What does IT take to go Mobile (Page 562)

1.What management, organization, and technology issues need to be addressed when building mobile applications?

Administration：

There is no doubt that we can't transplant a web or desktop application to a smartphone or tablet. This is a different system development process. Managers need to understand and support the idea that each web site or process needs a different set of processes. Developing applications and websites in this way may sound more expensive, but in the long run, it will bring higher customer satisfaction.

Organization:

The mobile strategy is not only a choice of mobile devices, operating systems, and applications. It also involves changes in the business process, changing the way people work and how the company interacts with the customer.

Technology:

There are some special challenges for developing mobile applications or mobile sites. The user experience on a mobile device is basically different from the experience on the PC. There are special functions on mobile devices, such as location based services that make it possible for the enterprise to interact with customers in a meaningful and new way. Mobile technology can simplify processes, improve portability, and enhance portability through functions such as touch interfaces, location and mapping, alerts, SMS, cameras and video functions. If mobile applications are not designed properly, the technology can also lead to less efficient processes or not to bring benefits.

2.How does user requirement definition for mobile applications differ from that in traditional systems analysis?

• User requirements for mobile applications are very different from traditional systems analysis. As stated in the book you need to consider the three main platforms that are used in mobile applications being, “iOS, Android, and Windows 10”. Mobile applications are mobile for a reason they can be used on the go since the internet is available in a phone that can fit in the palm of your hand. It will be cheaper to run these mobile applications compared to the high cost of traditional systems. Location-based services also make mobile applications more intensive as companies can use that information to their advantage.

• The InterContinental Hotel group (IHG) has developed a mobile application for guest rooms at any 4800 hotels in the hotel. The application can be applied to eight different mobile platforms, including customer reviews, photos in hotels and surrounding communities, maps and instructions in nearby areas, push notices, special enterprise rates, and the ability to manage IHG bonus plan integrals. Maintaining this application requires continuous cooperation between marketing and mobile application developers. 

3.Describe the business processes changed by USAA’s mobile applications before and after the applications were deployed.

(1) Auto Insurance App:

Customers are able to snap a photo and submit a claim directly from the site. They are also able to send geographic information system (GIS) data to a towing service and display nearby car.

(2) Banking Application:

Customer can capture an image of a check and submit to the bank then money will be instantly deposited to accounts. It eliminates labour and processing expense and time to mail the check.

(3)Display Features:

Display loan and credit card balances, shopping services, homeowners and auto insurance policy information and many more instead of need to go to the physical bank or shops to check.