Going Native

So, you think your business needs a mobile app.

Scratch that, you know your business needs a mobile app. According to projections, at the end of 2013, mobile devices actually outnumbered the planet’s population! Suffice it to say, your customers are probably researching about, and purchasing your products, via their smartphones and tablets. Having a mobile app is now less a luxury, and more a necessity for digital marketing success.

One of the first decisions you’ll undoubtedly face in this process is native development versus HTML5. In essence, the former is akin to training for a specific Olympic event, whereas the latter would be considered along the lines of CrossFit. Both have their advantages, and your business needs, timeline, target market, budget, and other factors will help determine which one is right for your app.

Native Advantages

Native app development offers flexibility. By being tailored to a particular device, developers enjoy expanded influence over the look, feel, and function of the app. The type of user experience offered through this method is unrivaled compared to HTML5. Native development can also mean familiarity for the developer. Flow and navigation are intuitive to the user as well. If your market demographics offer insight into the types of devices your consumers are using, going native might be the more effective route. 

HTML5 Advantages

HTML5 app development can be more efficient. The same code base is used across multiple mobile platforms, cutting down on the development time necessary to customize it to each. Less time spent here makes this method more affordable. Additionally, there’s no need to shop around for an expert; Anyone familiar with HTML coding will be able to understand and implement these new protocols. For smaller business who operate on constricted timetables and budgets, HTML5 development can deliver a functional and aesthetic app more quickly, and at a lower cost.

Even within our own ranks, the debate between these two approaches rages on. Luckily, this allows Wasp Mobile the ability to provide either native or HTML5 options to our mobile app clients. We excel at tailoring the software to your individual requirements, and would be happy to discuss the strengths and weaknesses inherent to each. Not sure how to contact us? Just head over to waspmobile.com!