SDK (Software Development Kit) and API (Application Programming Interface) – two terms you must be acquainted with in the software development world. Both are equally crucial. But they have radically different functions.

Understanding the difference between SDK and API can make a big difference in how quickly your business can be built. An SDK will help developers with the right tools to build applications from scratch, while an API will enable these applications to communicate with other software systems.

What will this blog help you with? You will get a deep dive into SDK vs API. Find where they differ. Understand when to implement them. See how they’re used alongside one another in the real world. This will give you clarity on what is the best choice for your business.

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What Is an SDK and What Is It Used For?

An SDK is a kit. A Software Development Kit. It is a collection of tools, libraries, documentation, samples, and debuggers that enable developers to develop applications for a particular platform. SDKs are toolboxes where you can create something new. Rather than writing everything from scratch, developers are given a head start with pre-coded bits of functionality.

Common Uses of SDKs:

  • Developing Mobile Apps: Android SDK, iOS SDK.
  • Developing Games: Unity SDK, Unreal Engine SDK.
  • Integrating Payment: PayPal SDK, Stripe SDK.
  • Social Media Apps: Facebook SDK to integrate login and sharing features.
  • Developing IoT: AWS IoT Device SDK to connect hardware devices to the cloud.

Example:

You’re developing a ride-sharing app. For this, you need to build the core app first. So, you’ll likely use the Android SDK or iOS SDK for this. With the help of these kits, you can design the interface, access GPS and manage push notifications. Once that is done, you can now test the app before launch. Without SDKs, creating even a simple app would take months.

How is an SDK Different From an API?

An API specifies how two computer programs will interact. It is a group of rules and guidelines that enables your app to make requests and pass data. If an SDK provides the environment for building an app, an API is a bridge that connects your app to other platforms or services.

Example

In that same ride-sharing app mentioned before:

  • The SDK will assist you in creating the app (driver dashboard, booking system, user profiles).
  • The API integrates your app with Google Maps for navigation and the Stripe API for payment.

The SDK builds the app. The API hooks it up to the rest of the world.

SDK or API – Which Is Easier to Use?

APIs. They are definitely lighter and easier to use. Especially if your app only needs to “speak” with another service. This may be apt for functions like receiving weather updates or checking payments.
SDKs are more complicated because they take a full development environment, but they’re also more capable.

Analogy:

  • API = Ordering food. You make a request, and the restaurant delivers.
  • SDK = Meal kit. You cook with the provided ingredients and instructions, but get more control over the outcome.

SDK vs API: Which One Should Developers Use?

Businesses often face the question: SDK vs API—Which one is better for my project? The answer depends on project goals.

Choose an SDK if:

  • You are building a new app from the ground up.
  • You desire pre-packaged debugging and testability.
  • You require platform-specific functionality such as camera, GPS, or push notifications.

Choose an API if:

  • You wish to extend your app’s functionality without developing new functionality.
  • You only require isolated data or services (e.g., currency rates, weather, geolocation monitoring).
  • You desire rapid integration with third-party platforms.

Sometimes You Need Both

For instance, a Fintech company developing a mobile banking app might:

  • Develop the app’s basic structure using an SDK.
  • Integrate payment gateway, fraud detection, and regulation compliance systems using APIs.

How SDKs and APIs Work Together In App Development?

Here’s the magic: SDKs and APIs aren’t rivals—they’re teammates.

  • SDKs build the environment and core functions.
  • APIs bring external connectivity and expand what the app can do.

Example

Imagine building an e-commerce app:

  • The SDK lets you design what you need for the app like the shopping cart, product catalog, and interface.
  • API will assist in the integration with PayPal to make payments, FedEx for shipping, or Shopify to track orders.

Examples of SDKs and APIs In Real-World Applications

  • Facebook SDK & API: Developers use the SDK to embed Facebook login or sharing buttons. APIs pull user profile information from Facebook servers.
  • Google Maps SDK & API: The SDK lets you embed maps into your app. The API provides data like routes, distances, and traffic.
  • Stripe API: Let’s businesses accept secure payments globally.
  • Twilio SDK: Developers integrate SMS, voice, or video features into apps.

Extended Business Use Cases

1) Healthcare

SDKs make it possible to introduce safe video and voice calls, screen sharing, chat, even AI-driven medical advice, into healthcare apps. Developers can embed the pre-built modules into telemedicine apps with ease to facilitate seamless consultations.

APIs enable health platforms to safely draw and refresh patient information, laboratory tests, medical history, medications, and coverage. Patients and doctors can retain all the information they need for remote consultations, speeding up and allowing for decision-making.

2) Banking Facilities

SDKs allow for the integration of important features like biometric login, push notifications, account dashboards, and secure in-app communication. They support security protocol compliance and improved user experience.

APIs integrate bank applications with payment processors to enable real-time transfer of payments, payment of bills, and cross-border payments. They are also linked with anti-fraud systems, providing real-time alerts and verification checks to enable fewer instances of unauthorized access or fraudulent use.

3) Retail & E-commerce

SDKs allow capabilities such as AR-powered product previews, personalized push, loyalty tracking, and in-app talk through chatbots. These capabilities drive the shopping experience to make it interactive, user-friendly, and customized for customers.

APIs integrate shopping platforms with inventory systems to post-live inventory figures. APIs also tie up with delivery partners for tracking, and payment processors for secure multi-currency transactions. All this facilitates seamless order placement to delivery.

4) Travel & Hospitality Services

SDKs allow developers to integrate features like mobile check-in, loyalty program integration, in-app messaging, and even AR previews of a hotel room or travel destination. Such pre-developed modules save time and deliver value-added customer experience.

APIs bridge apps with map websites for navigation, flight and hotel databases to enable instant booking facilities, and payment gateways to enable secure transactions. APIs also communicate with third-party services such as weather reports and travel insurance companies to enhance the customer experience.

Common Questions About SDK vs API

Q. Can you use an SDK without an API?

A. Yes, but most SDKs include APIs for communication.

Q. Do APIs come inside SDKs?

A. Often, yes. An SDK may use APIs along with libraries, documentation, and tools.

Q. Are SDKs only for mobile apps?

A. No. SDKs are available for desktop, gaming, IoT, cloud, and web development.

Q. What comes first – API or SDK ?

A. Startups often begin using APIs for quick integration, then move to SDKs for more customization.

Q. Are APIs free to use?

A. Many APIs offer free tiers to understand how things work, but advanced features often require subscriptions.

Q. Can SDKs work offline?

A. Yes, some SDKs let developers build and test apps offline, though APIs usually require an internet connection.

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How Fingent Can Help You Choose Better

The SDK vs API debate is about knowing when and how to use each. SDKs give developers the complete toolkit to build apps, while APIs extend and connect those apps to the outside world.

At Fingent, we help businesses identify what they need for their business. This can be software solutions with SDK, API, or a mix. Fingent has the right expertise to help you build applications that are secure, scalable, and future-proof your business.

Whether you’re launching a new app or modernizing business infrastructure, we are here. Our experts can assist you in making the correct decision between SDKs and APIs.

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    About the Author

    ...
    Tony Joseph

    Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

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      Businesses need modern technology to survive today’s ever-evolving market. The right enterprise software solution can help businesses thrive. However, not all businesses might have the necessary in-house skills to develop one, and let’s be honest, off-the-shelf software does not fit all needs. Thanks to custom software development vendors, enterprises can access technology experts on the go to build customized technology solutions that cater to their unique business needs.

      According to a survey by Deloitte, 79% of U.S. executives currently outsource software development. However, any business application is only as good as the developer who creates it. Choosing the right software development partner is a crucial responsibility.

      If your business plans to hire an app development partner, here’s a quick checklist that can help. But before we get started, let’s look at why you need to choose the best software development vendor.

      Have an Innovative Idea for Your Next Application?

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      Why Do Businesses Need Software Development Vendors?

      Organizations rely on app development partners to:

      • Bridge talent gaps and save in-house hiring costs
      • Drive value by developing end-to-end solutions
      • Access the best of technology, skills, and expertise
      • Avoid development delays and cut operating costs
      • Increase speed-to-market and enhance core competencies
      • Mitigate the risks of running an in-house development project

      You can easily unlock these advantages by choosing the right software development vendor. But what happens if you choose the wrong app development partner? Here are the risks!

      What Statistics Say About Outsourcing Software Development

      Risks of Choosing a Wrong Software Development Vendor

      Wrong software vendor selection can leave a lasting impact on your company.

