Off-the-Shelf vs Platform

What Approach Makes Sense For Your Business Dipesh Mukerji,Kony Inc.

(It Depends)

Off-the-Shelf

Platform

…

vs

Possible Methods

…

Off-the-Shelf

Off-the-Shelf Development Pre-built software usually from a 3rd-party vendor Mobile solutions for standard business processes Industry focused or completely generic Out-of the box features to satisfy basic / immediate needs

Off-the-Shelf Sample Apps

Off-the-Shelf Approach

Challenges• May need to know / learn specific

development language

• Limited functionality / features

• Cross-channel• UI/UX• Backend Integration• Security

• Difficult to scale

• Inconsistent performance

• Restricted maintenance and support

• Lacking in structured SLAs

• Unstructured timetable for software upgrades / roadmap

Advantages• Specific platforms and/or industry-

focused verticals

• Targets core business functions

• Standardized UI

• Available app templates

• Easy to deploy

• Easy to update

• Plethora of app developers

• Typically no vendor lock-in

• Fast-to-market

• Economical

Off-the-Shelf Approach

Use when:

• Need to be fast

• Limited budget

• Leverage existing skill sets

• Mobilize core processes

• Content driven over UX

• Simple UI and business logic

• Small to medium size user base

• 1 or 2 device OSs

Don’t use when:

• Customizations needed

• Intricate business processes

• Advanced UI

• Several backend systems

• Premium on security & performance

• Complex offline sync needed

• Large user base

• Many Devices

Platform

What is Platform DevelopmentRely on cross-channel development frameworks like JavaScript that ensure cross-platform compatibility and also access the devices specific features to build native, mobile and hybrid apps

Write once build any where (i.e. supports multiple devices) Saves time and possibly significant money Good performance Caters to all methods of deployment Could potentially have other areas of SDLC (i.e. Design,

Management, Testing, etc…)

Platform Apps

Platform Approach

Challenges• Unsupported features• Restricted use of personal tools• Possibility of slow performance• Vendor lock / restrictions• May not be as UI rich• Not every feature is cross-channel

Advantages• Ease of use• Re-usability of code• Easy availability of plugins• Fastest to market• Lower total cost of ownership• Support for cloud services• Single code base across all devices• Security / Authentication• May support other elements of

SDLC• Build native, mobile web, hybrid

and mixed mode apps• Future proofing

Platform Approach

Use when:• Singular dev language skill set

• Customizations

• Advanced UI

• Integration w/ several backends

• Complex business logic

• Reuse components

• Intricate offline needs

• Premium on security and performance

• Many Devices

• Large user base

• Roadmap of apps

• Low TCO

Don’t use when:• Simple UI and business workflows

• Common backend system integration

• Standard security & performance needs

• Small user base

• 1 or 2 devices and OSs

• 1 or 2 apps

• Tight budget

Comparison

Off the Shelf PlatformFunctionality

UI/UX

Devices / OS

Backend Integration

Offline Sync

Performance

Scalability

Security

Support & Maintenance

Upgrades & New OSs

Development Time

Deployment Time

TCO

Limited & Pre-Determined

Standard

Variety

Limited & Usually Pre-Determined

Limited, (if any)

Standard

Variety & Limited

Variety & Limited

Variety & Limited

Vendor Determined

Fast

Fast

Variety, but affordable

Extensive & Per Requirements

Extensive & Customizable

Extensive & Per Requirements

Extensive & Per Requirements

Variety, but usually extensive

Extensive & Per Requirements

Extensive & Per Requirements

Extensive & Per Requirements

Extensive SLAs

Customer Driven & SLAs

More Time

More Time

Variety

vs.

What To Consider• How large is your user base

and how tech savvy are they?

• What do your users want?

• What devices are your users on?

• What are your operational and maintenance cost requirements?

• What UX and/or UI experience do your users require?

• Are you looking to be in the app store?

• Is vendor lock a concern?

What To ConsiderHow much does content matter to your users?

• Industry like publishing put content at a premium

How do your users access and consume content?• Mobile, Desktop, Other

How does mobile satisfy your business needs?• Revenue driven?

Does your business need to evolve as fast as technology?• Gaming vs Publishing

Kony – A Complete Platform• Tools

Leverage single code-base (JavaScript) to build cross-channel applications Build beautiful effective user experience with tools / widgets Handles and simplifies any form of deployment App, device & content security and management

• Built for Enterprise and Consumer Commercial channels BYOD