Apps – Changing the Face of Business one Download at a time

Apps have been commonly used for a considerable time now (particularly in online terms!) with the Iphone App store first opening its virtual doors in July 2008. These initial applications focused around business productivity with the introduction of email, calendar and contact databases. However it was only a matter of time before the technology broadened into the mainstream commercial, location based and entertainment markets amongst various other applications intended to make day to day life more fun, open and connected. The initial mindset to make business digital still stands strong however, with various companies releasing their own applications. Business processes such as hr systems are becoming increasingly digital, with companies investing in application development so that even HR professionals can manage on the move.

With the addition of the increasing popularity of cloud computing, some cynics say that technological advances are making people’s lives harder. Staff members can no longer leave their duties at the door anymore, having their entire role responsibilities in their pocket. For consumers, however, being able to engage with brands and use services in any location, at any time, can only go a long way to improve the way that companies operate in the future.

The commercial value that Smartphone applications bring to certain niches is still under scrutiny. M-commerce is growing and consumers purchasing on their phones is set to equal those buying on desktops by 2013. However retail aside, some experts are questioning whether investing in a Smartphone application will actually bring about conversions. Is it likely that people will look to streamline their businesses processes by browsing through the App Store? Is having an application for say, a software management company, reaching out to the correct demographic and providing a valuable advertising or user experience outlet? Or are companies such as this investing considerable finances and resource in embracing the Application revolution just for the sake of it? Only time will tell, but it is undeniable that everyday companies are reaching out to put their services in the palm of people’s hands, whether this will prove valuable is yet to be decided.