      • Poor-quality software rollouts can lead to massive sales losses. It can force your customers to go to competitors.
      • Ill-fitted software solutions affect your day-to-day operations and increase your team’s workload.
      • A bad match will never help you with add-ons and customizations you might need for the future.
      • Botched software can cause frequent business disruptions. It can affect your customer experience, reputation, and brand.
      • Faulty software can lower your team’s morale and engagement. Constant software glitches add to employee frustration and fatigue.
      • A wrong vendor may not be able to meet your deadlines. They may also charge you more than expected. There is always an inherent risk of hidden costs.
      • Communication breakdowns can create misunderstandings between the vendor and your stakeholders.
      • Inadequate security measures opted by the vendor can put your business at risk. It can increase the chance of damaged, lost, or stolen data.

      How can you avoid these risks? Ace software development vendor selection by using our checklist (below).

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      Checklist: How to Choose the Right Software Development Vendor?

      1. Define Your Needs and Goals

      The first step to finding the right developer is identifying your goals. Why do companies seek to build customized software? Some of the common reasons are:

      • Enhancing customer experience and satisfaction
      • Improving workforce productivity and operational competency
      • Tracking and managing staff responsibilities
      • Automating specific tasks and repetitive functions
      • Boosting reliability and security

      A good discernment of your objectives and business needs will allow you to proceed to the next steps more efficiently.

      2. Set up a Budget

      Defining your goals should help you prepare a detailed budget. At this stage, it is important to determine the capital, expenditures, and forecasted return on investment (ROI).
      Assess the factors that impact the cost of your software development project:

      • Type of software you need and its level of complexity
      • Custom software or off-the-shelf software
      • UX/UI design considerations
      • Backend infrastructure and dependencies
      • Integrations with other applications you use
      • Location of the app development partner
      • Development time, resources employed
      • Investments in new technologies
      • Estimates/rates quoted by the software development vendor

      Any business’s priority is to produce high-quality software. However, keeping the project within budget is vital for business success.

      3. Research Potential Vendors

      Research potential software development vendors. Assess the selected app development partners based on the following factors:

      • Do they have experience working on the type of software you need?
      • Have they worked in your industry or domain in the past?
      • Do they handle the entire software development lifecycle? Do they provide post-launch application maintenance and support?
      • Do they help train your staff on the new software?
      • What are the services they offer?
      • Does their rate fit your budget?
      • What other value-added services do they provide software development? Developing an e-commerce application, maybe?

      4. Shortlist Top Software Development Vendors

      Choosing from hundreds of service providers can be overwhelming. Once you do the research and specify your requirements, you can start shortlisting the options you find appealing.

      Here are a few ways to narrow down your list:

      • Read through the company profiles, case studies, and client testimonials of potential vendors.
      • Use any credible B2B rating platform to check out their ratings and reviews. Platforms like Clutch, GoodFirms, etc. list the top vetted software development partners.
      • Filter vendors based on their minimum project costs, team size, average ratings, and location.
      • Keep your list short so you can reach out to the selected firms quickly.

      5. Talk to Each of the Selected Vendors

      A direct conversation with the software development vendor gives you a fair idea of their services and expertise.
      Before meeting a vendor, prepare a set of questions that will help you gauge their work:

      • What technologies and programming languages are your team proficient in?
      • What are the industries and domains that you primarily cater to?
      • What project management tools do you use to manage your workflows?
      • How do you ensure the quality of your software?
      • What is your project engagement model?
      • What software development methodology do you follow—Agile, Waterfall, RAD, Lean?
      • How do you determine the costs of your work?
      • Is my budget and expected timeline realistic for my project?

      Above all, it’s crucial to identify if the potential vendor’s way of operating and objectives align with your requirements.

      6. Narrow Down Your List Further

      A direct conversation with each vendor should help you narrow your choices between two or three developers.

      • Consult your leadership team. Weigh the pros and cons of each vendor based on your analysis.
      • Shortlist your selection to one or two providers. Ensure they can understand your needs and match your company’s culture.

      7. Data Security and Privacy Measures

      Your business software needs to handle confidential company data. Is your software development partner capable of protecting your application from cyber threats?

      • Before choosing a software development vendor, undertake an intellectual property due diligence inquiry.
      • Find out how the vendor will be handling your data and assets.
      • Review their integrated security and IP protection program.
      • Determine the internal measures you should adopt to safeguard your enterprise’s IP.
      • Identify which functions need to be managed in-house and what should be outsourced.

      8. Compliance, Reliability, and Support

      Along with analyzing the vendor’s cybersecurity offerings, you also need to verify:

      • Does the vendor’s development and delivery practice/policies comply with the essential regulations?
      • Have you done extensive background checks to ensure the integrity and reliability of the vendor?
      • Did you do a proper technical and strategic vetting of the selected development vendor?
      • Is the vendor equipped to address unexpected IT outages and disruptions?
      • What are the risk management policies/processes followed by the software development vendor? Do they have a robust disaster recovery plan?
      • Does their development process align with your organization’s sustainability goals?
      • Does the vendor stick to responsible application design, development, and maintenance that can reduce the environmental impact?

      Choosing the right software development partner requires careful planning. It’s indeed a very tricky job to pick out the right one from a huge list of potential vendors. The checklist aims to make the job simple for you.

      Nearshore vs In-House Software Development: Know The Pros & Cons

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      Software Development Company vs. Freelancer: Which is Better?

      What is the difference between a freelancer and a software development company?

      • A freelancer is an individual who works independently on software development projects.
      • A software development company is a professional organization that provides software development services.

      freelancer vs. software development company

      How does working with a software development company help your business?

      • A team of certified professionals well-versed in multiple areas
      • Access to the latest technologies and specific domain expertise
      • A reliable vendor-customer contract (agreement) to back you
      • Round-the-clock support and IT help desk
      • Transparent communications, no hidden surprises
      • Standardized pricing with no additional costs
      • Dedicated ongoing maintenance and support

      Transform Your Business With the Right Software Development Vendor

      The best software development vendor:

      • Works with you throughout the entire development process
      • Helps navigate the complexities of software creation and maintenance
      • Makes incremental changes for continuous software enhancement
      • Develops tailor-made solutions that align with your business goals
      • Improves your business’s efficiency, productivity, and financial performance

      Let Us Help You Ease Your Digital Transformation Journey

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      Why Choose Fingent as Your Software Development Partner?

      Since 2003, Fingent has been a reliable and capable software development partner for leading global brands, including several Fortune 500 companies.

      • An impeccable track record as a successful custom software vendor
      • Experience in new and emerging technologies—AI, AR, VR, IoT, blockchain, and more
      • Legacy application modernization, cloud migration
      • Multi-platform development—web, mobile, cloud, and more
      • Diverse offshore talent pool with experienced developers and tech professionals
      • Tech certifications, partnerships, centers of excellence

      Build scalable and robust applications by partnering with a professional custom software vendor. Contact us to get an extended consultation.

       

      Stay up to date on what's new

        About the Author

        ...
        Tony Joseph

        Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

        Talk To Our Experts

          Types of Application Software: Guide for 2025

          Application software offers a plethora of options tailored to meet the diverse needs and objectives of users and businesses. Today, AI is a major force in application software. AI-integrated applications are the hot cakes now; they significantly enhance efficiency, speed, and productivity. Choosing the right application software can transform operations and profoundly influence your bottom line, positively impacting business outcomes.

          Deep dive into everything you need to know about application software and how to choose the right type of application software for your business.

          Understanding Application Software: Types and Business Benefits

          What is application software?

          Application software offers a plethora of options tailored to meet the diverse needs and objectives of users and businesses. Today, AI is a major force in application software. AI-integrated applications are the hot cakes now; they significantly enhance efficiency, speed, and productivity. Choosing the right application software can transform operations and profoundly influence your bottom line, positively impacting business outcomes.

          The application software has evolved remarkably, and it consists of AI capabilities, cloud-native architecture, and cross-platform compatibility. Companies today are making use of different intelligent applications to simplify their activities, improve customer experiences, and boost strategic plans.

          Examples of application software

          Today, we have many high-end application software that define how we live and accommodate our ever-evolving requirements. Widely used application software includes office productivity tools, business applications, project management tools, creative tools, communication tools, and many more.

          Microsoft Office 365

          (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot)

          Google Workspace

          (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail)

          Infince

          (Intranet, Drive, Calendar & Meeting, Task, Phone System)

          Salesforce CRM

          Oracle NetSuite

          Zoho CRM

          SAP S/4HANA Cloud

          Microsoft Dynamics 365

          Asana

          Trello

          ClickUp

          Monday.com

          Adobe Creative
          Cloud Applications

          Figma

          Canva

          CorelDraw

          AutoCAD

          Slack

          Microsoft Teams

          Infince

          Zoom

          WhatsApp

          Wynk

          MX Player

          VLC Media Player

          Spotify

          Pandora

          What is the difference between system software and application software?

