How to Develop an Enterprise App?

The further we are going in the 21st century, the more we are getting occupied with the technological advancements. And the mobile app is one such advancement that has transformed the way we live, communicate, travel, and even breathe. More importantly, the year 2020 has already engulfed everyone of us with mobile apps and now even companies have brought into play mobile apps to interact and keep track of all the operations.

So now the question is, are all the apps the same?

Well, the answer here is no.

Unlike our regular mobile apps, enterprise apps are different. Enterprise apps are scalable, complex, distributed, component-based, and mission-critical. To put it simply, an enterprise app is primarily focused on catering to the needs of organizations to run their day to day operations in a plain sailing manner.

Now let’s take a look at the types of enterprise applications that companies deploy:

• Content Management
• Automated Billing Systems
• Payment Processing
• Call Center and Customer Support
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and more.

Why Do We Need an Enterprise App?

In corporate language, the term enterprise app is signified as a software that is employed by the companies and large organizations to handle enterprise problems. The forge of the enterprise app is such that it rightly blends with the other applications and software used within the organization. While adhering to the stringent security protocols and administration management, the app is then deployed across a variety of networks like:

• Internet
• Intranet
• Corporate networks, etc.

Here we need to note one thing that the combination of the terms “application” and “enterprise” are typically extracted as a software platform that is not fit for small business use.

Remember: Enterprise app is also known as the enterprise software and enterprise application software (EAS).

Now, as we are clear with the term ‘enterprise app,’ let’s deep dive into the fundamentals of enterprise mobility solutions development and find out the challenges and trends that top enterprise mobile app development companies deal with.

Things to Keep in Mind While Developing an Enterprise App

Before heading out to develop an enterprise app, all the data transaction possibilities, critical processes, flow of data, and hierarchy should be taken into consideration. The developing team should also be in sync with the end-users and stakeholders to understand the dynamics of the existing technology with that of the new one. It will help companies to be more clear about the business process.

Here are some steps that every company and the subsequent developing team should contemplate while developing an enterprise app:

1. Credential Encryption

The gateway of the app should be restricted with encryption because of the fact that the company employees are bound to link the enterprise app with other apps or external storage. By encrypting the credentials, the company can ensure the first line of defense.

2. Secure App Data

Apart from the credential encryption, the data must also flow in an encrypted form and a robust validation procedure should be put into place. It incorporates session handling, identity management, and two/multi-factor authentication. For multi-factor authentication, the developer should consider the OpenID connect framework or OAuth 2.0 framework.

3. Ease of Integration

The need for integration arises from the fact that every company needs a seamless working environment, as it ensures the ease of data query and musters the insight reports. A company is run via multiple software and platforms and for the same, an enterprise-level app must be designed in such a way that it effortlessly integrates with the existing CRM and ERP systems.

4. Stick to the Prevailing of UI/UX Fundamentals

When it comes to UI/UX, the enterprise app is no different from that of a regular app. Right from the CEOs to the company executive, the enterprise app is used by everyone. Therefore, the app’s UI/UX should be clear and uncomplicated. Besides, it should be noted that the simple UI/UX the app will have, the better usability it will have.

5. Performance

Performance is the first and the foremost thing that every developer focuses upon. Irrespective of the focus and functionality of the app, no company ever compromises on the app’s performance and to ensure the same, there is a need for a robust backend and powerful data transaction.

Challenges That Comes With the Enterprise App

The following are some of the challenges that may crop up while developing an enterprise app:

• Security: In enterprises, security always remains a key concern. Even after following the best practices, many companies fail to safeguard the application code and due to the same, we often come across news about the breach in companies’ data centers. The same is the case with an enterprise app. It’s vital to adhere to the set protocols and security measures.
• Data Encryption: Even if the best security measures are put into place, the loss can happen during the exchange of data between external storage and apps. The company employees not always work on the premises and while in the outstation, connecting via an unsecured connection can wreak havoc. Therefore, it’s advised to keep the company data encrypted.
• Authentication: You can’t always ascertain who is trying to get access to the app. Hence, adding multi-factor authentication is always acts as an added layer of security.

The Endnote

The above points comprise of the factors that we need for the success of an enterprise app, and with some professional assistance, companies can certainly carve out optimum enterprise mobility solutions. Also, by making the most out of the modern technology and right set of tools, there can be added on to the performance, usability, and other aspects of the enterprise application.

With the constant change in the requirements of organizations and enterprises, the adjustments in the enterprise app are to be made accordingly and these changes are better termed as trends. For instance, many of the companies have moved the entire operation over the enterprise app to cloud computing, where services are delivered to computers and devices over the Internet as an on-demand service. Some enterprises also go with a hybrid solution, where on-premise systems are integrated with cloud applications.

Blending the basics with the latest trends can give rise to an outstanding enterprise app and it will further help in the smooth functioning of the overall operations of companies and organizations.