Questions and Answers on Mobile App Stores
Author: Jim Lundy
Date: September 12, 2013
Topic: Mobile
Research Note Number: 2013-27
Issue: How will enterprises leverage mobile ecosystems to gain a competitive advantage?
Summary: Mobile app stores for enterprises are the precursors to app stores for all enterprise software. Enterprises should start by taking control of their mobile ecosystems.
Mobile app stores are here to stay. They started with the Apple iTunes App Store in 2008, even though Novell had a similar approach to applications years before. Since then, Google, Microsoft, and Blackberry have all deployed mobile app stores. The challenge for enterprises is understanding when and how to use both public and private app stores. This Research Note answers some common questions.
Why should an enterprise have a public app store strategy?
Public app stores can enable the distribution of apps for the enterprise – apps that can be used in multiple parts of the business. The reason a strategy is needed is so that there is a consistent approach. Large enterprises can flood a public app store with apps, creating confusion for the end user.
What are the key reasons to distribute mobile apps via public app store?
The main reason is that it is the fastest way to distribute a mobile app to the masses. For customers and future clients, this is the proven way to go. This is also the fastest way to market paid apps. Enterprises that want to generate revenue need to plan for the 30 percent cut that Apple and Google take.