          Software can be categorized into two categories: System Software and Application Software. System software is used to manage the main functions of the computer and hardware devices, and application programs enable users to accomplish certain tasks such as writing documents, sending emails, or even managing data.

          They both differ significantly when it comes to design and purpose.

          Application Software

          System Software

          Key functions of application software for businesses

          Application software programs are designed to execute a wide array of functions. Its primary functions can vary depending on the users' requirements. Depending on the industry or business area, it is possible to develop the application software to fulfill a particular purpose.

          Task Automation

          Automating routine tasks, such as data entry, sales emails, and marketing emails, saves a lot of manual work and allows employees to perform more strategic tasks.

          Data Management

          Gather, store, sort, and classify large volumes of information, make informed judgments, and trace patterns.

          Communication and Collaboration

          Maximizing smooth communication among the employees, partners, and customers, as well as working together on common projects.

          Process Optimization

          Enhancing organizational workflow and efficiency in different departments, resulting in cost cuts and enhanced productivity.

          Innovative and efficient production

          Allows the production of high-quality files, presentations, designs, and multimedia output.

          Problem Solving

          Providing targeted tools to handle specialized business purposes, be it in the field of inventory management, sales forecasting, or data security.

          Benefits of application software for businesses

          Most organizations invest in buying or building application software to suit their business model. This software comes with innumerable benefits that you can't resist executing the ideal application software in your business/organization.

          Types of Application Software

          Application software can be broadly classified into General Applications, Business Applications, AI-powered Applications, and Custom Applications. Application software is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. In today’s business landscape, software tools are categorized based on functionality, complexity, and the specific needs they serve. Picking up the right application software for your specific needs improves function and efficiency. The use of the software is rampant across every domain, including banking, healthcare, education, retail, travel, logistics, etc.

          General Applications - Everyday Productivity & Collaboration Tools

          In present-day companies, general-purpose applications play a crucial role in digital productivity. Such programs assist people and groups in crafting content, handling data, communication, and staying organized. They are usually cloud-based, cross-platform, and are becoming more and more run by embedded AI.

          To draft, format, and edit text-based reports, proposals, manuals, and other business material. These applications are rich in formatting, collaboration, and version control.

          Examples: Google docs, Microsoft word, notion

          Spreadsheets find a lot of applications in organizing and tabulating data, calculations, budgeting, and reporting. They facilitate functions, charts, filters, and conditional formats in order to make data management easy.

          Examples: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable

          These tools assist users to author and present slide-based presentations during meetings, pitches and training. They include features such as templates, transitions, and multimedia support.

          Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva

          Calendar and e-mail clients are used to coordinate and communicate, as well as organize meetings. They facilitate time-zone conscious scheduling, contact organization, and inbox management.

          Examples: Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Google Calendar, Calendly

          Tools that help teams communicate more efficiently by messaging, group channels, file spaces, and video calls. These tools assist in sustaining continuity and visibility in scattered groups.

          Examples: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom

          Cloud file storage services enable an enterprise to access, store, and share documents on devices anytime, anywhere. It has features such as versioning of files, rights of folders, and managing backups.

          Examples: Google Drive, Infince, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive

          Business Applications

          Business applications are software tools used in businesses to enable, streamline, or support the main processes within an organization. These applications are critical in enhancing scalability, decision-making, and efficiency in terms of handling customer relations and operations of financial processes.

          The CRM software assists firms in handling customer and prospect relationships through the sales and service lifespan. It stores customer information, monitors interaction, and provides marketing and sales automations.

          Examples: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM

          ERP systems have merged more crucial functions of business, like finance, supply chain, procurement, and human resources, under one roof. They give real-time visibility and increase the consistency of data, as well as allow smooth operations within departments.

          Examples: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365

          These tools help teams plan, organize, and follow up on projects and daily activities. It has features such as timelines, the distribution of tasks, progress monitoring, and collaboration to maintain alignment and responsibility.

          Examples: Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, Jira

          The accounting program helps with financial processes such as bookkeeping, invoicing, expense management, dues, and tax reporting. These instruments play an important role in ensuring legal conformity and fiscal disclosure.

          Examples: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks

          HR applications can assist in managing personnel data, staff hiring, employee training, staff onboarding, payroll, benefits, and performance. They are supportive of compliance, reporting, and workforce planning as well.

          Examples: Skill Lake, Workday, BambooHR, Gusto

          AI-First & Intelligent Applications

          AI-first applications are developed from an intelligent core, streamlining processes, boosting decision-making, and amplifying productivity through automated actions and thoughtful suggestions. These tools are progressively integrated into diverse business functions, enabling organizations to work more swiftly and more efficiently.

          Such tools make the production of written, visual, or multimedia content possible with minimal human intervention. They have found extensive use in marketing, customer communication and design

          Examples: ChatGPT, Gemini, Jasper, Copy.ai, Canva Magic Write

          By proposing code snippets, flagging errors, and crafting whole functions from natural language input, code assistants ease the work of developers. They accelerate the development process while cutting down on repetitive work.

          Examples: GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, Microsoft Copilot

          These platforms examine historical data and discover trends, forecast outcomes, and underpin strategic decision-making. These tools are routinely applied in finance, marketing, supply chain, and operations to assist with planning and manage risk.

          Examples: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Qlik Sense

          Conversational tools imitate human interactions and are employed to raise the quality of customer support, speed up user onboarding, and respond to internal queries. They speed up response time, lower support expenses, and provide continuous service around the clock.

          Examples: Intercom, Drift, Zendesk AI, ChatGPT integrations

          Custom Applications

          A custom application is an application specific to the requirements of a business, or may involve applications specific to processes or industry. These applications are more flexible and have control and the ability to integrate with their internal systems as compared to off-the-shelf products. They are a great fit for organizations looking to secure a competitive edge via technology that conforms to their operational needs.

          Using these platforms, users can deploy applications swiftly with only a minimal amount of coding knowledge. They provide a drag-and-drop interface, pre-configured components, and the capability of integration, which makes them the right choice when it comes to building internal applications or automating processes. No heavy development is required.

          These applications are developed in cloud environments to be efficient and resilient. They accommodate complicated business applications, multiple users, and real-time processing of information. Built largely with contemporary frameworks, they can be thoroughly tailored and seamlessly connected to existing enterprise systems.

          They constitute tailor-made mobile applications crafted to enable business operations while on the move, field services, logistics processes, and customer engagement. They emphasize on responsive design, offline access, GPS capabilities, and mobile-native features like push notifications.

          Modern Software Delivery Models: Scalable, Flexible, and Built for the Future

          Software development, deployment, and delivery have changed radically. The new models of delivery include flexibility, scalability, and a reduced time-to-market. This helps businesses feel free to adapt to the changing needs of the users and infrastructure. The methods also allow modular development, on-going refinement, and wider device support, making software future-proof.

          Cloud-Native Apps: SaaS, PaaS, FaaS

          Cloud-native applications are designed to be run and scaled in the cloud without any challenges.

          Hybrid & Edge Applications

          Hybrid apps utilize cloud-based systems and on-premise or edge computing to enable the use cases that need low latency, real-time data processing, or an offline state. The edge applications bring the data processing nearer to the source, which is suitable in the case of IoT, manufacturing, and field operations. This ensures they are less reliant on central servers and can act faster.

          Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Cross-Platform Development

          Similar to native apps, PWAs provide app experiences through the web, with the same aimed focus as websites (reach) but with the capabilities of native applications, such as working offline and sending push notifications. Developers can write the code once and then deploy it on iOS, Android, and web using Flutter or React Native, with cross-platform development working to make delivery faster and far less expensive.

          API-First and Headless Architecture

          API-first requires all features to be available through APIs, which means that integration is flexible, platform-wise. The headless architecture separates the front-end from the back-end because it enables a business to publish content in a consistent manner on websites, mobile applications, smart devices, and so on. It is perfect in the case of omnichannel experiences and accelerated innovation.

          Licensing & Monetization of Application Software

          As a fundamental aspect of the software lifecycle, licensing and monetization are serious considerations for any institution that wants to make money, regulate its use, and govern intellectual property. Selecting the appropriate licensing model and monetization approach guarantees the sustainable development process, and its usefulness matches the expectations of the target audience and target market.

          Here’s a breakdown of the key licensing types and monetization models:

          How to Choose The Right Application Software For Your Business

          As your business grows, there's always an impulse to improve operations and get work done smarter. With the advancement of AI applications, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it is to replace an old system or discover a new solution to modernize your inefficient performance, the hunt for the perfect application software is no cakewalk.

