Top Five Reasons to Implement a Multi-Channel Approach to Mobile Development

Hand coding apps for multiple devices is no longer a realistic option. It's too expensive, too slow, and too complex to manage. In an industry that is expected to deliver consistency and accessibility to the app-hungry, always-connected, multi-device population, we must consider multi-channel application development or face the prospect of falling behind the competition.

Why is this important now? The idea of one computer and one phone per person is outdated. The three-year hardware refresh cycle is dead. Whether users are employees or consumers, chances are they own or have been issued several types of devices. Now, users expect their apps to work on any device, instantly and seamlessly. The multi-channel approach gives users access to everything they want, with a consistent user experience. Same app, any device.

According to Dipesh Mukerji, senior director of product strategy and marketing at Kony Solutions, a multi-channel strategy is important today because it addresses the need to support smartphone, tablets, PCs, TVs and the Web. That said, it does require some rethinking of how we deliver applications, media and other content to each user based on who they are, what device they're carrying, what they're trying to accomplish, where they are, what security clearances they have, and much more. But as user expectations grow, development teams need to find ways to simplify and streamline app design, development, and deployment to maximize multi-channel delivery. Because of all of these expectations, a multi-channel approach can provide great benefits to developers, businesses, and the end users.