Minimum Viable Product (MVP): What Is It and Why Does My Business Need It?
What if your business could see into the future? What if you could launch a consumer app or an in-house software program without risking years of investment, time and resources, only to find out that you missed the mark? What if you could test your theories about software features and functionality and ensure that you had it right BEFORE you launched your product?
In most cases, a business cannot isolate and dictate the devices its consumers and/or business users prefer. Even if your business provides its team members with an Android or iPhone device, that user is likely to have more than one device and those devices may not use the same operating system.
Given this reality, the wise organization will choose to develop its mobile application using cross-platform mobile development. Cross-platform app development ensures that business team members and consumers can access your mobile app, no matter the device they are using.
‘There are many options for hybrid mobile app development, and it is crucial that your selected IT partner understand all of those options and that they can accurately and effectively advise you on the best option for your project.’
In this article, we will discuss cross-platform mobile application development, otherwise known as Hybrid Mobile App Development. We will define the technology, the pros and cons of this approach, and how to decide whether to use hybrid mobile apps, and we will provide a list of considerations to include when selecting a hybrid mobile app development partner.
What is Hybrid Mobile App Development?
Now that we have piqued your interest, we should answer the question, ‘what is hybrid app development.’ In order to give you a complete picture of this approach, we must also tell you about the alternative.
While Hybrid Mobile Apps provide access via Android and iOS (Apple) operating systems, native mobile applications are designed to comply with and operate within only one of the two operating systems, either Android or iOS.
Hybrid Mobile Apps – What are hybrid mobile apps. Hybrid mobile apps blend the native and web application approach with the foundational code written with web technologies like HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Tech Target defines a Hybrid Mobile App as ‘a software app that combines elements of both native and web applications. Hybrid apps are essentially web apps that have a native app shell.’ This approach allows users to access the application via iOS and Android devices. Hybrid mobile app developers can write the code once and deploy it across iOS and Android platforms, so implementation and upgrade is easy and fast.
Native Mobile Apps – When we consider native vs hybrid apps, the biggest difference is that the native app is designed and developed using code that supports the iOS OR the Android environment (not both). Developers use Java or Swift, etc. to create the solution. When a business considers hybrid vs. native applications, it must decide whether to release and support one native app for Android or iOS or to design and develop two separate solutions (one for Android and one for iOS) and maintain and upgrade two versions of the solutions as the application and user needs evolve.
If your business is trying to decide whether mobile application development, and specifically, hybrid mobile application development, is right for your enterprise, you may wonder what you can do with this technology.
Here are a few examples of existing business applications to help you understand the value and use of hybrid app development:
Social Media – Businesses like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp use hybrid apps in a very different way. Whereas Instagram and X look to engage users and support ranking, popularity and community, WhatsApp leverages hybrid development to create an app that is used for communication, messaging, and international access to friends, family and co-workers.
Reservation Systems – Uber and other well-known businesses use hybrid apps to allow customers to book and pay for services, with user-friendly features that allow for ranking, check the status of delivery or arrival, etc.
Communication and Integration – Companies like Gmail provide apps to communicate with friends and co-workers and integrate that functionality with document storage and editing and other applications and features, including video conferencing.
Image and Data Design and Synchronization – Evernote is a great example of how hybrid mobile apps are used to provide a secured interface for scanning, image capture via built-in camera, data synchronization and design features. This app also allows for collaboration and discussion and permits users to make notes.
Banking and Crypto Accounts – Hybrid mobile apps are used to manage accounts and monitor the status of financial investments and/or cryptocurrency investments.
App Stores – The Amazon and Apple App Stores were developed as hybrid mobile applications. Here you can search for and find games, media apps, entertainment apps…in short any kind of app you might need, and download those apps, and you can return to the site to upgrade the app or to find reviews and information about apps.
Streaming – There are mobile apps designed and developed to enable streaming of programs and content from your favorite streaming networks. These apps include the ability to access and login to your streaming account for a particular service, so you can keep all your content and services in one interface for your viewing pleasure.
Shopping and eCommerce – Hybrid mobile apps allow for product searches, and some even allow you to virtually ‘try on’ clothing, using an image of yourself and a product image. You can pay with your favorite payment app, using integrated payment platforms and you can track shipping with integrated shipment apps that provide updates on the status of your shipment. Forbes Reports that an impressive 37 of the Top 50 retail apps in America are hybrid.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Mobile App Development
Before you consider hybrid mobile application development for your business, it is important to understand why mobile app development is important and the advantages of hybrid mobile app development as well as the tradeoffs. There are many reasons that a Hybrid Mobile Application Can Be Valuable To Your Business, so let’s start with the benefits of hybrid mobile application development.
Advantages of Hybrid Mobile App Development
Mobile App Daily lists a number of advantages to Hybrid Mobile Application Development. We have listed those benefits that we consider the most important in this section:
Single Code-Base – The ability to design, develop, maintain and upgrade only one code, means that you don’t need as many resources, or as much time to complete a project or to fix bugs or upgrade a solution.
Reduced Cost – By using common code, the business can reduce costs for resources and time to market.
Availability of Resources – Taking the hybrid mobile application approach means that developers do not need to learn and stay abreast of training on separate languages.
Easy Maintenance – Hybrid mobile apps are easy to maintain, and the business can avoid maintenance of two native apps, because the hybrid app uses only one code base. Hybrid apps do not require versioning, so general maintenance and support is easier and less complex.
Scalability and Loading – Hybrid mobile apps work well, even with a slow internet connection. These apps load content faster than their native app and web app counterparts, and can accommodate graphics, images, video, etc. These hybrid apps function on iOS and Android devices and support third-party plug-ins.
