Do you know what enterprises want in their mobile apps?

Enterprises are going mobile, and applications are at the very core of this trend.

The mobile app marketplace is taking off, creating abundant opportunities for developers. Whether you're an independent programmer or an employee for a company tasked with creating digital resources, discerning the best approaches for enterprise application development will give you a leg up as the emphasis on mobility continues to rise.

Mobile apps are where it's at

VentureBeat recently reported that Digi-Capital research revealed the mobile app market is reaching new heights, with enterprise applications poised to take a stronger position. The firm estimated that the annual revenue from the products could reach $70 billion by 2017. Although games still constitute the majority of the market, they're not expected to keep their hold. Instead, non-game apps, such as business programs, might emerge as the biggest player within the same time period.

"Everyone knows that mobile apps are hot, and that games have taken the lion's share of revenue so far," said Tim Merel, managing director at Digi-Capital in London. "We think the balance is going to change, with other app categories using new approaches to win."

Satisfying demand

These trends are being driven by enterprise mobility initiatives as organizations strive to take advantage of convenient, portable resources. However, mobile strategies also depend on app development processes that address the specific needs of the corporate world in general and specific businesses in particular. To this end, rapid application development resources can help program designers tailor their products to customer demands and get their offerings out to the intended audience efficiently and effectively.

Rapid app development platforms, which offer point-and-click programming options with minimal coding, accommodate the attributes enterprises seek in mobile applications. According to Constellation Research, organizations are focused on ways to "reduce the friction" in app development. In other words, they don't want to be held back by a long process or a high-maintenance strategy. Here's the enterprise wishlist that the research firm compiled:

• Write once and deploy everywhere
• Centralize security management
• Support bring your own device (BYOD​) policies without customization
• Manage upgrades with ease
• Deliver context at the right time, not just in real time
• Enable wearables and support for the Internet of Things
• Allow for agile development methodologies

These goals must be pursued on two levels: First, when selecting an app development platform, decision-makers should seek one that offers the simplicity and universality embodied in the listed items. Second, app developers should design their products to accommodate these goals, such as by creating OS-neutral apps with HTML5 code.