Do you think it is worth focusing on app development in India?
Yes, mobile apps for enterprise is a vast untouched market. There is a lot of opportunity for mobile app developers to develop applications that solve a grave business challenge. For the past two years, we have worked with several enterprises to solve their real time business information needs which have seen amazing results.
Considering most enterprises have sales and service personnel who are on field most of the time, having a mobile app that allows them to access customer information or place sales orders of payment details can help them focus on sales and service rather than getting involved in procedural matters.
Is India a good market for numbers, revenues or both? Are people willing to pay for apps?
We, as Indians, have been habitual of not paying for software on PCs which extends to mobile as well. It’s not a gap in the mindset, but the friction to pay online. However, as people get more comfortable and confident paying online owing to the e-commerce boom and operators providing platforms to leverage their billing and collection systems, this is changing drastically. I strongly feel if your app provides enough value – people will buy it.
[do action=”inside-quote”]In India, Android is the way to go[/do]
Just to cite you an example – we had recently launched a product called AGASTYA (Remote Mobile Access) which when installed on your android phone allows you to easily access/control your mobile even if you do not have it with you physically. The app gives you a piece of mind if you have forgotten your phone at home and are in office. Remotely using any other cell phone you can still access the SMSes or calls you receive all day and even easily fetch contact details of people from your phone. Although we have kept the app free on Android stores – I received numerous mails from people asking for a few additional features and more than willing to pay for it.
Which platform in your opinion is more popular of the lot? Android, iOS, or others?
In India, Android is the way to go. It practically kills most others. iPhone is too expensive to appeal to masses here.
Do you suggest developers/publishers go with a native or cross platform approach?
I recommend native development for mission critical high performance apps – especially for enterprises and games. HTML5 or hybrid approach can work for show off apps.
