As more and more organizations are exploring entry into the mobile application space, key decision makers are faced with a strategy choice in determining how to extend their online brand to mobile devices. Due to the fragmented nature of the current mobile marketplace, developers have different software development kits at their disposal to create separate mobile apps that work specifically on iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and other devices. Specific applications need to be coded several different ways to properly penetrate the wide spectrum of available mobile devices. This can result in increased project timelines and a phased approach to application delivery. Since the Apple iPhone was the first global smartphone platform to fully incorporate a profitable application development model, businesses will often release an iOS app first and then deliver follow-on versions for other mobile operating systems. IT leaders have a few alternatives options to explore to avoid the traditional staggered release of individual native mobile apps.
One solution that is feasible for certain projects is to build a mobile web site that a user can interact with on any mobile device. Using this approach, an organization can quickly gain a mobile presence while keeping a single code base for development purposes. The mobile users view and interact with the content through their phone’s web browser. The drawback of using this method is that users cannot get the same rich interactive experience that can be provided through a native app built specifically for Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone, etc.. Users on different devices will also experience different formatting of the content due to varied browser and screen size configurations. This mobile web site method of delivery does not ensure a consistent end user experience.
At Triton we are focused on extending existing desktop web applications to mobile devices for easy and timely access of information. Part of the appeal of using a native application to deliver mobile content is to keep the dynamic interactive user experience found in most desktop applications. Through the use of leading industry tools such as Adobe Flash Builder, we are able to capture pieces of the rich interactive applications we create for clients on the web and expose them to various portable devices. Flash Builder allows a developer to use a single source base of code and easily publish mobile applications on several devices at once using the Adobe Air mobile platform. Adobe Flash Builder 4.5 currently features integrated support for Android mobile development. Later this year, Adobe plans to release updates to Flash Builder that will allow developers to export Adobe Air mobile applications for iOS and Blackberry devices as well. The added appeal of using the Flex framework with Flash Builder is that developers can now have a common platform for creating applications for the desktop, the web and for multiple mobile platforms using the same codebase. This streamlined process can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with application development projects while keeping a consistent look and feel for the end user across multiple platforms and applications.
Triton developers have a wide range of experience in developing interactive web-based dashboards that engage the user through a desktop-based browsing experience. The next level that Triton is gaining expertise in is to bring the same engaging experience to native mobile applications that are specifically tailored and optimized for an individual user’s mobile device. This method of mobile content creation allows users to access data and content through a rich interactive mobile interface while providing developers with a quick and integrated path to application delivery.
To learn more about the latest version of Adobe Flash Builder 4.5, visit this link: http://www.adobe.com/products/flash-builder.html
Jordan Rose
Technical Consultant
Triton Federal Solutions
(703) 574-6392
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