          Picking the right application software for business involves wise decisions, brainstorming sessions, and critical thinking. Before investing in a software application, you must ensure that it aligns with your business operations, streamlines your processes, improves customer experience, and eliminates risk. The success of your business model, its anticipated goals, and its requirements depend on choosing the right application software. Selecting the right application software can be overwhelming, but the right one can become a real game-changer for your business!

          Here's a checklist to help you be confident in choosing the right application software for your business.

          Key Trends Shaping Application Software Development in 2025

          With the development of technology being quite fast, the software applications are increasingly getting smarter, more connected, and more integrally embedded into all the business areas. There are a number of trends that have been transforming how applications are designed, delivered, and experienced as a result of differing user needs, technological advancements, and organizational philosophies. Knowledge of such trends can enable businesses to future-proof their software investment and remain competitive.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud platform where the software has subscriptions and can be accessed through the internet - nothing to install, nothing to maintain on the user end. A good example of SaaS is Microsoft 365. Traditional application software is generally deployed directly to local machines or servers and frequently has to be manually updated, as well as pre-licensed. Application software includes old versions of Microsoft Office.

          AI-first applications integrate smart capabilities into workflows themselves, including automation, intelligent recommendations, natural language interfaces, and predictive intelligence. This saves manual work, accelerates decision making, and enables users to concentrate on high-value activities.

          Examples: Sorting inboxes using AI, automatic reports, and prioritization of intelligent tasks.

          A mobile application is a special software application that runs on the smartphone or tablet or can be installed through app stores. The word application is an expanded term referring to any kind of software such as desktop, mobile or web-based and used to accomplish specific duties.

          API-first development is an approach in which APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are central to both design and implementation. It allows anyone to integrate the application easily, has a modular structure, and can be connected to other systems, platforms, or services. This would enhance flexibility, speed up development, and offer natural cross-platform experiences.

          PWAs are web sites which provide the functionality of native apps (including offline, push-messages, and the ability to be installed on the home screen) all through a browser. To companies, PWAs are cheaper to create, have wider device coverage and are reliable in features and rapid delivery of user experience that do not require separate mobile apps.

          Indeed, low-code/no-code solutions are gaining popularity in the work of enterprises to develop their own tools, automate business processes, and expeditiously develop prototypes. They might not be a complete substitute to fully custom-built systems in complex use cases, but they greatly reduce the project time, IT dependency and enable the employees in any business department to make a solution adapted to their needs.

          Top Emerging Technologies in Application Software

          Develop Your Application Software With Fingent

          As online transactions soar and digital workplaces emerge, different types of application software will continue to evolve. As a result, the demand for custom software development tailored to a business's requirements is increasing now more than ever before. From simple customizations to full-cycle application development, Fingent can help address all your specific business requirements, leveraging our application software development capabilities. Explore our range of services.

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          If you have further questions or want to start choosing and implementing the right application software for your business, contact us immediately. We will help you get there.

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            About the Author

            ...
            Sreejith

            I have been programming since 2000, and professionally since 2007. I currently lead the Open Source team at Fingent as we work on different technology stacks, ranging from the "boring"(read tried and trusted) to the bleeding edge. I like building, tinkering with and breaking things, not necessarily in that order.

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              Organizations are enhancing their competitiveness by prioritizing digital transformation as the global marketplace becomes increasingly crowded and interconnected.

              Broadly speaking, the concept of digital transformation involves the systematic evolution of core and auxiliary business processes to take advantage of advances in computing and software systems to increase efficiencies.

              However, no digital transformation initiative will be effective unless it involves an app modernization component.

              Also referred to as “application modernization,” app modernization enables organizations to transform effectively, increase their competitiveness, and differentiate themselves within their respective industries.

              What is App Modernization?

              A “legacy” system uses outdated software or computing hardware to deliver important organizational capabilities but cannot interact with other systems or be updated effectively. App modernization is the process of addressing known issues in outdated legacy software. The issues may include:

              • Software problems (“bugs”) that cannot be resolved fast enough,
              • Missing features will take too long to add,
              • Fragile code (changes tend to create new problems),
              • Technology obsolescence (e.g., few programmers for the source code language used),
              • A software vendor is out of business, etc.

              Commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) may not provide source code access, preventing an organization from addressing software issues. When pursuing app modernization for software for which source code is available, your organization can choose between one of three approaches:

              • Revitalizing an application old applications
              • Replacing an application technology with custom-built solutions
              • Rehosting or re-platforming

              Organizations that choose to revitalize old applications will be updating existing software with new capabilities and features. This may also include refactoring (editing the software to do the same things better).

              Read more: Why choose custom software over commercial off-the-shelf solutions?

              custom software

              Other companies may elect to get rid of aging technology to replace it with new, custom-built solutions or with a COTS solution.

              In some instances, though, to achieve performance improvements, you may just need to move your existing application onto a more powerful computing engine, typically today on a modern, cloud-based infrastructure — a process known as rehosting or re-platforming.

              How do you know which is the best app modernization option for your needs?

              Particularly old or antiquated legacy technology will need to be replaced, whereas newer solutions might be suitable for repurposing or retrofitting. Rehosting is the most pragmatic approach if an application still meets your business’s needs but is negatively impacted by your current infrastructure.

              When updating existing software, your app modernization team will need to rewrite code to add new features to your solutions. While this can be a tedious and time-consuming process, it may be more efficient than rebuilding a new solution from the ground up.

              Opting for the more labor-intensive choice of modernizing by replacing legacy systems may provide more substantial long-term benefits altogether, especially if the landscape of your industry has changed significantly since you installed your current technology suite. Proper planning will control how the migration to a new system occurs and to what extent a legacy system needs to be operational during the transition.

              In order to determine which approach is most appropriate for your business, you should first consider whether your current application effectively meets your company’s needs. If it doesn’t, you will need to either repurpose or replace your technology, but if it does, a simple rehosting might be the most practical option.

              Why You Need It, Especially Today

              Application modernization is a core component of digital transformation. If your company’s current applications do not effectively meet its needs or promote efficiency, you will never be able to meet your digital transformation goals. In a 2019 IBM-Forrester survey, 40% of developers reported being more productive when on the cloud in a digital transformation.

              Instead, you will always be working from a disadvantage, which could allow your competitors to encroach on your market share within your respective industry.

              App modernization will not only enable you to fulfill your digital transformation goals, but it will also empower your business to operate more efficiently, enhancing the customer experience, paving the way for future growth, and boosting revenue.

              Read more: Why Top Companies Are Investing in Application Modernization

              What to Consider Before App Modernization

              You cannot approach app modernization haphazardly, or you could experience significant and potentially prolonged disruptions to your company’s operations.

              Remember, app modernization efforts will impact the functionality and performance of your company’s core software solutions, such as your customer relationship management platform and accounting software, so with that in mind, you must gauge the costs of an app modernization initiative.

              Identify what goals you want to achieve, plan how long it will take to achieve those objectives, and seek the support of a third-party technology firm that will be able to provide an objective perspective and help you determine which approach to pursue when you start your journey toward app modernization.

              Read more: The secrets to a successful app modernization journey.

              App modernization

              Knowing Your Options in App Modernization

              To decide which of these approaches is most suitable for your business, you must take an objective look at the state of your technology stack. Is the version of all elements of the stack up-to-date? Are frameworks and languages still “main stream?”  If your current solutions impede business growth, it is likely time to replace them or, at minimum, rewrite them.

              Rehosting can be incorporated into your app modernization strategies in two ways. If you have an application that meets your needs, you can simply migrate the app from a native architecture to a cloud-based one. Additionally, you can incorporate rehosting into your rip-and-replace or rewrite app modernization process, as transitioning to the cloud will improve the performance of any application.

              Steps to Kickstart Your App Modernization Journey

              The entire process can feel daunting and overwhelming when you are at the precipice of your app modernization journey. Still, you can jump-start your digital transformation and app modernization efforts through the following techniques:

              1. Finding Your Why

              First off, outline why you want to modernize your applications. Defining your “why” will help you and your team stay focused once your modernization journey is underway.

              2. Assess Your Talent

              Take an objective look at your in-house team and its capabilities. Are they going to be able to oversee your app modernization effectively? If not, it might be time to bring in some outside resources.

              3. Decide Whether You Want to Move to the Cloud

              Suppose you have invested heavily in on-premises resources in the past; in that case, it might be tough to move on from these assets and transition to the cloud. But making the switch will benefit your business both now and in the long run, so you should at least consider the notion.