Integration – Hybrid mobile apps allow easy synchronization and integration with other applications, so users can leverage GPS, messaging and camera apps without issue.
App Stores – Both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store allow hybrid mobile apps, meaning you can reach users with both Android and iOS devices, thereby expanding your market and reach.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Mobile App Development
Here are a few examples of the issues you may encounter when developing a hybrid mobile application:
Restrictions of Operating System – Because the Hybrid Mobile App development environment utilizes one code base, some of the native features for iOS and Android are not available. For applications with complex features, this means that the development team cannot capitalize on native features to ensure quality and stable performance. Developers may not be able to access and leverage the specific features of one or both of the operating systems (OS).
User Experience (Ux) – Designing and developing for hybrid mobile apps can mean that a developer must balance how the user experiences a feature or function in iOS vs. Android. When using the same code base, one operating system (OS) may provide a better user experience than the other.
Limitations of Plug-Ins – Third-party plug-ins for hybrid mobile apps may fall short of what developers want to accomplish when compared to native operating system plug-ins.
Performance – For complex mobile applications, the performance of a hybrid mobile app may be a bit slower. Simple, small applications are rarely an issue. Hybrid mobile apps do not handle 3D graphics well, though developers can use third-party plug-ins to resolve this issue.
Bug Fixes – Unless your development team has experience and skill in both iOS and Android operating systems (OS), it can be difficult to find the exact cause of an issue in the single code base for a hybrid mobile application. There are many reasons to choose the right IT partner to help you with your hybrid mobile application. Not the least of these is the skill and experience required to identify and fix bugs in a hybrid mobile app.
Now that we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid app development, let’s look at the factors that will affect your decision to choose hybrid mobile app development.
How Do I Decide Whether to Use Hybrid Mobile App Development
As with any software or technology project, the decision to take a particular approach should be based on your requirements, your target audience and your market. Here are a few of the factors you should consider, before choosing the hybrid mobile app development approach for your project.
Requirements – Does your project lend itself to hybrid mobile app development vs. native mobile app development? What are the features and functionality you require? You will need to develop a detailed feature set and have a good understanding of how the native vs. hybrid approach will impact your ability to meet these requirements. Work with your IT partner to determine whether the hybrid mobile app approach is best for your business needs.
Target Audience/Users – Who will be using your solution? Do you have a good understanding of what they expect and want and an understanding of their skills and buying or user adoption behavior? If you don’t know who will be using your hybrid mobile app, how they will be using it, or whether they are likely to adopt your solution based on gaps in the market, competitive strategies and your own branding and market position, you should gather this research. It will inform which approach you take and how your development team chooses to address your users to provide the right user experience (Ux) and user interface (UI).
Upgrades, Development, Time to Market – What is your expected schedule? Is it reasonable to expect that you can complete your project using the hybrid mobile app approach? What is your time-to-market estimate? Do you have a plan for upgrades and a roadmap to get your product to its completion? Does this roadmap involve more than one major release?
Devices, Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) and Operating System Considerations – Does your market strategy involve compliance with Android AND iOS? If so, are you better served to take the hybrid mobile application approach or are you considering the development of your solution in both native operating systems (OS)? If so, have you planned for the extra resources, training, expenses and time to complete two separate versions of your application? If yours is a business application, do you have a bring-your-own device (BYOD) environment where you will be required to comply with both Android and iOS? What market advantages can you enjoy by creating a hybrid mobile app that is suitable for both operating systems?
Budget, Schedule, Resources – Once you have an idea of your requirements, your market and your needs, you must carefully plan your budget, and lay out a reasonable schedule for completion and launch. Will you use in-house resources to develop and launch your solution? If so, are you certain that you have the right training and skills to choose the best hybrid app development platform, hybrid mobile app development frameworks, and tools and languages, and to execute the project on-time, and perform maintenance, bug fixes and upgrades? If you are choosing an expert IT partner to help you with your project, be sure you have a comprehensive understanding of your requirements and your customer needs before you select your partner. This will help you and your chosen IT consultant to develop and execute a strategy.
Hire Hybrid Mobile App Developers
When you are ready to consider an IT partner for your hybrid mobile app development solution, be sure that you select a partner with a rich set of skills and experience in cross-platform app development frameworks. Cross-platform mobile app development requires a specific and particular skillset, and that skillset can dictate project success or failure.
User Experience (Ux) focus with an understanding of both iOS and Android environs
Mobile App architecture, design and development
Mobile App manual and automated testing
Integration with portals, enterprise apps and content management systems (CMS)
Web application and web services integration
Smart watch application integration
Mobile app migration and upgrade
Configuration of mobile apps on app stores
Testing, bug fixes and upgrade planning for mobile apps
Dedicated resources with appropriate skills
Top Cross-Platform Development Frameworks
When considering an IT partner, be sure that the partner has experience in all popular hybrid mobile application development frameworks and tools. Cross-platform app development requires that the partner carefully examine your requirements and choose the right frameworks and languages to suit your needs.
‘A business cannot isolate and dictate the devices its consumers and/or business users prefer. Even if your business provides its team members with an Android or iPhone device, that user is likely to have more than one device and those devices may not use the same operating system.’
A Recent Statista Survey lists the top hybrid mobile app development frameworks as: Flutter, React Native, Cordova, Ionic, Xamarin, Unity and NativeScript, while Sitepoint lists Ionic among the top selections.
