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App Developers India Buyer's Guide
Table of Contents
- » What are the services provided?
- » Why should you outsource your mobile application development?
- » What to do before you start looking for a mobile application development company?
- » Everything you need to know about choosing the best mobile application development company for your business.
- » Where can you find the best mobile application development company in India?
- » What questions should you ask before hiring a mobile application development company?
- » Factors on which you should shortlist a mobile application development company in India
- » Questions you must ask while selecting a mobile application development company in India
- » What is the average cost and time taken by an Indian mobile application development company?
- » What factors affect the cost of developing a mobile application?
- » Things to consider before closing the deal:
- » What to do once you hire a mobile application development company?
With over 800 million smartphone users and counting, India’s position as an emerging technology hub is undisputable. Access to the internet and mobile phones has created a virtual world where everything is possible through a simple touch. With Covid-19 restrictions and the surge of internet users, establishing a virtual presence is the need of the hour, especially when it comes to running a successful business. From online presence and marketing to offering features and receiving virtual feedback, mobile applications are your organization’s best bet to create a memorable customer experience.
A mobile application is a program designed to run on handy devices like watches, tablets, and phones. Mobile application development companies offer services related to design, development, management, and post-development support to ensure the smooth functioning of the app. This multi-modal functionality allows customers to connect with your business anywhere and anytime – with just the click of a button.
» What are the services provided?
Whether it is building a native app, a hybrid app, or web apps, Indian mobile app development companies have got your back. From designing and building the framework to furnishing the app with features, services, and integrations, Indian app developers are focused on curating an application that is compatible with operating systems including Android, Windows, and iOS.
Mobile application development companies have professionally trained and experienced app designers and developers that focus on the visual elements of an app to ensure a high-quality user experience. These app developers also integrate the app with cloud-based services like Amazon Web Services, Azure, etc., for multi-channel performance. Indian mobile application development companies also have in-house technical experts and software engineers who are proficient in the language of coding. Opting for a professional company to deliver your app does not only make the process hassle-free but also economical and engaging.
» Why should you outsource your mobile application development?
Indian mobile application development companies offer hassle-free services right from conceptual planning to post-launch assistance. Here are some other reasons why outsourcing the development of your mobile application is a better idea than using templates online.
› Resource-saving
Hiring a reliable mobile application development company to build your mobile app not only shortens the amount of time required to have it up and running but also provides value for money. By paying a stipulated amount beforehand, you get impeccable IT services for the app from experienced professionals in record time.
› Experienced input
Armed with the knowledge of design, usability, digital marketing, and integrated program functionality, the seasoned professionals in an Indian mobile application development company are masters of app curation. They understand your aspirations, provide suggestions, make your app stand out, and carry the solution to coding problems and system malfunctions at their fingertips.
› Flexible development process
Every business is unique, and each of them has different requirements. Mobile app development companies in India design the framework of mobile applications to be adaptable to the needs of the specific industry and helps in fulfilling objectives efficiently.
› Transparency and communication
Mobile application development companies have pre-tested mechanisms to maintain clear communication and provide direct updates to their clients, avoiding confusion, and ensuring a steady workflow.
› Active advertising
Many Indian mobile app development companies establish a professional network for your business by marketing your business mobile application on their channels. This not only connects you with your audience in no time but also offers an entrance into a network of similar service-based companies.
› Reliable support and services
A pre-requisite for the seamless performance of your app, post-launch, is the quality support from your app developers. Indian mobile application development companies offer 24/7 assistance, quick response, and repairs, clubbed with top-notch security and NDAs for data protection.
» What to do before you start looking for a mobile application development company?
When hiring a top mobile application development company in India for your dream mobile app, the first question that comes to mind is how to begin. With a plethora of information and misinformation doing the rounds, here's a list to solve all your dilemmas.
› Do your homework
The first step to ideating a mobile application is to carry out comprehensive data studies, analyze market research, and review the portfolio of the mobile app developers. It not only helps you identify competent companies but also other apps similar to yours and their marketing tactics.