              4. Assess Risk and Act

              Finally, you need to assess the risks associated with each app modernization option. Outline the benefits of rewriting your current applications, replacing them altogether, and migrating to the cloud. Once you have calculated the costs of app modernization, choose the option that best aligns with your needs and take action.

              How Fingent Can Help in Successful App Modernization

              Leveraging app modernization to enhance the efficacy of your digital transformation effort is a huge undertaking. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone, as you can partner with a talented software development team like that of Fingent.

              Fingent’s team of experts can help you apply the latest technologies to your business, including cloud-native solutions, artificial intelligence tools, and machine learning software.

              Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your app modernization efforts.

              Stay up to date on what's new

                About the Author

                ...
                Tony Joseph

                Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

                Talk To Our Experts

                  The right software can serve as a growth catalyst for your business. A robust software solution can empower your team to work more efficiently, better serve your clients, and optimize business performance.

                  But when searching for these software solutions for your business, you’ll have to make many different decisions along the way. One of the very first choices you’ll encounter is whether you want to buy off-the-shelf software or build a custom solution.

                  Either route can help your organization modernize its processes, improve efficiency, and scale effectively. Which approach will produce optimal results for your organization in the short and long term is still a question.

                  Because your decision will significantly impact your business for years to come, it’s critical that you get it right.

                  With that in mind, join us as we crack the code to smart software selection decision-making by exploring the pros and cons of building and buying software.

                  Read more: Why Should Your Business Invest In An End-to-End Software Solution?

                  End-To-End Custom Software Solution

                  The Build or Buy Conundrum

                  The buy option is relatively straightforward: You select software that aligns with your organization’s needs, purchase a license, and deploy the technology. When evaluating your options, you will encounter purpose-built solutions for your industry and more generalized options, like basic accounting software.

                  Conversely, custom-built software for your organization will include specific tools you need — without superfluous features that distract users and get in the way of critical business functions. It’s important to understand that you won’t be building the software unless you have an in-house team of highly experienced software engineers. Instead, you will need to partner with a talented software development firm.

                  Pros and Cons of Buying Software

                  Before providing a decision-making roadmap, it’s crucial to outline the pros and cons of each option.

                  The primary benefit of buying pre-built software is that it is already deployment-ready. As such, you can easily purchase the software and begin implementing it almost immediately. You’ll also be able to demo the product before you buy, giving you an idea of precisely what to expect. This expedited timetable is particularly appealing if your business’ current technology suite cannot keep up with your present needs.

                  However, some notable drawbacks exist to buying software instead of taking the custom route. First and foremost, off-the-shelf software is less likely to align perfectly with your company’s needs. After all, off-the-shelf software is designed to appeal to as broad an audience as possible, and naturally, it will include some features you don’t need. Evaluating software can be time-consuming, and applications of any complexity may be impossible to assess fully in a reasonable amount of time.

                  In addition, pre-built software typically has recurring license and maintenance costs that need to be considered and may change over time. There is also the risk that vendors of pre-built software may stop offering that edition or software or go out of business entirely. Pre-built software may depend upon older technologies that are no longer “leading edge,” which can lead to long-term viability concerns.

                  For some software categories, you may only be able even to consider a few contenders, or what you find may lack some tools or capabilities your business is looking for.

                  Read more: Choosing between Custom Software Solution and Commercial Off-the-Shelf Product!

                  Advantages and Drawbacks of Building Custom Software

                  Custom software is tailored to help your business meet its organizational goals and overcome its most significant growth hurdles. Every feature, tool, and capability of custom software is purpose-built for your business. As such, it can significantly impact your business more than an off-the-shelf alternative.

                  The two potential downsides to custom software are cost and the deployment timetable. When there is an off-the-shelf alternative, building custom software will typically require a larger upfront investment, but you will have more control over the software. That means you can change your schedule without being tied to the vendor’s schedule or priorities. If the custom software meets important business requirements, you can expect a strong return on investment.

                  It’s important to remember that developing and deploying a custom-built software solution will take slightly longer. Fortunately, you can streamline the build process by partnering with a highly experienced software development firm.

                  How to Determine Which Option Fits Best for Your Business

                  As you prepare to weigh your best opportunities with each approach, you can streamline your decision-making process with a refined approach.

                  1. List Your Organizational Goals and Needs

                  When choosing to buy or build, the most critical question you need to ask yourself is: What do you hope to accomplish with your new technology?

                  Create a list of goals, objectives, and needs. In addition to providing more internal clarity, you can use this list to compare products during your search. If no single off-the-shelf solution meets your needs, it may be more pragmatic to build custom software. However, if you need the solution sooner rather than later.

                  2. Analyze the Current Ecosystem

                  Once you have created your list of goals and objectives, you can start analyzing the current ecosystem. Businesses operating in specific sectors — such as the healthcare industry — will have dozens of options when searching for off-the-shelf software solutions. As such, it is much more likely that a healthcare organization will be able to find a readily available solution that meets its needs when compared to a more niche sector.

                  Even if you are already leaning toward building a custom solution, you should consider what options are available for your industry. Explore all known choices to see how these solutions align with your needs and goals. This tactic can also provide you with ideas to put on a must-have list for your custom software partner.

                  3. Calculate the Potential ROI of Each Option

                  While you must regard the upfront costs associated with buying vs. building software, calculating the potential long-term ROI of each option will be more useful for guiding your decision-making process. Start calculating ROI by assessing the likely cost-savings and additional profits that can be expected once the new software is in place. While this impact can often be difficult to predict fully, it may be easier to consider how large the impact would need to be to recover the cost of the investment — the break-even point.

                  Building a custom solution will cost more on the front end, but this higher initial investment can yield a significant return over the software’s lifecycle. Conversely, going with a cheaper option could solve today’s business challenges, but you may quickly outgrow that software’s capabilities and find yourself looking to upgrade again in the near future.

                  Read more: When does your Business need Custom Software Solution – Evaluate Now!

                  custom software development

                  Making Your Final Decision 

                  Whether you buy a readily available option or want to leverage the power of custom-built software, you will need an experienced technology partner to oversee your deployment. Fingent is that partner.

                  Our team of technology experts specializes in building dynamic, custom software solutions for our diverse array of clients. We can also assist with deploying solutions from Microsoft, SAP, and other leading technology development companies.

                  To learn more about our deployment and development services, contact Fingent today.

                  Stay up to date on what's new

                    About the Author

                    ...
                    Tony Joseph

                    Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

                    Talk To Our Experts

                      To build or to buy has been a million-dollar question most businesses seek an answer for. This can become more daunting when you consider the numerous factors influencing the decision. To make it less overwhelming, we will discuss factors and tips to help business leaders make informed decisions. This blog also explains the right process to follow once the decision is made.

                      Build Or Buy: Should You Buy Software or Build It?

                      Several factors must be analyzed when deciding to buy or build software internally. Here is an analysis of four key points that can help business leaders to make an informed decision that will impact their business growth:

                      • What is the scope of the problem that you are attempting to solve?
                      • How complex does the software solution need to fit your business?
                      • Can the organization leverage exist experts, or will you need to hire more?
                      • How quickly does the organization need the software?

                      It is good to remember that there are no one-size-fits for all in this regard. Analyzing these questions will help businesses zero in on one of the two options. Please read on to find out top tips to help companies identify which of these two is most suitable for their business.

                      Read more: Choosing the right Software Development Vendor

                      Top Considerations for Companies to Help Recognize Build vs Buy

                      Deciding to buy or build custom software is not as easy as flipping a coin. Here are the top considerations that will increase the odds of making the right decision:

                      • Problem – Businesses must give thought to the problem at hand. Is it attempting to solve a common problem or specific to the company alone?
                      • Funds – Can the company have dedicated funds to host and maintain the software solution, including upfront costs?
                      • Time – Consider how time-intensive the problem at hand is. Is it just a nagging annoyance or a serious health threat to the company’s survival?
                      • Strengths and Weaknesses – Analyzing a business’s strengths and weaknesses will help companies choose whether to build or buy. Can the business withstand the risks that may surface with technical debts, quality concerns, opportunity costs, and more?
                      • Quality – Consider if you can fully focus business efforts on solving this problem without compromising quality.
                      • Surface-Level Risks – Before buying or in the future with a trial, demo, or quote, reviewing the surface-level risks of buying versus building software is important.
                      • Data – For certain companies, their data is vital to their competitive advantage. In such cases, it is crucial to consider how the third party may your proprietary data. Consider if there is the possibility of losing access or oversight to customer data or other critical business insights.
                      • Security – Ensure the company’s accounts are not compromised by finding out if the third party can be trusted and if they use cybersecurity best practices.
                      • Vendor Reliability – Consider if the third-party vendor is reliable. Does it have the ability to weather a market downturn or other external factors that may impact the business?