There are many options for hybrid mobile app development, and it is crucial that your selected IT partner understand all of those options and that they can accurately and effectively advise you on the best option for your project. Be sure that the vendor you consider has knowledge and experience with all the top frameworks, including:
Ionic – Ionic allows developers to choose from a variety of technologies like CSS3, JavaScript and HTML6. To understand Ionic cross-platform technology, read our free article, ‘3 Things You Should Know About Ionic Framework.’
Apache Cordova – Cordova provides robust support for developers and ensures that the business app will meet organizational and customer requirements. To understand how Cordova can support the cross-platform approach, read our free article, ‘3 Benefits of Cross-Platform Mobile Application Development.’
It is important to note that there are other frameworks and skills that are crucial to the hybrid mobile application market and domain. If you want to succeed with your hybrid mobile application project, be sure you consider the skills and experience your prospective IT consultant brings to this project and whether these services and skills will be dedicated to your project throughout its lifecycle.
Defeat Resistance to Digital Transformation (Dx) and Succeed in Business!
Studies reveal that Digital Transformation (Dx) in business supports Performance Management, Productivity and Improved Customer Satisfaction. But these same studies also reveal that there is resistance to the implementation of a Dx strategy. The results of business surveys revealed that resistance came from several sectors: 37% CEOs and/or Board of Directors, 32% C-Suite Senior Executives, 26% Department Heads, 18% Middle Managers, 10% Line Employees and 32% said ‘no one.’
‘The Dx strategy is not limited to large organizations. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups are also engaging in this strategy to improve results and to create an agile, flexible organization that can respond to changing customer behavior, competitive markets, and the need for team member technology skills and use.’
Given the reported benefits and advantages of Digital Transformation (Dx), it is important that your business consider the concept, and develop a plan to overcome resistance. It is not unusual for businesses to face resistance to culture change, updating or altering popular business processes and upsetting the status quo, or… the way we have always done it.’
When addressing concerns at the management level (which is where most resistance to Dx lies (see survey results above), it is important to use metrics. If you have a chance at changing minds, measurable results and the experiences of other businesses can be an important factor in convincing reluctant managers and executives to spend the time and money to make a change across the organization.
The following results illustrate the benefits of Digital Transformation (Dx) as reported by businesses that implemented the Dx strategy:
Improved Operational Efficiency 40%
Any Addressing Changing Customer Expectations 35%
Improving Product Quality 26%
Increase Design and Process Re-Use 25%
Reduce Product Development Costs 24%
Introduce New Revenue Streams 21%
Reduce Quality Issues 14%
Increase First Pass Yield 5%
It is important to note that, as with any other meaningful enterprise change or upgrade, the organization will not change in a day! Technology changes, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, the integration of data repositories to democratize analytics for business users, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT0, low-code, no-code development and other technology upgrades take time. The organization must address culture, business processes, approval loops, and access to critical hardware, software, networks and mobile devices in order to capitalize on the prospective benefits of Digital Transformation (Dx). This is an investment in the future!
The Dx strategy is not limited to large organizations. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups are also engaging in this strategy to improve results and to create an agile, flexible organization that can respond to changing customer behavior, competitive markets, and the need for team member technology skills and use.
‘Studies reveal that Digital Transformation (Dx) in business supports Performance Management, Productivity and Improved Customer Satisfaction.’
To successfully integrate Digital Transformation (Dx) into your enterprise strategy, your business will need a trusted IT partner to work with your in-house IT team, managers, end-users and others to understand requirements and develop a roadmap to roll-out the strategy, meet expectations and stay within budgetary and time constraints. Engage a skilled, experience IT partner today Digital Transformation (Dx) services, Augmented Analytics For Digital Transformation (Dx), and support for your development and technology needs.
How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers to Ensure Project Success
If your business is considering MEAN Stack as a development environment, or If you have already decided on MEAN Stack, and wish to ensure that you are using the best resources for your project, there are numerous issues and considerations to include in your IT partner review.
‘When reviewing the references, capabilities and services of MEAN stack developers and IT partners, the enterprise must ensure that the prospective partner and its team is capable of overseeing the full development lifecycle.’
While some businesses may wish to consider tackling a MEAN Stack project using in-house resources, there are numerous issues with this approach.
New Projects Take IT Resources Away From Routine and Critical Tasks
IT Team Skills May Include SOME of the MEAN Stack Skills – But Not All
The IT Team Probably Does Not Have a History or Portfolio of MEAN Stack Projects
Time Constraints Will Overload IT (Defining Requirements, Goals and Roadmaps for a MEAN Stack Project Requires Meeting with Customers, Users, Managers, etc.)
Internal IT Teams May Not Be Familiar With the MEAN Stack Developer Community to Leverage Resources, Libraries, etc.
While it may seem less expensive to take on a MEAN Stack project in-house, engaging an expert team will ensure that the project is done without a lot of rework, and that all resources and capabilities are in place to achieve success. In the end, the cost and time required to complete a project using professional MEAN Stack developers is much more likely to meet enterprise requirements and produce outcomes that satisfy end users, customers, suppliers, partners and stakeholders.
Here, we have included some of the factors you should consider to illustrate how to hire MEAN Stack Developers.
First, let’s look at the general list of skills and experience your IT partner should possess.
