Rolling out new applications used to be a time-consuming process. A business would carefully assess software options relative to its needs, invest in licenses, ask the ops team to set up the backend infrastructure, trains users and get the solution into place. It could take months, or even more than a year, to get an app into production. Businesses don't have enough time for that kind of pace anymore, and custom development practices are changing in response.
Dealing with new app release requirements
An Enterprise Mobility Exchange report explained that many businesses are looking into entirely new development paradigms as they try to keep up with the rapid release requirements needed to meet customer expectations today. In many cases, organizations are turning to low-code platforms and similar tools.
"Many businesses are facing market disruptions that take place too quickly to rely on traditional app development."
In an interview with the news source, industry expert Derek Roos explained that low-code solutions are becoming popular for simple business apps but still present limitations, as many will struggle to handle the complexity of more advanced application types. Furthermore, even with low-code solutions, it can be difficult to make sure all stakeholders in a custom app project have the visibility into internal regulations, policies and practices needed to ensure apps comply with best practices.
A shift as significant as using low-code tools may sound extreme, but the reality is that many businesses are facing market disruptions that take place too quickly to rely on traditional app development practices. For example, a Search Engine Journal report explained that augmented reality is already entering the mainstream stage, so much so that many brands are creating custom solutions that provide consumers an added level of convenience as they interact with businesses.
AR was a breakthrough emerging technology just a year or so ago (and it's still too expensive and new for many businesses), but it is already disrupting the marketplace and leading to changes in customer expectations. It isn't the only solution driving this kind of change. Businesses are facing a wave of emerging solutions that are pushing them to innovate or risk missing out on significant opportunities to create value and differentiate themselves from competitors.
In this rapidly changing climate, organizations can't afford to wait for in-house IT teams to have the resources needed to create new apps or develop formalized strategies to make solutions such as low-code technology viable. Many businesses may be better off pursuing custom development relationships to help them develop strategies to release apps quickly and in line with big-picture company requirements.
Considering the benefits of third-party development
While modern app platforms can simplify many of the mechanics of custom app development, they don't necessarily give you the strategic help you need to ensure each app you create aligns with your business demands. This issue becomes more acute as app scale and complexity increase. If you need to build a fairly large-scale app to support a key new process and product, you may want the attention of bespoke development but lack the IT resources to do so in house.
This gap is where custom programming can be especially valuable. Third-party specialists, such as MC Services, aren't there just so you can outsourcing coding. Speaking from our point of view, a custom development project isn't about just programming; it's about performing strategic IT consulting to help clients get the solution they need.
This added advisory touch is increasingly critical as businesses face rapid technology disruption. Third-party development specialists that understand the big-picture tech trends disrupting the enterprise can help you identify opportunities and pitfalls that may come with a specific app project. As such, they can suggest strategies that help you create a more valuable, stable solution from the outset, reducing the total cost of ownership associated with the custom solution.
The key in all of this is to find a development partner that will take the time to get to know your business. Consulting services are valuable only if the third-party developer takes the time to get to know your business, something we emphasize from the start of a partnership.
