Announced in June 2016 and scheduled to release this fall, iOS 10 is being touted as a comprehensive enterprise platform. Its recent integration with Cisco is just one of the ways the OS will make mobile management faster, smarter, and easier. And with more partners in the mix, Apple device users can expect to become more productive. In fact, the IT leader’s Mobility Partner Program (MPP) offers enterprise mobile customers fully integrated apps from renowned vendors like MobileIron.
As iOS 10 may revolutionize the enterprise app development landscape, experienced developers, and DIY business people should take notes. Here are five enterprise mobile development lessons to start you off.
#1) Always Consider Interoperability in Enterprise Apps
iOS 10 makes Apple devices function seamlessly. The Universal Clipboard feature allows users to move content to and from Mac and iOS devices without AirDrop or similar solutions. Meanwhile, Auto Unlocks allows users to unlock their Mac computers via Apple Watch without typing a password. With these features in mind, consider building an enterprise app that connects all business devices used in your organization.
#2) Don’t Underestimate the Power of Notifications
Notifications are an integral part of any business app. These short messages disrupt users, forcing them to take the action required. In its latest iOS, Apple has improved its home screen notifications and their ability to anticipate users’ needs. In your case, you need to rethink how you include notifications in your enterprise app. You should also consider constructing a journey map to trigger meaningful notifications for users.
#3) User Experience is ALWAYS a Priority
During the 2016 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, Apple announced several user experience enhancements. From rich notifications to an expanded 3D touch, iOS 10 seems to be focused on refining the mobility experience. You too should take a page from their book and design your enterprise app with users in mind. Especially keep in mind the evolution of swipe and touch features as well as mobile design patterns.
#4) Be Open to Integrating Third Party Data and Services into Apps
Not only Apple, but Google and Microsoft have focused on enhancing anchor services by integrating third party data. Maps and messaging in iOS 10 have especially benefited from this step. If you wish to follow in the IT leader footsteps, go beyond your own data silos. Look for new information that can further streamline existing workflows or even create new ones. For instance, you can create a portal category in your app that leads to the best third-party software used in your organization.
#5) Protect User Privacy and Data Security at All Costs
Apple has been focusing on privacy for quite some time now. It continues working on items such as differential privacy, which separates work and personal through enterprise mobile management. While its efforts are less in comparison with its competitors, it’s still a source of inspiration for both experienced and citizen developers. So, incorporate security in your app and complement it with mobile management software and policies.
Apple is coming up with functionality that will open more and better opportunities for enterprise developers and, in turn, users. By connecting other services and striking strategic partnerships, it will easily enhance its apps and workflow. Taking all this into consideration, following Apple’s lead while developing enterprise mobile apps is a wise step.
