Development
Four Clouds develops apps for two platforms, the open Web and iOS.
We prefer projects that supplement an existing business model. The best fit is when we can add value to an existing message, service, or product while clearly defining the project goal and target audience.
Taking a tip from IBM and Amazon, we like to write a press release before writing code or the first UI wireframe. Writing just a few paragraphs about the goals, who benefits, and what problems are solved can really help focus on the pieces that matter, and it's an inexpensive way to get honest feedback.
The Open Web
The web is accessible from every modern computing device: desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Browser speed and features are climbing every few months so things that weren't feasible a year ago are now possible.
Another benefit is that a web app can be immediately updated for all users. The ability to make a dozen updates in one day allows for faster development and faster feedback from users.
Every click can be captured and analyzed to improve the application. This takes time, but metrics of this detail are relatively easy to incorporate. The hard part is knowing what how to use the data, but at least you have it!
Depending on the functionality, we may use one or more of these platforms: Drupal, Rails, or Node.js. For the browser side, we're big fans of HTML5 and jQuery.
iOS - iPhone / iPad
iOS apps offer focused simplicity and a rich responsive interface. While web apps are getting more powerful all the time, they are still running inside another app, the browser. Native apps eliminate this extra layer and allow direct access to the device hardware.
Hardware native apps can use:
- Bluetooth for audio/video, sharing data, remote control, etc.
- Cameras for photos/video, real-time transform for virtual reality apps.
- Location awareness via cell tower, wifi, or GPS.
- Compass for N/S, E/W orientation
- Tilt / Movement detection using internal gyroscopes
iOS apps can also use all the power of the device, like multi-core CPU's and modern graphics processors for advanced animation and video compositing.
A simpler interface and less distractions for the user can make a huge difference. And selling a dedicated app in the App Store can be a great option for certain types of apps.