› Experience over experiment
A mobile app development company comprising a dedicated team of coders, designers, artists, integrators, and developers with expertise in the field and real-world exposure provide holistic support and end-to-end business solutions. Opting for a company with rich experience ensures high-quality work at reasonable pricing.
› Platform compatibility
With a wide range of system programs available today like iOS, Android, Windows, etc., platform compatibility becomes essential to run your app on one or more devices. Figuring out which mobile app development companies focus on app development for your desired platform will help you narrow down your choices.
› Which app?
The mobile app development companies today offer three types of mobile apps, namely, native, hybrid, and web apps. Making that technical decision at an early stage simplifies the app development process.
› ETA
By when would you want your app up and running? Make a tentative estimate of your app's due date and plan for unprecedented changes in your timeline. The process of app development is smoother when you organize the resources you require.
› Money-managing
Jumping onboard with mobile app development companies without knowing about them can quickly become expensive and exhausting. It is crucial to understand what you are paying for and calculate your returns on investment.
» Everything you need to know about choosing the best mobile application development company for your business.
The two fundamentals of mobile application development in India that one should know are the operating systems and the types of apps. Various mobile app development companies focus on one or more operating platforms. Popularly used platforms are:
- Android: Based on the programming language of Java with C, C++, and Kotlin, this platform is an open-source, free software stack built by Google. Apps are hosted on the Google Play Store for users to download. Android holds a share of 91% of the mobile operating platform market in India.
- iOS: Apple's signature operating system, iOS is compatible with their indigenous products like iPhones, iPods, etc. only. The App Store hosts all the apps and their data. The programming languages of the system are, Swift, Objective-C, and Object Pascal.
- Windows Mobile: A newbie, this operating system uses the programming language of Windows CE 5.2 Kernel, C and C++. Windows Apps is a storehouse for different mobile applications dedicated to a specific audience.
The three main categories of the app are:
- Native apps: Unique in nature, native apps are highly interactive but operate on one platform only.
- Hybrid Apps: The result of a cross between native apps and web apps, these apps are quicker and cheaper to develop. They work on one or more platforms.
- Web-based apps: Offering a great range of convenience and updates, web-based apps run directly on web-hosted servers using Java and HTML programming languages.
» Where can you find the best mobile application development company in India?
There are numerous mobile application development companies out there in the Indian market. It is imperative to understand that popular mobile app development companies may not be your first choice.
Picking one depends on market research and analytics. Companies with positive client feedback, an established digital presence, and a good reputation are the ones to consider. The above list has been curated after data analysis of hundreds of expert reviews and on-ground experience in mobile application development in India. It is based on both quantitative and qualitative factors that have been examined to ensure that companies can choose the best-situated mobile application development companies. It is formulated by experts based on criteria such as on-field experience, coding knowledge, past performances, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to provide a one-stop solution to your probing.
» What questions should you ask before hiring a mobile application development company?
› Can we see your complete app portfolio?
An app development company's portfolio comprises of all the projects built by the company for its clients. It helps you estimate their level of expertise, the spectrum of their work, and the types of apps they built in the past. You can also get ideas for features on your app.
› What was the feedback?
Customer reviews unravel all the unknowns of working with a mobile app development company. You can judge the level of transparency and communication the company will offer throughout your time with them with a customer portfolio.
› What is the pricing structure?
Your mobile app development company must provide you with detailed estimates and delivery schedules. Read their company policies and understand what you are investing in and where. Pick an agency with a pricing plan closer to your budget. Do not forget to ask about the mode of payment and their timeline.
› What are your security policies?
With the abundance of cyber-attacks, there is a growing concern for data protection, data leaks, and hacking of apps. It is a good idea to understand the data privacy policies, NDAs, app testing methods, and responses to breaches of an agency before deciding on one.
› What is the expected time of delivery?
The duration of making an app varies from agency to agency. One must ask their app developers for tentative timelines, delivery methods, and launch dates for the arrival of the finished product. Planning for unprecedented delays is also a good idea.
› For what platforms do you develop apps?
