Mobile Applications – Transforming Businesses and Creating New Careers

As of 2019, there are over 500 million smartphone users in India. With the cost of the internet and phones reducing, the percentage of smartphone users in the country will only increase in the years to come. It is quite obvious that businesses cannot afford to ignore a platform like the smartphone for interacting with its prospective consumers, especially in a world where there is rapid digital transformation. There are many reasons why mobile applications can play a significant role in every business today. The scope of mobile applications as a domain in the IT sector has extended and the career prospects are great in the domain.

In this write-up, we will try and explain how mobile applications have taken up the central stage in businesses’ digital transformation strategies. We will also list out few career roles students can prepare for in the new-age domain. Read-on to find out.

What is Mobile Application Technology?

Mobile application development is the process of writing the software for creation of applications that are installed and used in mobiles. The greatest advantage of mobile applications is that they are designed to make use of the various features of smartphones in their operations and in turn draw benefits. There are various technologies that are involved in the process of creating and successfully running mobile apps. From native mobile applications, where the apps were developed in a manner where not much of codes from the initial project could be used across platforms, to progressive web applications, where the approach is to use languages that enable sharing of codes across platforms, there has been major evolution in the field of mobile application development. With progress in sophistication of smartphones and based on the changing lifestyle, there will be new challenges facing the domain in future.

Why Businesses Need Mobile Applications?

Mobile applications form an important part of a company’s strategies for digital transformation. The value that can be drawn from mobile applications has made organisations to increasingly focus on this domain.

Sales

One of the primary reasons why businesses need mobile applications is to improve sales. The technology provides a new medium to interact with prospective consumers, creating value in their daily life and possibly trying to make sales. The channel can be utilized to get other details of consumers which can help in improving marketing strategies.

Brand Awareness

Another advantage of creating a mobile application is that it creates brand awareness among the target audience. It establishes a company firmly in the mind of the audience. By addressing real-world problems the app can reflect the values of the organization or act as a promotional medium for products or services offered by the company.

New Business Opportunities

One of the major reasons why companies are considering development of mobile apps is that it can make way for new business opportunities. It can help organizations rethink their approach towards products or services offered. Powered by the internet, mobile application can literally create new avenues for companies.

Improved Consumer Loyalty

Mobile applications can also be a medium to keep the existing consumer engaged with the organization. Through various services offered through apps, help material or infotainment, the existing consumers can continue to associate themselves with the brand, thereby improving loyalty

What is the Scope of Mobile Applications Development as a Domain?

There are over 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world, which is nearly half the population of the world. According to a report from App Annie, the number of app downloads hit a record high of 204 billion apps in the year 2019. The revenue generated was about $120 billion. However, mobile application development as an IT domain is not as simple as it appears to be.

In a thriving market like India, where there is rapid increase in smartphone user base and a growing economy in place, the challenges are a lot different from rest of the world. India also has one of the fastest growing app economy of the world. As smartphones continue to penetrate through Tier II and Tier III cities, making their way to rural markets, companies will look forwards to tap those areas which were largely untouched before. There is great scope for aspirants who want to bring about a change in the mobile applications development industry in future.

Careers in Mobile Application Development Domain

There are many career roles for an aspirant in the mobile application development industry. Since the development process takes place in various phases and in each phase there may be various professionals involved. For instance; software engineer or developer may have a role through most of the product lifecycle of an application. The success of an application depends on the user-friendliness and design. Therefore UI engineers assume a significant role in developing the look and feel of the frontend of a mobile app. Similar to software product testing, mobile applications will also be tested before they are launched. There will be engineers required to create the framework for how the testing has to be performed. As professionals grow up the ladder, they can become project leads, technical heads and also CEOs of app development companies.

There are many online courses for graduates that teach the basics of mobile application development. Some Universities have gone a step further and specially developed programs for mobile applications domain. These programs are offered at both UG and PG levels. The curriculum includes theoretical subjects and practical sessions related to Android programming and IOS app development, mobile architecture etc.

Degrees Specializing in Mobile Applications Development

There are a few reputed institutions that offer Mobile Applications as a specialization in BCA and B.Tech programs. These programs are offered with dual specialization so the students can have thorough knowledge of two new-age domains.