Migrating mobile apps to next generation platforms is an essential process organizations need to undergo, to meet modern enterprise demands. However, the move is filled with complexity. In this whitepaper we discuss the reasons for app migration, the process organizations need to go through, the choices they need to make and the ways to successfully navigate through the process.
Time to transform
The Workforce Mobility Revolution is here. New technology offers opportunities for organizations to get more done, more quickly, for less money.The driving force behind this revolution is the changing enterprise technology landscape:
- Modern rugged handheld devices have become just as intuitive as consumer-grade devices. Incredibly advanced functionality within user-friendly hardware and software is removing inefficient workflows and boosting productivity.
- A broader choice of mobile operating systems (OS) is emerging, as consumer-focused industry giants such as Android mature into genuine enterprise-ready platforms.
- Perhaps the biggest change is the end of support for the existing Windows mobile OS – relied upon for some $5 billion of enterprise application investments worldwide. Organizations running Windows-based rugged devices today will need to select an alternative OS, aquire new devices and re-write their Apps before Microsoft support ends in 2020.
Preparing for App Migration
Mobile app migration is no easy feat. Organizations have a range of mobile applications that support key business functions that run on different operating systems and devices. Migrating and enhancing the entire portfolio can seem daunting, but it’s vital if organizations want to compete in today’s market.
The two biggest challenges for enterprise mobile app migration are the time and the cost involved. In fact, according to a Harvard Business Review study in September 2011, large IT projects of this kind are often likely to run significantly over time and budget. Based on findings from the largest ever study of IT change initiatives, one in six IT projects were over budget by 200% and over time by almost 70%. This is due to the complexity of integrating with back-end systems. IT often learns of interrelated apps and new requirements from business users after the fact. This might happen once they’ve finalized business requirements or even during UAT.
There are also risks when migrating business-critical apps as it can disrupt operations and affect customer experience. In addition, it can increase costs if you have to manage multiple environments while transitioning. Therefore, mitigating disruption and ensuring a clear cut-over plan is crucial.
Contact Skywire to discuss how your business could benefit from migrating your apps to modern mobility platforms.
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