Understanding whether the app development company has experience in developing apps for your desired platforms will save a lot of trouble in the future. While you are at it, it would not hurt to also ask about the cross-platform work for future expansion.
› What types of tools does your company use for quality app design?
App designers and developers use a variety of tools to generate a better user experience and boost traction. These can vary from simple code bundles to specifically curated features. Understanding how the company's technologies can fulfil your business requirements is vital.
› How are we going to communicate?
Communication is the secret to a collaborative project like app development. The company needs to communicate progress reports, updates, announcements, payment invoices, delays, and other discrepancies on time for a smooth app development process. Find out how the company plans to keep you in the loop and what mechanisms are in place.
› How can I exit the process?
In case of unforeseen circumstances like unsatisfactory service, insufficient funding, business closure, etc., a customer is allowed to exit the app development process. For the same, each agency has SLA's discussing their potential disengagement options. Be sure to review them before you jump on board with the process.
› What kind of post-launch support does the company offer?
The real test of an app begins the moment it goes online. Find out if your agency provides packages for post-launch support, maintenance, and services. These services will include bug fixes, regular updates, adding additional features, introducing multi-channel functionality, etc. Also, discuss the costs that these will incur to avoid surprises.
» Factors on which you should shortlist a mobile application development company in India
By now you would have gotten a rough idea of what factors should you choose before zeroing in on a mobile app development agency in India. Here is a quick overview of the same:
› Portfolio:
The mobile app development company's portfolio is a testament to its capabilities in terms of app design and development. Reading up on previous and existing customer testimonials will help you gauge the company's transparency in communication and market experience. A company with more time behind them also accounts for better services and lesser worries.
› Standards for Designing and coding:
An app development company with global standards of workflow and performance renders a robust framework for your app and generates an engaging user experience. It is a good idea to focus on the operating systems, the typology of apps, and the kind of development services offered by the app developers. A mock-up app with your requirements will aid in better decision-making.
› Reliable testing and long-term maintenance:
A smart filter for your choice of Indian mobile app development agency is the long term assistance and services the agency provides. Apps throw up malfunctions, glitches, and crashes with use over time. Having quick-response and knowledgeable support from your app is therefore crucial.
› Pricing model:
The cost of an app development project is a real game-changer. Surprise costs, exorbitant rates, and unplanned budgets are an avoidable nuisance. Be clear in your understanding of the development pricing plans, fixed product rates, service charges, and maintenance costs that different companies offer. Compare these plans to find your ideal choice.
› Project Timelines:
Delivering a project in the stipulated time is the mark of a reliable mobile app development company. Sure, unplanned delays occur in every project, but these should be taken into account when the schedule is planned. You can check out the submission services of your app developers to gauge the same.
› Security standards:
With a surge in online threats, security services become a crucial factor in narrowing your options down. Find out about the data protection for apps that your app developers provide to safeguard your app from cyberattacks and leaks.
› Licenses and agreements:
For a hassle-free experience, it is imperative to know what licenses the mobile app development companies possess and to understand their implications.
» Questions you must ask while selecting a mobile application development company in India
- What kind of business niches have you served up to now?
2. What has been the average size of the company in your list of clientele?
3. What is the experience level of your team as a whole?
4. What is your team strength?
5. How are you different in terms of service offerings from other app development companies in India?
6. Can I converse with any of your previous customers?
7. Would we first work on the MVP or launch a full-fledged app straight away? What do you recommend?
8. How could you assure there won’t be any delays in the project?
9. What process do you follow for app development?
10. Do you stick to the general coding standards and best practices?
11. What is your UI design process?
12. How could I, along with my team, can assist throughout the development lifecycle?
13. How do you suggest we should add monetizing features into the app?
14. Which features would you add to my app to make it special with the best user experience?
15. Do you follow any particular development framework and methodologies?
16. What happens if the app security gets compromised?
17. How do you test the mobile application?
18. Is there a dedicated quality assurance team?
19. What about the documentation of the app? Is it included in the subscription?
20. Will you also take up the maintenance of my app once it is out in the market?
21. How frequently do you release app updates? Will it cause any downtime?
22. Are updates and maintenance a part of the package?
23. How can I reach your team post the launch?
» What is the average cost and time taken by an Indian mobile application development company?