                      Read more: When Does Your Business Need Custom Software Development Solution – Evaluate Now!

                      custom software development

                      If a company decides to build custom software after all these considerations, it is vital that they follow the right process for the successful development of software.

                      What is The Right Process If You Decide to Build?

                      Building custom software might be the perfect solution for your business and building it the right way is key to its success. Usually, it is developed by a third party or in-house developers. Custom solutions ensure features and functionality with the company’s needs in mind. As a result, businesses enjoy increased productivity and growth.

                      To get started, here is the right process companies can follow:

                      1. Define your organizational needs

                      First, determine the current business process, expectations, and verifiable success. Talking to experts, finding out why the changes are necessary, and sketching out the workflows will help ensure a smooth project management process.

                      2. Resist the temptation to keep everything in-house

                      It may be tempting to handle all processes in-house to save money. However, working with your own IT team could cause a slowdown in the company operations as they already have their daily work. Here, outsourcing certain tasks makes the most sense. Consider working with a vendor with a verifiable track record in building custom software for other companies.

                      3. Be practical

                      To keep the project on track, create a realistic plan together with all involved in the project. This will allow companies to set specific deadlines. Knowing the timeline will help in allocating funds when required.

                      4. Test and test

                      Before implementing the new custom software, it must go through two levels of test. One is technical testing by IT professionals and developers to ensure all elements are working. The second is user testing to see if the software works as intended.

                      5. Document each stage

                      Documentation must include the team members’ details, roles and responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations for the project. It must also include a test plan, checklist, scope statement, training plan, implementation plans, and detailed user documentation.

                      Top 5 Trends in Custom Software Development Today to Look Out For

                      The custom software market is growing exponentially. Some software development trends stand out. These trends are influenced by the need for businesses to leverage advancing technology.

                      • Cloud technology: The pandemic shut the door on data on-site and opened the door to cloud technology. Developing cloud-native applications will likely continue as many companies still use remote work setups.
                      • Internet of Behavior: The Internet of Behavior, or IoB, studies customer behavior through the data gathered from various devices. This data allows businesses to understand how to improve the quality of their products and services.
                      • Blockchain: Blockchain is used in businesses to track records without worrying about discrepancies.
                      • Low-code and No-code development tools: Workers can create programs and sites even if they lack coding knowledge. According to research, by 2024, 65% of software projects will be done through low-code or no-code development.
                      • Software integration: Software integration can provide a seamless user experience. Additionally, it helps the company save time and increase productivity.

                      Read more: Low Code/No Code Development with SAP BTP: How It Is Turning the Future of Enterprise Resilience

                      Low code/No code

                      Build For the Future

                      Building custom software allows organizations to use technology that addresses their unique needs. Following the right process can ensure they are implemented in a way that supports and advances business growth.

                      Custom software development is our forte, and we have been able to help many clients get exactly what they need from their software.

                      Give us a call, and let’s discuss what we can do for your business.

                      Stay up to date on what's new

                        About the Author

                        ...
                        Tony Joseph

                        Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

                        Talk To Our Experts

                          Frameworks are the backbone of mobile app development. They are essential to building dependable apps quickly. When choosing a framework, you can choose between native or cross-platform applications. Though both approaches have advantages, cross-platform applications work on multiple devices regardless of their operating system.

                          Different companies use different technologies to build and design great apps. Various company requirements have led to the emergence of four major frameworks in the market – React Native, Flutter, Ionic, and Xamarin.

                          If you are considering building a cross-platform application, you must understand the basics of the available frameworks and their unique strengths and features. Doing so will help you choose one that is most relevant to you. That is why we have put together this comparison. We will help you understand the key differences between Flutter, React Native, Ionic, and Xamarin.

                          Top 4 Characteristics to Consider While Choosing A Mobile App Framework Of 2022

                          The six most significant reasons to choose a cross-platform mobile development app are:

                          • Decreased development process
                          • Cost efficient
                          • Improved user experience
                          • Improved performance
                          • Improved quality
                          • Increased reach

                          You can determine the best mobile app framework based on the characteristics on which we can compare the four tools. Let us begin with features.

                          1. Features

                          Flutter

                          Flutter is the best UI toolkit that comes with fully customized widgets. Its layered architecture will ensure quick component rendering. Several popular organizations use Flutter.  Its features include:

                          • Built-in Cupertino widgets
                          • Supports iOS and Android platforms
                          • It is comprehensive and precise
                          • Visuals are both appealing and engaging
                          • Ability to develop high-performance apps
                          • Rich motion APIs

                          Xamarin

                          Xamarin allows code sharing on multiple platforms. It is known to offer a development ecosystem with a back-end, API, and components. Xamarin’s’ features include:

                          • Faster development time
                          • Lesser bugs
                          • Best backend infrastructure
                          • A component store that contains cross-platform libraries, third-party libraries, and UI controls.
                          • Allows application indexing and deep linking

                          Ionic

                          Ionic is useful if you want to build interactive hybrid mobile and progressive web apps with cross-platform applications. It also has another lightning and powerful version called Ionic Studio that provides an easy visual development environment. Ionic’s features include:

                          • Fast and powerful
                          • Allows complete control over app building
                          • Allows development of both native and progressive web applications
                          • Easy to handle
                          • Allows for a single code base app building

                          React Native

                          React Native is a widely used JavaScript library that helps to develop rich apps to give the best user experience. It allows developers to create platform-specific versions of various components. React Native’s features include:

                          • Single codebase across multiple platforms.
                          • Low-code requirement.
                          • Declarative API for predictive UI.
                          • Compatible with third-party plugins.
                          • Supports both iOS and Android.

                          2. Development ease

                          Development of the app should be easy and should offer smooth user engagement.

                          • Flutter is known to provide the best. It is extremely efficient and offers great performance.
                          • Xamarin can be used to develop the UI. Using Xamarin.Forms to develop apps can reduce time and simplify the process.
                          • Ionic does not apply native elements. Instead, it applies Cordova to offer a native look and feel.
                          • React Native works in tandem and offers a better user experience similar to native apps.


                          3. Performance

                          Performance is a crucial factor to consider as it shows how apps will perform when different frameworks are used.

                          • Flutter tops all of the other apps in performance. It offers amazing speed as it uses Darts.
                          • Xamarin can be used to develop apps similar to native apps. It is focused on business rationale. On the other hand, Xamarin. Forms work with the concept of broad code sharing. This may decrease the performance of the code in various operations.
                          • Ionic does not offer performance similar to native apps. Since Ionic tools use web technologies to render the app, it tends to reduce the speed.
                          • React Native can be leveraged to build apps similar to native apps. It allows developers to use native modules for scripting code for complex operations.

                          4. Top pros and cons

                          Each framework has its pro and cons. Please take a closer look at them:

                          Flutter

                          Flutter

                          React Native

                          React Native

                          Ionic

                          Ionic

                          Xamarin

                          Xamarin

                          Read more: Top Technologies Used to Develop Mobile App

                          Identifying What Suits Your Project

                          Every situation is unique. It might turn out that your technical requirements will lead to a solution. Still, this is how you can identify what suits your project:

                          • Flutter is a good option if the existing tech stack no longer satisfies your needs but it should be a very careful choice for startups.
                          • Xamarin usually fits most projects. It might be a little tricky to have everything you want, but in the long run, you will get it.
                          • Ionic excels in terms of performance. If you are a beginner in cross-platform development, Ionic may be the best option.
                          • React Native works wonders for MVPs and projects that need heavy interactivity. However, if your project is loaded with performance-hungry features, it may be best to skip it.

                          How Fingent Can Be Your Right Mobile App Development Partner

                          As a leading custom software development company, Fingent has years of experience in developing apps using various platforms for app development. Our app development team has hands-on experience in developing iOS and Android apps. No matter how complicated your app idea is, we can help you find the best solution. Let’s get talking.

                          Stay up to date on what's new

                            About the Author

                            ...
                            Girish R

                            Girish R, Programmer for 17 yrs, Blogger at Techathlon.com, LifeHacker, DIYer. He loves to write about technology, Open source & gadgets. He currently leads the mobile app development team at Fingent.

                            Talk To Our Experts

                              Modernization is a desire to stay relevant and grow. App modernization does just that for businesses. It enables them to stay relevant and grow. In line with that, organizations worldwide are scrambling toward digital transformation. How does that benefit businesses?