MEAN Stack Web App Development
MEAN Stack Mobile App Development
MEAN Stack API Development and Integration
MEAN Stack CMS Development Solutions
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Development
MEAN Stack Integration
Other related, applicable skills include:
Application Design and Development
Software Reengineering
Custom Application Development
User Experience Design
Application Maintenance And Support
Software Product Upgrades and Migration
Application Upgrades and Migration
Application Integration
Application Interface Usability and User Experience (Ux) Improvement
Expert Software Application Developers
24/7 SLA Driven Application User Support and Technical Support
Application Testing and Bug Fixing
Dedicated Offshore and Onsite Software Application Development Resources
ISO 9001-2015 quality certification
There are some specific skills your IT partner and MEAN Stack Development Team should have, as well. It is important to consider this specific skill set to be sure that the IT partner team can address all of your requirements and accurately and effectively work with the MEAN Stack development environment to accomplish your goals.
Here is a brief list of MEAN Stack developer skills and MEAN Stack partner services and experience:
MEAN Stack Development Guide
Soft and Interactive Skills to Accommodate Client and Executive Meetings
Working with Client IT Team and Users as Appropriate to Achieve Goals
Gathering Project Requirements
Comprehensive Knowledge of MEAN Components
Building Application Integration Platforms (APIs)
Establishing Optimal Database Structures and Data Models, and Server-Side Logic
Angular JS Front-End Components, e.g. UI router, filters, forms, etc.
Connecting Front-End UI to Back-End Data Repository
Writing Modules
Establishing and Re-Using Libraries
Comprehensive Testing Across All Relevant Devices and Browsers
Creating and Executing a Deployment Plan
Providing Detailed Code Documentation
Ensuring Ongoing User and Code Maintenance and Support
Creating Roadmaps for Upgrades
Performing Bug Fixes and Upgrades
Providing Appropriate Skills, Experience and Availability At Every Stage of the Project
Offering Additional Services, e.g., Build Your Software Team (as appropriate) to Support Ongoing Requirements
In summary, when reviewing the references, capabilities and services of MEAN Stack Developers and IT partners, the enterprise must ensure that the prospective partner and its team is capable of overseeing the full development lifecycle.
In addition to the list above, it is important to note that the IT Partner should also have a robust partnership program, and detailed Service Level Agreements (SLA) to define the project. This is true of any technology project, but we mention it here to identify the issues related to hiring individual or independent MEAN Stack developers who may not have resources, programs or methodologies behind them and may therefore be incapable of providing comprehensive support for your project.
‘There are some specific skills your IT partner and MEAN Stack development team should have, as well. It is important to consider this specific skill set to be sure that the IT partner team can address all of your requirements.’
Contact Us to find out how our skills, experience and services can benefit your enterprise, and how our Technology resources can support your needs. Discover the many Enterprise Software Services available and get started today on your business or consumer software, web application or mobile app project.
If you are considering using MEAN Stack development for your next consumer or business web application, solution or software product, there are many reasons to choose this environment. Below we have listed some advantages for the organization and for the developer community.
‘MEAN Stack provides a foundation for rapid development and for reuse of code components.’
Benefits to the Enterprise
Uniformity – Using MEAN stack application development tools, software developers can establish a solid foundation with uniform language across the entire stack, ensuring ease of code maintenance and seamless operation. Because MEAN Stack includes a dependable set of components, integrated for simple development, there is stability and dependability of the development environment. Developers know what components, tools and techniques were used, and upgrades and bug fixes are easier. There is none of the chaos created by a myriad of poorly documented project components or techniques.
Low Cost – The Mean Stack leverages JavaScript which is a free, open-source toolkit. This lowers the cost of development and because there are so many developers skilled in JavaScript, this choice ensures that the business can easily find developer partners with the skills to complete the project. The MEAN stack requires a small footprint and decreases overhead. Upgrades are efficient and roll-out is simple. When an enterprise establishes a development budget, it is easy to understand the cost of resources, the time to complete the project and the plan for upgrades and customer support.
Flexibility – Mean Stack provides support for the business to create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade and are rich and robust enough to satisfy complex hybrid mobile application needs and Cloud solutions. MEAN stack supports rapid application development and will help the organization to achieve its goals quickly and provide support for future needs. The MEAN Stack environment provides a foundation AND flexibility so that developers can support new requirements and enterprise growth.
Benefits to Developers
Uniform Language – Both the Client and the Server side of MEAN Stack leverage JavaScript, so developers can work with a single language across the stack. This is an efficient, optimal approach, that ensures swift, concise completion of code and projects.
Dependable Development Schedule – Using MEAN Stack development makes it easy to establish and stay on a schedule, so there are no surprises or issues involving integration, performance, etc. Because the development team does not have to select, customize or integrate the development environment, it can create appropriate expectations for completion and finish the project on time.
Rapid Development – MEAN Stack provides a foundation for rapid development and for reuse of code components, thereby making the development team more productive. Rapid development serves the team and the enterprise by completing products or apps on time and addressing the need for upgrades, new features and product or app growth with a rapid application development foundation that allows the development team to optimize their time and resource allocation.
Swift Roll-Out – Both the Client and the Server side of MEAN Stack leverage JavaScript, so developers can work with a single language across the stack. This is an efficient, optimal approach, that ensures swift, concise completion of code and projects.
MEAN Developer Support – MEAN Stack has a large, active developer community with plenty of libraries, frameworks and resources to support developers when questions arise, or a developer wishes to understand best practices or acquire libraries to support projects. This development community actively supports other developers and shares information to empower developers, solve problems and leverage creativity.
Seamless Web Applications – Node.js allows developers to build real-time apps with bidirectional client/server communication. Dependable real-time applications ensure that developers can create and implement value-added tools for customers, partners, stakeholders and business users.
Performance and Scalability – The components of MEAN Stack provide support for distributed databases and concurrent connections. Developers look for dependable, high-performance, scalable tools and environs that will support the growth of data volume, a growing user base, and new features and functionality.