The time and investment required for developing mobile applications in India depend on multiple factors. While native apps are slightly on the expensive end, hybrid apps are the fastest and the cheapest of the lot. The average rate per hour for a simple application starts at ₹1500 and for a complex application starts at ₹40,000.
Hybrid apps cost anywhere from ₹ 73,000 to ₹5,50,000 and take approximately 250 – 5000 hours to develop and design. Native apps offered on only one kind of platform are priced from ₹66,500 to as much as₹4,80,000 and are developed in approximately 500 – 1000 hours. The cost of native apps offered on both Android and iOS is from ₹1,25,000 to ₹6,65,000 and might take at least 1000 to1500 hours
This estimate has been curated after a general assessment of the quotes available for public view. The best way to get real figures is to request mobile application development companies for their pricing plans.
» What factors affect the cost of developing a mobile application?
Numerous factors influence the cost of building an app in India. Some of these are:
- Project type: The cost of an app depends on which typology it is. The functionality of the app largely depends on the business requirements and the target audience. The bigger the outreach, the stronger the framework required, and the more the app costs.
- Platforms: From iOS to Windows, each operating system has unique specifications depending on their programming languages like Java, C++, CSS, etc. The cost of coding an app for a single platform varies from that of multiple systems.
- Backend development: Some apps require focused programming and third-party integrations in terms of backend development. It can include security features, testing, and repairs, doing away with data silos, compatibility with multiple devices, etc. Complex coding demands more time and attention, and hence invariably influences the cost.
- User interface and Graphics: Recent studies have shown that popular apps are the simplest to navigate and have impeccable graphics. This UI/UX planning requires hours of skilled work from app designers and coders with a vast knowledge of visual elements. Better graphics result in higher costs for app development.
- Security and hosting: Cloud-based web services and intricate security measures for app protection and data back-up increase the cost considerably.
- App Sustenance: Regular updates and repairs become a part of app-maintenance post-launch. These services tend to incur additional costs.
A simple formula to calculate the app development cost in India is:
Total development time*hourly rate= Cost
» Things to consider before closing the deal:
› Does the company understand your requirements?
A mobile application development company that gets you and the uniqueness of your business is critical to getting the app you desire. Ensure that the team is both technically and practically as invested in your app as you are.
› Efficient app testing methods:
Before you sign that deal, remember, properly understand your app developer's testing techniques and repair services that aid your app in running seamlessly, both pre and post-launch.
› The onboarding process:
Are you handling your app or, will you require continuous assistance? Figuring the nitty-gritty of the onboarding solutions your agency offers, helps in demystifying the process of installation, enrolment, and activation.
› Ownership:
Glancing through the contract of 'work made for hire' is not enough. Spend time on it, and read about the transfer of authority, open-source code, content, and clauses on handing complete control on completion of the project to the owner.
› Communication and Payment Methods:
Throughout the development process, there will be a need for constant communication between you and the team. It is a good idea to find out more about the developer's communication channels and payment portals before you leap.
» What to do once you hire a mobile application development company?
- Follow Up: The company you hire is answerable to you at every stage of the process. Don't hesitate to ask for constant updates on the progress of your app development.
- Network: Build an amicable professional relationship with the team. It will not only ensure a pleasant process of app development but also prove beneficial in the future.
- Document: Keep a record of all stages of the process right from conceptualizing to real-time application.
- Pay Up: While the developers stay on track and do their job, ensure that your payments are made on time for hassle-free app development.
- Be flexible: More often than not, you'll find things not going your way in terms of designing your app. Trust the experience of the industry professionals to guide you in the right direction.
• Prepare yourself: It is only after the post-launch of an app that real problems crop up. Be prepared to deal with glitches and hiccups and don't shy away from asking your app developers for technical assistance.