                              App modernization or updating older software for newer computing approaches extends the lifespan of an organization’s applications while allowing it to take advantage of technical innovations. It is like renovating an old house to improve efficiency, safety, structural integrity, and more.

                              However, there have been occasions when the app modernization project has failed. This has been a concern to most business owners considering digital transformation. Are you one of them? If so, through this blog, you can learn why and how to avoid app modernization failure.

                              First things first. Does your company need app modernization? If so, why?

                              Why Your Company Needs App Modernization

                              Apart from what we discussed earlier in this blog, app modernization integrates new features to keep up with the latest business requirements. Even so, many business leaders wonder if their business needs app modernization. Here is a list of specific reasons for you to consider:

                              • It allows you to create new features and services that align with your current business needs and goals. In addition, you can personalize these features to ensure long-term value creation.
                              • Educating new and older employees becomes easier as app modernization can automate tedious and repetitive processes.
                              • App modernization helps you leverage the benefits of the cloud environment, allowing you to provide fast and efficient customer service.
                              • Cloud-native applications offer top-notch security features as compared to legacy applications.
                              • App modernization allows you to add newer features, services, and functions. These, in turn, increase customer satisfaction leading to increased revenue.

                              Why, then, does app modernization backfire at times? And how can you ensure the success of the project?

                              Read more: Why modernize your legacy systems? What’s the best approach to legacy systems modernization?

                              Legacy system modernization

                              Why Some App Modernization Projects Fail

                              When an app modernization project fails, it may pose serious problems for your business, including wasted resources and time. Failed app modernization may hinder agility and keep your business from capitalizing on modern technology. It was noted that an alarming 79% of app modernization projects still fail. Why? Surprisingly, the failure is not due to the new system or methodology, nor caused by the modernization vendor. The reasons are much deeper. Here are the top 5 reasons why app modernization projects fail:

                              1. Ignoring the business process

                              Modernization efforts fail when the business process (accounting, inventory, finance) is poor, and a business tries to correct it with new systems. That will never work. Businesses must first understand what is slowing them down. Determining the problem is the right foundation for successful app modernization.

                              2. Implementing new systems without considering drastic business changes

                              When entirely new systems are implemented without considering the drastic business changes, the employees are forced to adapt quickly. In addition, such practice forces the business to evolve to fit the new software. Instead, the software must adapt to fit the current business process and requirements.

                              3. Businesses mistakenly assume that they are ready for a complete revamp

                              Most businesses believe that they are ready to replace the old system with new systems, and the business will run better. Now that is a huge mistake. Completely replacing all systems can send your business and your employees into shock. It may even change how customers interact with the business. A better approach is to modernize in calculated steps.

                              4. Failing to adopt an agile software

                              The pandemic helped us see that agility is king. Adopting inflexible applications can have disastrous consequences on your business. If you want to be future-ready, replace rigid applications with agile applications.

                              5. Failing to consult the end user

                              Modernization projects that do not involve the IT department and the end user fail as they do not consider how the new solution fits business needs.

                              Read more: Advancing Business Software Development With Cloud Native

                              The Secret to A Successful App Modernization Project Journey

                              Every business that embarks on a modernization project journey faces many challenges. The success of your app modernization efforts comes down to two key components: your IT team and your employees. As teams go through this journey, use these secrets to avoid failure and ensure success.

                              Secret 1.  Build a cross-functional team

                              When choosing a team or developing an innovation group, build a cross-functional team that can focus on developing the culture, process, and tools needed to improve the modernization process.

                              Secret 2.  Toss it, sort it, and commit to it

                              An effective business principle is to welcome all ideas and sort them, but when a decision is reached, you must commit to it and execute that above all else. Doing so will ensure the progress of the project.

                              Secret 3. Map out the development workflow

                              Mapping out a development workflow can help you when you encounter complexities in the project. It helps you look at every tool being used and identify dependencies.  

                              Secret 4.  Set milestones 

                              Projects may change. Setting small modernization goals will help you adjust your long-term plans and reduce engineering risk. Focus on many small steps when planning for a major milestone. Doing so will ensure smooth progress from one step to another.

                              Secret 5.  Prioritize data into categories

                              If you prioritize data into high, moderate, or low categories, you can decide what safeguards to have for each category.

                              Secret 6.  Do not sew a new cloth on an old cloak

                              Take a hard look at your development workflow and identify habits that could derail your app modernization process. Don’t just patch up old problems with a new tool. Remember, these problems can derail new tools, so don’t patch, fix.

                              Secret 7.  Keep your team in the loop

                              Your team may find it challenging to develop the knowledge they need to work on the new tools. Keeping them informed about the new tools and training them to navigate new workflows can ensure the success of application modernization.

                              Several aspects may factor into a successful modernization. That is why modernization endeavors are so challenging. However, implementing the above secrets can help the success of app modernization efforts.

                              Speaking to an expert can help you understand how to proceed with your app modernization needs. Why not reach out to us at Fingent and discuss your project with our software development experts?

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                                About the Author

                                ...
                                Tony Joseph

                                Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

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                                  ‘There is success through many advisers.’ This ancient proverb has proved not just true but very effective and powerful in this digital age. This is precisely what Open-Source Software (OSS) accomplishes. It allows for collaborative development where the community can modify and enhance the source code.

                                  Open-source systems can help businesses adapt quickly to changing circumstances and facilitates controlled upgrades. Integration and maintenance become less of a hurdle. With the wide range of OSS possibilities, businesses are wise to tap into this huge potential for building a robust, secure, and yet, cost-effective infrastructure.

                                  This blog will help you gain an in-depth understanding of how open-source can power your digital transformation journey!

                                  How Open-Source Software Powers Digital Transformation

                                  Vendors today provide various software solutions indispensable to a business’s software strategy. But finding the right software solution that caters closely to an organization’s needs has always been challenging! Meanwhile, OSS helps businesses build and maintain their IT ecosystem and enables sourcing highly creative developers with hard-to-locate skills. Engaging with domain experts and making their contribution to the OSS bank helps developers find satisfaction and boosts creativity. Judicious use of OSS can be of great benefit to any business.

                                  Most IT leaders believe that OSS is either “very important” or “extremely important” to the enterprise software strategy. How do we know that? In 2021, developers downloaded over 2.2 trillion open-source packages. That is a 73% increase.

                                  Read more: How to Ensure Safe Use of Open Source Libraries

                                  Here are more reasons to justify this statement!

                                  1. OSS Can Serve as A Ramp to The Future

                                  Irrespective of whether you are a small business with limited resources or an established enterprise with an established IT ecosystem, open-source software’s ability to supply code that can be easily changed and customized to your specific needs is invaluable. Many businesses are turning to AI and blockchain to better understand customer needs and work towards fulfilling them. Open-source code can not only hasten the process but also ensure efficiency.

                                  AI, ML, and AR/VR could feel like the proverbial butterfly always out of reach, and more so if your business does not have a well-established IT team. OSS can then serve as your ramp to the future. Your vendor or coder could build on the resources available to ramp up your IT capabilities and reach your desired situation.

                                  2. OSS Can Be a Beacon for Talent

                                  OSS provides coders and developers with access to code written by experts or extremely creative pioneers. This would be an immersive learning exercise. At the same time, experienced engineers could interact with others in their community, freshening their skills while keeping up with the latest in the IT industry. This exposure would, in turn, influence their recruiting and training activities.

                                  The OSS is also a repository of “glueware.” It allows software engineers to create things outside their immediate area of expertise. While it requires ingenuity and skill to glue parts together to make a whole system, OSS provides not just the individual parts and the “glue” required to fix them. It is a new method of looking at the design, resulting in greater satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

                                  3. OSS Can Build Engineering Discipline

                                  Open-source projects have very clear frameworks. There is structure and good practices such as separation of concerns, abstraction, and isolation. A business of any size would benefit from following the same discipline in setting up its systems.

                                  Maintaining clear standards of operability ad interoperability is another advantage. Using OSS ensures that the same standards are followed. Businesses do not have to invent standards and frameworks but can build on the foundation provided by OSS.

                                  4. OSS Can Improve Your “Ilities”

                                  Scalability, availability, and reliability – are just a few of the many aspects that OSS can help improve. Utility to ensure efficiency and avoid duplicating work can also be added to the list. Developers or vendors would likely prefer importing sections from a tried and tested OSS repository than building from scratch.

