apps a unique edge. The experience can be customized as well as tailored according to the location of the user.

Canvas drawing- This widely implemented feature supported by the platform gives the app the ability to mark off some space in a page so that interactive pictures, graphs, charts as well as 2D game components can be drawn without the need for downloading additional plugins.

There are several other reasons that iOS app developers find HTML5 beneficial for their usage. There are a multitude of features on offer which can make the apps richer making the overall user experience a more fulfilling one. It helps Apple uphold its status as a company with exceptional standards. For developers, mobile app development with the framework means that a lot can be achieved with a lot less work. Ultimately it creates a win-win situation for both users and developers of iPhone apps. You can get in touch with a custom HTML5 development company who can help you build html5 web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide HTML5 web development services. If you would like to hire HTML5 developers for your development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Wednesday 13 August 2014

How to Overcome Challenges Faced in Offshore Web Development?

Offshore web development
Offshore web development has become a more or less standard practice of the majority of business organizations these days. Experts are of the view that offshore web development is the best way to cut costs. However, in order to ensure successful offshore web development, a company needs to successfully initiate as well as manage it. The entire process is easier said than done. This is because outsourced development is often plagued by a string of issues. Hence, there is an ardent need to address these issues effectively to overcome these challenges. Before discussing the ways to overcome them, let us mention what the issues are.

The principal problems that plague this phenomenon are lack of a feasible window for client participation, cultural difference, difference in cultural obligations, time difference, or difficulty in communication.

Appointment of onshore technical team lead
Often the companies assume that appointing someone for managing outsourced web development is enough. The person concerned will be able to take care of the development in their ‘spare times’ even after managing their regular responsibilities. This is, to say the least an absolutely disastrous decision. The best way is to appoint a professional on a full time basis who will be able to take care of the offshore developers. The core responsibilities should include explaining business priorities, giving various technical inputs, help in troubleshooting, and solve technical challenges. Providing training as well as mentorship to the remotely located developers also falls under his or her jurisdiction.

Corresponding with the offshore technical team
This is another important factor that needs to be taken into account. The onshore developers and technicians need to work in close coordination with their offshore counterparts. Besides, it should have the right to take technical as well as administrative decisions whenever needed. This prevents the technical bottleneck from forming.

Daily correspondence with the offshore team
It is absolutely imperative for the onshore developers to maintain a regular correspondence with those handling the outsourced work, via video conferencing. There should be a regular as well as constant correspondence between the two teams on a regular basis to chalk out strategies jointly and work in close liaison with each other. It is necessary for the two teams to know each other so as to eliminate any confusion or misunderstanding.

Besides, the onshore team needs to have a close interaction with the developers who are taking care of the outsourced works. The entire team needs to interact with the other team frequently. This practice helps the two teams to get used to each other. This also helps in understanding each other’s language, culture, work ethics, as well as other issues properly. In this way, the working environment can be improved by many folds, which impacts the end product in a great way.

Small Offshore team
The offshore team needs to be small. A small but highly efficient team is more effective than a large team comprising of some mediocre developers when it comes to handling outsourced projects. In case there is a large team that needs to be split into groups and trained in a proper way so as to improve the productivity.

The offshore team needs to participate in every facet of development as well as architecture. It also needs to take part in the design related discussions, though the responsibility of implementing the same should be on the onshore developers. This imparts a sense of agility into the developers, which in turn affects the productivity as well as its quality at the end of the day.

The web developers like to take up challenges thrown at them. Hence, when it comes to outsourcing, things are no different. In fact, a stiff challenge has in most of the times helped them to bring the best out of them. Hence, it is best to put up challenges in front of the offshore developers. This will help improve their performance and come up with some out-of-this world web solutions.

We provide web development services. If you would like to hire offshore developers from a software development company India, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.