‘If you are considering using MEAN Stack development for your next consumer or business web application, solution or software product, there are many reasons to choose this environment.’
Contact Us to find out how our skills, experience and services can benefit your enterprise, and how our Technology resources can support your needs. Discover the many Enterprise Software Services available and get started today on your business or consumer software, web application or mobile app project.
Consider MEAN Stack Development For Enterprise Solutions
In this article, we will look at how to use MEAN Stack in your enterprise. There are many ways to leverage MEAN stack for enterprise business or consumer web applications, apps and development projects.
MEAN Stack Examples:
Mobile Apps for Business
Consumer Apps
Media and Information Distribution
Audio and Video Applications
Streaming and Entertainment
Enterprise Applications and Portals
High-Performance Apps for Desktops, Tablets, Smart Phones and Smart Watches
‘Mean Stack provides support for the business to create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade.’
Because MEAN Stack incorporates and integrates four major components, it can be used to rapidly develop and implement solutions for all manner of projects.
Social Media – An enterprise could develop a structured format or form for a platform like Pinterest to capture and illustrate information about workout routines, weekly recipes, etc. The enterprise can also provide social media aggregation across platforms and customize a user view.
User Access – MEAN Stack allows for security authorization and user log-in, enabling the organization to control multilayer access.
Subscription and Account Management – Organizations like PayPal, Netflix and Uber use MEAN Stack to manage registered users.
To illustrate the popularity and reach of the MEAN Stack development environment, we have included some statistics:
It is estimated that nearly 35% of tech start-ups use MEAN stack for development because it supports a rapid development environment and is cost-effective.
MEAN Stack development reduces development time by approximately 50%, thereby improving time-to-market and competitive advantage.
It is estimated that nearly 70% of professional developers are currently using MEAN Stack for projects, and recruitment and job listings for those with MEAN Stack development skills have increased by nearly 200% in a matter of a few years.
There are many reasons to choose MEAN Stack development. Here are just a few:
Uniformity – Using MEAN stack application development tools, software developers can establish a solid foundation with uniform language across the entire stack, ensuring ease of code maintenance and seamless operation. Because MEAN Stack includes a dependable set of components, integrated for simple development, there is stability and dependability of the development environment. Developers know what components, tools and techniques were used, and upgrades and bug fixes are easier. There is none of the chaos created by a myriad of poorly documented project components or techniques.
Low Cost – The Mean Stack leverages JavaScript which is a free, open-source toolkit. This lowers the cost of development and because there are so many developers skilled in JavaScript, this choice ensures that the business can easily find developer partners with the skills to complete the project. The MEAN stack requires a small footprint and decreases overhead. Upgrades are efficient and roll-out is simple. When an enterprise establishes a development budget, it is easy to understand the cost of resources, the time to complete the project and the plan for upgrades and customer support.
Flexibility – Mean Stack provides support for the business to create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade and are rich and robust enough to satisfy complex hybrid mobile application needs and Cloud solutions. MEAN stack supports rapid application development and will help the organization to achieve its goals quickly and provide support for future needs. The MEAN Stack environment provides a foundation AND flexibility so that developers can support new requirements and enterprise growth.
‘Because MEAN Stack incorporates and integrates four major components, it can be used to rapidly develop and implement solutions for all manner of projects.’
Contact Us to find out how our skills, experience and services can benefit your enterprise, and how our Technology resources can support your needs. Discover the many Enterprise Software Services available and get started today on your business or consumer software, web application or mobile app project.
The goal of this article is to explain the components and foundation of MEAN Stack development – what it IS and what it is NOT.
Before we define the MEAN Stack development environment, let’s talk about what it is NOT.
MEAN Stack development is NOT Full Stack Development. Full Stack software developers utilize a full suite of tools and components, including HTML, CSS, PHP, ASP, Node-js, Python, JavaScript, Vue, and Angular JS. They also leverage databases, including SQLite, MongoDB and MySQL, as well as front-end HTML, Bootstrap, XML, iQuery, JavaScript, CSS, GraphQL, etc., and back-end frameworks like Node-js, Java, C, PHP, Firebase, etc. By choosing from and working with a myriad of tools and techniques, they build a custom stack to leverage in the development environment. What is a full stack developer? A full stack developer must have experience with all of these tools. The full stack approach allows the enterprise to customize but requires a) Full stack application developers with skills in all relevant tools and techniques, b) the time and budget to complete a more complex development project, and c) a roadmap and process to ensure appropriate and timely upgrades and bug fixes.
MEAN Stack development is NOT MERN Stack Development. MERN Stack is comprised of MongoDB, Express JS, React JS and Node JS. These technologies are combined to accommodate front-end and back-end web development. MongoDB provides the database foundation, Express JS is a JavaScript framework for the server, React JS is a JavaScript library to build the user interface, and Node JS is a JavaScript runt=time environment to execute the code. MERN is open-source and supports mobile applications.
‘Because MEAN Stack checks all the boxes for cross-platform database management, hybrid mobile application development and web application development, server framework and management and support for front-end and back-end, the business can count on rapid development and a resulting solution that will meet requirements and be easy and cost-effective to maintain and support.’
Now that we understand what MEAN stack is NOT, let’s look at the MEAN stack development environment. What is MEAN Stack?
MEAN Stack Development is comprised of four components: Mongo DB as a database, Express JS as a JavaScript framework for the server, Angular for the User Interface, and Node JS as a JavaScript run time environment. The MEAN Stack framework includes these four components which provide a foundation to support the comprehensive nature of this software development approach. Using MEAN stack application development tools, developers can create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade.