                                  Read more: Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning For Faster and Accurate Project Cost Estimation

                                  project cost estimation

                                  Dimensions of Open-Source Software 

                                  OSS boosts the digital transformation of businesses. It is good for businesses that lack the resources to meet the needs of IT development. OSS can yield different variations by its modularity. Consider a few pros and cons of OSS:

                                  • Price: The price is very low to zero. However, one must consider the need for support, customization, and hosting while considering the cost of using OSS.
                                  • Source Code: Full access to the source code helps developers evaluate the quality of the software and customize it to the needs of the business.
                                  • Functionality: While individual systems from the OSS may be limited, they can be easily ramped up to serve all business needs.
                                  • Modularity: OSS is modular. Hence it prompts the engagement of several experts in building a specific IT system.
                                  • Development: OSS code is developed worldwide by motivated developers from a wide range of roles and functions.
                                  • Distribution: OSS code is distributed over the internet, which is fast, efficient, and cost-effective.
                                  • Licensing: A range of OSS licenses specify how the code can be used, modified, or redistributed. However, certain restrictive licenses only support the limited use of the OSS code.
                                  • Monetization: Offering support services to help integrate the system, train users, and fix bugs is one way to monetize OSS. Offering to work out the deployment of OSS systems and taking care of backups, upgrades, and downtime is another way to monetize OSS.

                                  Is Customization A Smarter Choice With Open Source?

                                  Remember that OSS is another tool best suited for certain tasks and not so well suited for others. OSS might not be the best choice for your strategic activities or initiatives contrary to your cultural norms. Certain projects on OSS might have too high a level of uncertainty or too little support.

                                  This does not mean that OSS should be put out of the picture. Do you need to adapt quickly to the fast-paced development in certain domains? Do you need greater effectiveness in attracting and retaining talent? Do you need a solution that requires utility, quality, and speed? OSS can help you in all these scenarios.

                                  Read more: Odoo Migration: Why Is It Crucial and How to Do It Seamlessly!

                                  Odoo Migration

                                  How Can Fingent Help?

                                  Fingent can leverage open-source technology to quickly develop your customized, dynamic business application. Our experts use PHP, AngularJS, jQuery, Magento, and several other open-source technologies to develop, implement and support a wide range of open-source technologies and resources. Our extensive experience working with open-source tools helps ensure that we can provide our clients with customized, innovative solutions quickly and efficiently without compromising on quality.

                                  Intrigued to learn more about how we can help you develop and leverage the best business software solutions with open source. Connect with our experts now!

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                                    About the Author

                                    ...
                                    Vinod Saratchandran

                                    Vinod has conceptualized and delivered niche mobility products that cater to various domains including logistics, media & non-profits. He leads, mentors & coaches a team of Project Coordinators & Analysts at Fingent.

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                                      Technology is not a choice but a fundamental business strategy in the current world. Enterprises will need to accelerate their digital initiatives to support emerging technologies. To remain competitive in 2022 and beyond, businesses MUST invest in new technologies to ensure future innovation and growth. Business opportunities wait for those who successfully tackle their technology challenges. Efficiently dealing with these challenges can set a business apart from its competition.

                                      This blog will assist you in facing the biggest technology challenges of 2022. It outlines how different technologies can help your business. And how you can ensure successful digital transformation.

                                      How Technologies Help Businesses Achieve Success?

                                      Digital transformation is one of the driving forces behind the growth and success of any business. It can enable better collaboration within and between organizations. Today’s business leaders must focus on projects that prepare their organizations for the future. Here are a few ways technologies help businesses stay ahead of the competition.

                                      • Online collaboration: With a big upturn in remote working, it is fortunate that we no longer have to try to make do with cobbled-together services. Collaboration is key to efficiency and productivity. Remote workers need tools that can help them collaborate in real-time allowing them to go on with their projects rather than battling with those tools.
                                      • Automated inventory system: The biggest benefit of an inventory system is automation. It can automate manual tasks and increase efficiency and productivity. It can also reduce overhead costs and increase customer satisfaction.
                                      • Mobile apps: Mobile apps or customer-facing business apps improve how a business interacts with its customers. 
                                      • Digital data storage: Digital data storage has reduced common data management tasks to mere seconds. It can store or retrieve data at any time from almost anywhere.
                                      • Project management software: This software enables project managers to assign specific tasks to their employees. Also, it enables them to monitor the workflow to see if employees can accomplish their tasks on time. 

                                      Watch more: Should your business invest in custom-built software or off-the-shelf software?

                                      Biggest Technology Challenges Companies Face In 2022 

                                      Businesses can benefit more from emerging technologies when they successfully tackle technology challenges. Here are some of those challenges:

                                      1. Data security

                                      Data security threats are causing havoc in organizations. Attackers constantly develop new techniques and vulnerabilities. Some of the most significant information security challenges include:

                                      • Surface attack vulnerabilities
                                      • Cloud threats
                                      • Misuse of credentials
                                      •  Digital supply chain risk
                                      • Vertical specialized threats
                                      • Conventional attacks

                                      Preparedness is the key to stopping attacks before they stop you. Security leaders must look beyond traditional approaches to monitor, detect, and respond to manage a wider set of risks. In the case of supply chain risk, security leaders need to partner with other departments to prioritize digital supply chain risk. Businesses often choose to hire outsourced cybersecurity firms to help them strengthen their security and ward off any data security threats.

                                      2. Automation

                                      Automation has become a necessity in the digital world. Effective automation can boost productivity. It is an overall system quality enhancer in the long run. With proper automation, businesses can reduce maintenance costs. Manufacturers can also use automation to reduce manufacturing costs and increase the speed of time to market. 

                                      But, finding the right automation tools and introducing them into the business workflow can create complications. Hence, a business must prepare for all the hurdles and mitigate the risk of automation failure. The success of automation largely depends on the execution of the test strategy. 

                                      3. Remote work support or hybrid workforce

                                      2022 is an important year for the hybrid workforce model. Integration between cloud-based solutions and mobile apps is crucial to ensure consistent hybrid or remote work engagement. The key is finding the best way to care for the needs of each user and department. Plus, an enterprise must find ways to optimize its IT support to assist remote employees with their computer problems.

                                      4. Digital transformation

                                      Digital transformation paves the way towards more efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability. However, implementing these technologies into business is a challenging process. These challenges are:

                                      • Talent shortage
                                      • Employee pushback
                                      • Limited funds 
                                      • Challenge of agile transformation

                                      Enterprises with limited resources can assign projects to third-party organizations. A business can reduce pushback when implementing high-code or no-code solutions based on employees’ requirements. Taking a more mindful approach to digital transformation is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. 

                                      5. Focus on mobility

                                      The usage of mobile apps worldwide has greatly increased in the past decade. Business owners use mobile apps to deliver services and goods to their customers. They also use these apps to boost their Return on Investment. These apps allow employers to give their employees tools that help them collaborate efficiently even when they work remotely.

                                      However, providing a consistent mobile app experience can be challenging. 

                                      6. Integrations

                                      There are three major integration challenges enterprises face today.

                                      • First challenge: Enterprises may have mission-critical systems and applications that they wish to transform and modernize to future-proof their business. 
                                      • Second challenge: Connecting information from mission-critical systems to new applications. How to integrate information from point A to point B to bring everything together.
                                      • Third challenge: Providing low code and no code tools to combat the shortage of skill and labor.

                                      An effective IT management plan can help minimize or even cut the risk factors associated with integration.

                                      Watch more: How Fingent helped a leading Real Estate firm in the US to streamline their operations and gain efficiency through seamless integration!

                                      7. AI & ML

                                      Businesses are often pursuing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for their business problems. Another major focus of enterprises is learning how to complete specific tasks without human intervention.

                                      Each company is different, so it takes a unique algorithm for a particular business process. Finding the right AI and ML algorithm can be challenging.

                                      Connect With Future Technologies and Stay Ahead

                                      There is no end to the ever-changing trends businesses must adapt to, to thrive in this highly competitive market. Hence, businesses must forge ahead to connect with future technologies, or they may find competing with other businesses in their sector harder. Whereas businesses that adapt to digital transformation are much more successful in the market. However, analyzing tech opportunities or deciding which technology best fits your business operations is not always easy. That is why Fingent top custom software development company helps companies realize tech capabilities and build, implement and adapt to the right digital tools.

                                      It is the best time to move the digital transformation from your priority checklist to the “right now” list. Connect with our experts to know how we can help your company transform digitally!

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                                        About the Author

                                        ...
                                        Tony Joseph

                                        Tony believes in building technology around processes, rather than building processes around technology. He specializes in custom software development, especially in analyzing processes, refining it and then building technology around it.He works with clients on a daily basis to understand and analyze their operational structure, discover (and not invent) key improvement areas and come up with technology solutions to deliver an efficient process.

                                        Talk To Our Experts

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