There are three kinds of apps we know about: desktop, web, and mobile apps. Prior to the 21st century, desktop apps were known as programs. These are the longest-running tech products we’re all familiar with.
But with agile and mobile tech products leading innovation, desktop apps are seemingly in decline. However, the reality is that all of them are still important for us. In today’s decidedly mobile era, there’s still a significant number of the population that uses desktops. 41% of the population in Malaysia uses desktop. 71% of Singapore-based users also use their desktop computers frequently. Because of this, businesses need to consider building one type of app or going cross-platform.
Desktop apps
Pros
Best user experience
A desktop app is very stable and works on any laptop or desktop. They provide a rich and responsive user experience unmatched by newer technologies. Desktop apps are also the most ideal for use in doing major tasks, such as long-form writing, financial data analysis, and audio-video editing. Also, creating a customisable desktop app for big businesses translates to raking in more profit.
Accessibility and reliability
Accessing desktop apps is easy even with the absence of a good internet connection. These two factors are important especially if your company caters to emerging markets, where internet connection is unreliable.
Cons
Installation and Updates
Installing and updating desktop apps are less cost-efficient than web and mobile apps.
Synchronisation
Unless you save your file to a cloud folder, you won’t be able to synchronise document changes. That make using desktop apps even more time-consuming.
Web Apps
Pros
Installation and Updates
In a recent blog entry, we talked about web apps. Web apps essentially offer the same services as desktop apps, but take less time and money installing and updating them. These apps are attractive to startups and SMEs, who flourish on remote collaborative work. Brands who create web apps usually give a free trial to entice a business to buy it, at a fraction of a desktop app’s cost.
Cons
Accessibility, Functionality, and Responsiveness
Web apps work best online. Since their functionality depends on connectivity, then you can’t rely on them to help you deliver the job. Their response rates also depend on the speed of your internet connection.
Mobile Apps
Pros
Market share
According to WeAreSocial, 91% of Singaporeans and 88% of Malaysians are on smartphones, using at least one mobile app daily. They hold the largest market share among the different types of apps.
Cons
Reliability and stability
Mobile apps, especially those for Android devices, are more prone to having bugs since it requires more code.
Ambient
Want to know more about developing a desktop, web, or mobile app for your clients? We can definitely help answer your questions. As a Singapore web design agency, we can offer you advise on desktop, web, or mobile app development.
How much does web design and development typically cost in Singapore?
To know more about our services, you may contact us through our details on the bottom of this page.
Cover photo courtesy of xsmo/Pixabay