Here is a detailed explanation of the four components of MEAN Stack Development:
Mongo DB is a NoSQL, scalable, flexible database. MongoDB is a distributed, document based database suitable for most general purposes. It is designed for modern application development and for the Cloud. It allows the business to filter and sort by fields, even those that are nested within a document. Mongo DB provides support for aggregation and geo-based, text and graph searches.
Express JS enables large scale web and mobile applications using micro services architecture. Express is a flexible Node.JS web application framework with support for web applications and mobile applications. It is open source and easily accessible. It has a library of numerous plugins and acts as the back-end of MEAN Stack, working in concert with the Mongo DB and a JavaScript front-end library or framework.
Angular JS is a rich, popular framework with powerful tools for cross-platform application development. The Angular JS open-source front-end web framework leverages JavaScript development and is used as the front-end for the MEAN stack or other programming languages and frameworks. It simplifies development and testing using client-side Model View Controller (MVC) and Model View ViewModel (MVVM) architectures.
Node JS streamlines server-side scripting for fast, scalable processing. Node.js is open-source. This cross-platform, back-end runtime environment executes JavaScript outside a web browser environment, providing the opportunity to run JavaScript everywhere. Node.js is designed to build scalable network applications.
MEAN Stack architecture design and MEAN Stack application development brings together the four components of the environment to support server and client-side environment and includes a web application presentation layer.
MEAN Stack can produce best-in-class, high-performing, and scalable web and mobile applications. It provides good productivity and helps to manage and render code. Developers and clients like the MEAN stack approach because it is scalable, and it uses JavaScript to create a full-stack approach to development using a single language, so the code is consistent and reusable. Because it is open-source, MEAN enjoys a large community of developer support and is continuously updated and maintained.
Because MEAN Stack checks all the boxes for cross-platform database management, hybrid mobile application development and web application development, server framework and management and support for front-end and back-end, the business can count on rapid development and a resulting solution that will meet requirements and be easy and cost-effective to maintain and support. What is a MEAN Stack developer? A MEAN Stack developer has experience using all four components of the MEAN Stack and, ideally, has worked on numerous MEAN Stack projects, utilizing libraries, tools and techniques to achieve success.
‘MEAN Stack Development is comprised of four components: Mongo DB as a database, Express JS as a JavaScript framework for the server, Angular for the User Interface, and Node JS as a JavaScript run time environment.’
Contact Us to find out how our skills, experience and services can benefit your enterprise, and how our technology resources can support your needs. Discover the many Enterprise Software Services available and get started today on your business or consumer software, web application or mobile app project.
What is MEAN Stack, What MEAN Stack is NOT, Why Choose MEAN Stack Development and How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers
Introduction
When a business undertakes a development initiative, it may become mired in confusion. There are many options for development strategies, and these options should be weighed carefully. The suitability of a development platform, a language or an environment must be determined by the needs of the organization. If you make the wrong choice, you can lose time, money and customer and user confidence.
These factors include:
Existing infrastructure, hardware, software, network and user capabilities
Budget and time constraints
Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) goals
Ability to meet user requirements
Developer, partner and team availability
Developer skills and experience
Specific device or integration issues
In order to ensure that your project goals and objectives are met, and that you build a sustainable foundation for the future use and growth of your software product, web application, or other solution, you must choose the right development environment, AND the right development team.
If your business is considering MEAN stack development as a development option, or if you plan web development using MEAN stack, this article will help you navigate the issues, understand the suitability of this option for your particular project, and determine how to assess MEAN stack development companies to choose the right partner.
‘When reviewing the references, capabilities and services of MEAN stack developers and IT partners, the enterprise must ensure that the prospective partner and its team is capable of overseeing the full development lifecycle.’
Since this article will serve as an introduction to MEAN stack and the various considerations involved in making the MEAN Stack development decision, let’s start with the basics.
What is MEAN Stack Development
Before we define MEAN Stack, let’s talk about what it is NOT
MEAN Stack development is NOT Full Stack Development. Full Stack software developers utilize a full suite of tools and components, including HTML, CSS, PHP, ASP, Node-js, Python, JavaScript, Vue, and Angular JS. They also leverage databases, including SQLite, MongoDB and MySQL, as well as front-end HTML, Bootstrap, XML, iQuery, JavaScript, CSS, GraphQL, etc., and back-end frameworks like Node-js, Java, C, PHP, Firebase, etc. By choosing from and working with a myriad of tools and techniques, they build a custom stack to leverage in the development environment. What is a full stack developer? A full stack developer must have experience with all of these tools. The full stack approach allows the enterprise to customize but requires a) Full stack application developers with skills in all relevant tools and techniques, b) the time and budget to complete a more complex development project, and c) a roadmap and process to ensure appropriate and timely upgrades and bug fixes.
MEAN Stack development is NOT MERN Stack Development. MERN Stack is comprised of MongoDB, Express JS, React JS and Node JS. These technologies are combined to accommodate front-end and back-end web development. MongoDB provides the database foundation, Express JS is a JavaScript framework for the server, React JS is a JavaScript library to build the user interface, and Node JS is a JavaScript runt=time environment to execute the code. MERN is open-source and supports mobile applications.
Now that we understand what MEAN stack is NOT, let’s look at the MEAN stack development environment. What is MEAN Stack?
MEAN Stack Development is comprised of four components: Mongo DB as a database, Express JS as a JavaScript framework for the server, Angular for the User Interface, and Node JS as a JavaScript run time environment. The MEAN Stack framework includes these four components which provide a foundation to support the comprehensive nature of this software development approach. Using MEAN stack application development tools, developers can create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade.
Here is a detailed explanation of the four components of MEAN Stack Development:
Mongo DB is a NoSQL, scalable, flexible database. MongoDB is a distributed, document based database suitable for most general purposes. It is designed for modern application development and for the Cloud. It allows the business to filter and sort by fields, even those that are nested within a document. Mongo DB provides support for aggregation and geo-based, text and graph searches.
Express JS enables large scale web and mobile applications using micro services architecture. Express is a flexible Node.JS web application framework with support for web applications and mobile applications. It is open source and easily accessible. It has a library of numerous plugins and acts as the back-end of MEAN Stack, working in concert with the Mongo DB and a JavaScript front-end library or framework.
Angular JS is a rich, popular framework with powerful tools for cross-platform application development. The Angular JS open-source front-end web framework leverages JavaScript development and is used as the front-end for the MEAN stack or other programming languages and frameworks. It simplifies development and testing using client-side Model View Controller (MVC) and Model View ViewModel (MVVM) architectures.
Node JS streamlines server-side scripting for fast, scalable processing. Node.js is open-source. This cross-platform, back-end runtime environment executes JavaScript outside a web browser environment, providing the opportunity to run JavaScript everywhere. Node.js is designed to build scalable network applications.
MEAN Stack architecture design and MEAN Stack application development brings together the four components of the environment to support server and client-side environment and includes a web application presentation layer.
MEAN Stack can produce best-in-class, high-performing, and scalable web and mobile applications. It provides good productivity and helps to manage and render code. Developers and clients like the MEAN stack approach because it is scalable, and it uses JavaScript to create a full-stack approach to development using a single language, so the code is consistent and reusable. Because it is open-source, MEAN enjoys a large community of developer support and is continuously updated and maintained.
Because MEAN Stack checks all the boxes for cross-platform database management, hybrid mobile application development and web application development, server framework and management and support for front-end and back-end, the business can count on rapid development and a resulting solution that will meet requirements and be easy and cost-effective to maintain and support. What is a MEAN Stack developer? A MEAN Stack developer has experience using all four components of the MEAN Stack and, ideally, has worked on numerous MEAN Stack projects, utilizing libraries, tools and techniques to achieve success.
That is a brief version of MEAN Stack explained! Now that you understand the differences among MEAN Stack, MERN Stack and Full Stack development, let’s look at how to use MEAN Stack in your enterprise. There are many ways to leverage MEAN stack for enterprise business or consumer web applications, apps and development projects.
MEAN Stack Examples:
Mobile Apps for Business
Consumer Apps
Media and Information Distribution
Audio and Video Applications
Streaming and Entertainment
Enterprise Applications and Portals
High-Performance Apps for Desktops, Tablets, Smart Phones and Smart Watches
Because MEAN Stack incorporates and integrates four major components, it can be used to rapidly develop and implement solutions for all manner of projects.
Social Media – An enterprise could develop a structured format or form for a platform like Pinterest to capture and illustrate information about workout routines, weekly recipes, etc. The enterprise can also provide social media aggregation across platforms and customize a user view.
User Access – MEAN Stack allows for security authorization and user log-in, enabling the organization to control multilayer access.
Subscription and Account Management – Organizations like PayPal, Netflix and Uber use MEAN Stack to manage registered users.
To illustrate the popularity and reach of the MEAN Stack development environment, we have included some statistics:
It is estimated that nearly 35% of tech start-ups use MEAN stack for development because it supports a rapid development environment and is cost-effective.
MEAN Stack development reduces development time by approximately 50%, thereby improving time-to-market and competitive advantage.
It is estimated that nearly 70% of professional developers are currently using MEAN Stack for projects, and recruitment and job listings for those with MEAN Stack development skills have increased by nearly 200% in a matter of a few years.
Why Choose MEAN Stack Development For Your Project
There are many reasons to choose MEAN Stack development. For the purposes of this article, we have listed a few of the primary reasons.
Benefits to the Enterprise:
Uniformity – Using MEAN stack application development tools, software developers can establish a solid foundation with uniform language across the entire stack, ensuring ease of code maintenance and seamless operation. Because MEAN Stack includes a dependable set of components, integrated for simple development, there is stability and dependability of the development environment. Developers know what components, tools and techniques were used, and upgrades and bug fixes are easier. There is none of the chaos created by a myriad of poorly documented project components or techniques.
Low Cost – The Mean Stack leverages JavaScript which is a free, open-source toolkit. This lowers the cost of development and because there are so many developers skilled in JavaScript, this choice ensures that the business can easily find developer partners with the skills to complete the project. The MEAN stack requires a small footprint and decreases overhead. Upgrades are efficient and roll-out is simple. When an enterprise establishes a development budget, it is easy to understand the cost of resources, the time to complete the project and the plan for upgrades and customer support.
Flexibility – Mean Stack provides support for the business to create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade and are rich and robust enough to satisfy complex hybrid mobile application needs and Cloud solutions. MEAN stack supports rapid application development and will help the organization to achieve its goals quickly and provide support for future needs. The MEAN Stack environment provides a foundation AND flexibility so that developers can support new requirements and enterprise growth.
Here we provide more detail on the benefits of the MEAN Stack environment as they relate to the development team, so your business can answer the question: Why Choose MEAN Stack Development
Benefits to Developers
Uniform Language – Both the Client and the Server side of MEAN Stack leverage JavaScript, so developers can work with a single language across the stack. This is an efficient, optimal approach, that ensures swift, concise completion of code and projects.
Dependable Development Schedule – Using MEAN Stack development makes it easy to establish and stay on a schedule, so there are no surprises or issues involving integration, performance, etc. Because the development team does not have to select, customize or integrate the development environment, it can create appropriate expectations for completion and finish the project on time.
Rapid Development – MEAN Stack provides a foundation for rapid development and for reuse of code components, thereby making the development team more productive. Rapid development serves the team and the enterprise by completing products or apps on time and addressing the need for upgrades, new features and product or app growth with a rapid application development foundation that allows the development team to optimize their time and resource allocation.
Swift Roll-Out – leveraging Node.js, the MEAN programmer can directly deploy the application. The Node.js architecture and Angular.js open-source JavaScript framework provide support for simple maintenance, testing and reusability.
MEAN Developer Support – MEAN Stack has a large, active developer community with plenty of libraries, frameworks and resources to support developers when questions arise, or a developer wishes to understand best practices or acquire libraries to support projects. This development community actively supports other developers and shares information to empower developers, solve problems and leverage creativity.
Seamless Web Applications – Node.js allows developers to build real-time apps with bidirectional client/server communication. Dependable real-time applications ensure that developers can create and implement value-added tools for customers, partners, stakeholders and business users.
Performance and Scalability – The components of MEAN Stack provide support for distributed databases and concurrent connections. Developers look for dependable, high-performance, scalable tools and environs that will support the growth of data volume, a growing user base, and new features and functionality.
‘MEAN Stack can produce best-in-class, high-performing, and scalable web and mobile applications. It provides good productivity and helps to manage and render code.’
If your business is considering MEAN Stack as a development environment, or If you have already decided on MEAN Stack, and wish to ensure that you are using the best resources for your project, there are numerous issues and considerations to include in your IT partner review.
While some businesses may wish to consider tackling a MEAN Stack project using in-house resources, there are numerous issues with this approach.
New Projects Take IT Resources Away From Routine and Critical Tasks
IT Team Skills May Include SOME of the MEAN Stack Skills – But Not All
The IT Team Probably Does Not Have a History or Portfolio of MEAN Stack Projects
Time Constraints Will Overload IT (Defining Requirements, Goals and Roadmaps for a MEAN Stack Project Requires Meeting with Customers, Users, Managers, etc.)
Internal IT Teams May Not Be Familiar With the MEAN Stack Developer Community to Leverage Resources, Libraries, etc.
While it may seem less expensive to take on a MEAN Stack project in-house, engaging an expert team will ensure that the project is done without a lot of rework, and that all resources and capabilities are in place to achieve success. In the end, the cost and time required to complete a project using professional MEAN Stack developers is much more likely to meet enterprise requirements and produce outcomes that satisfy end users, customers, suppliers, partners and stakeholders.
Here, we have included some of the factors you should consider to illustrate how to hire MEAN Stack Developers .
First, let’s look at the general list of skills and experience your IT partner should possess.
MEAN Stack Web App Development
MEAN Stack Mobile App Development
MEAN Stack API Development and Integration
MEAN Stack CMS Development Solutions
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Development
MEAN Stack Integration
Other related, applicable skills include:
Application Design and Development
Software Reengineering
Custom Application Development
User Experience Design
Application Maintenance And Support
Software Product Upgrades and Migration
Application Upgrades and Migration
Application Integration
Application Interface Usability and User Experience (Ux) Improvement
Expert Software Application Developers
24/7 SLA Driven Application User Support and Technical Support
Application Testing and Bug Fixing
Dedicated Offshore and Onsite Software Application Development Resources
ISO 9001-2015 quality certification
There are some specific skills your IT partner and MEAN Stack Development Team should have, as well. It is important to consider this specific skill set to be sure that the IT partner team can address all of your requirements and accurately and effectively work with the MEAN Stack development environment to accomplish your goals.
Here is a brief list of MEAN Stack developer skills and MEAN Stack partner services and experience:
MEAN Stack Development Guide
Soft and Interactive Skills to Accommodate Client and Executive Meetings
Working with Client IT Team and Users as Appropriate to Achieve Goals
Gathering Project Requirements
Comprehensive Knowledge of MEAN Components
Building Application Integration Platforms (APIs)
Establishing Optimal Database Structures and Data Models, and Server-Side Logic
Angular JS Front-End Components, e.g. UI router, filters, forms, etc.
Connecting Front-End UI to Back-End Data Repository
Writing Modules
Establishing and Re-Using Libraries
Comprehensive Testing Across All Relevant Devices and Browsers
Creating and Executing a Deployment Plan
Providing Detailed Code Documentation
Ensuring Ongoing User and Code Maintenance and Support
Creating Roadmaps for Upgrades
Performing Bug Fixes and Upgrades
Providing Appropriate Skills, Experience and Availability At Every Stage of the Project
Offering Additional Services, e.g., Build Your Software Team (as appropriate) to Support Ongoing Requirements
In summary, when reviewing the references, capabilities and services ofMEAN Stack Developers and IT partners, the enterprise must ensure that the prospective partner and its team is capable of overseeing the full development lifecycle.
In addition to the list above, it is important to note that the IT Partner should also have a robust partnership program, and detailed Service Level Agreements (SLA) to define the project. This is true of any technology project, but we mention it here to identify the issues related to hiring individual or independent MEAN Stack developers who may not have resources, programs or methodologies behind them and may therefore be incapable of providing comprehensive support for your project.
In this article, we have summarized the MEAN Stack development environment and approach, including an explanation of MEAN Stack, what it is and is not, why your enterprise might choose MEAN Stack development for a project, and how to hire MEAN Stack developers.
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