Top IT Support Tips for Small Businesses

It’s no surprise that the small business market has grown exponentially, especially this year, with people trying to think of alternate ways to make money.

With all the rapid changes in technology, and new demographics there has been new client and customer behaviours. Starting with social media platforms becoming more accessible, making it easier to build a professional reputation. 

Building a professional reputation for your business is more important than ever, because it provides your consumers a good impression on your business.

In order for small businesses to be competitive, you must increase both the internal and external communications. As well as grasp the big data and analytics to predict your customers’ needs. ISU Corp can assist you in taking advantage of the Cloud to achieve these things and to grow your engagement.

With our team’s expertise, you have the ability to:

Engage Clients

ISU Corp provides cost effective IT and Software solutions that will enable your organization to engage with your clients in a unique way. Much like ecommerce and transactions. We will also provide efficient, and always available support.

Empower Employees

We understand that employees need to be able to do their jobs from anywhere. At ISU Corp we will strive to do just that, utilizing the right technology to make it easier for your employees to connect and collaborate.

Turn data into business insights

We use data-driven decision-making, which is a smart business practice. ISU Corp encourages you to utilize the right business analytics tools to make your data an actionable insight, which will help you make the right decisions.

Reduce IT costs

At ISU Corp, we will use a strategic approach to personalize the IT and software infrastructure, which will help reduce your IT costs significantly. ISU Corp’s solutions are based for small businesses which are usage based, making them cost-effective. An example: you pay per license, or pay per user, so you only ever pay for the infrastructure you need and will actually use.

We will build solutions for your pain points!

We hope this expertise will help support your small business. If you have any further questions reach out to one of our experts at ISU!

What’s Better? - Comparing SaaS Apps vs Desktop Apps

You have probably seen or heard of the acronym 'SaaS' which stands for ‘Software as a Service’ and has become quite a popular term nowadays. It is often known by most individuals as cloud-based computing, and the premise is that a user saves their data on a server application rather than on their own device directly. Users usually need to log into a website where the software is located. Instead of running and installing each of the programs on the computer units being used in the company, centralized computing is such that an entire company and possibly thousands of its employees can "rent" online software.

SaaS generally comes at a rate, either monthly or annually, and covers hosting, maintenance, development, and support costs. To reduce recurring monthly payments, you can opt to create your own SaaS programs. Know that the technologies behind them are different if you decide whether to use conventional desktop apps or SaaS apps, and organizations should weigh the pros and cons of choosing one over the other.

Desktop apps need to be installed on computers, while any user can access SaaS apps as long as it has a browser. There is no need for installation since all you need is to log in to use the specific application. But if you are not mobile, or if you are constantly on the go and do not always have a secure Internet connection, this may be beneficial. You can also easily access it for desktop applications, as there is no need to log in before using the program.

Product upgrades and updates are not mandatory for SaaS apps, because users can expect the latest version of the product to be what they are using. This can however, also prove to be a drawback if for familiarity or other reasons, the user chooses to use the old version, and this option is not available to those using SaaS. Compared to desktop applications, it is also easier to know how a specific software is used if it is a SaaS application. To get details about it, one will need to perform a survey, and you may check analytics and data for the former to see exactly what pages are accessed. In addition, as opposed to desktop apps, SaaS apps are easier to defend against piracy.

Meanwhile, desktop apps are more sensitive compared to SaaS apps, given the fact that users do not have to move through a remote server while accessing an application. For example, printing a document using a desktop app is faster compared to printing using a SaaS application. As you only need limited space for a desktop app and zero server fees, hosting costs are also lower. Due to the vast amount of bandwidth it takes, the costs for a web app may be high. More significantly, desktop applications are favoured by those that have privacy concerns as there is no third party involved.

Now that you know a bit more about how to build different desktop applications, you can have a better idea of what’s going to be perfect for your business. ISU Corp can create your very own desktop application, just reach out and we will get back to you shortly.

HOW TO BUILD A BASIC MOBILE APP IN 2020

Globally, companies have been exploring the app creation world for a while now. Especially since we rely so heavily on our mobile devices, so focusing on building an app is a beneficial marketing ploy.

Building apps is an excellent way for brands to create interaction with their target audiences.

Nowadays, the competition for app creation is prominent. Based on statistics retrieved from the beginning of 2020, Android users were able to narrow their app library down to 2.56 million apps, which made the Google Play store have the most available apps, and the Apple app store was the second largest app store with nearly 1.85 million available for iOS.

Applications can generate revenue in several methods, one being having a small charge for the app to initially download it or have in-app purchases within it.

Now what is Mobile App architecture, and why does it benefit app creation?

With any process, especially when creating a mobile or web application you should assure that every component is built correctly. Problems will arise all the time, even very minor ones during the process of developing a mobile app architecture, which can often underestimate the final result.

We say all the time “if you want to do something, do it well,” and because of it this is why there are so many successful highly reliable and reputable mobile app architectures for Android and iOS.

In short, mobile app architecture is several structural elements and interfaces curated for each individual system created. It is commonly known for being the base framework of a program, and the overall function of a mobile application depends on the quality. If a component is missing it is possible that your entire project could be jeopardized.

With everything that needs to be planned out, mobile app architecture is no exception, it takes many attempts to make sure the architecture is correct and can run independently all external resources. Any project that is running on iOS or Android were created by manual labour of developers and should not be utilized as a base for other projects.

Architecture should NOT rely on the source of a library. Your mobile application architecture design should not be exposed to additional systems or databases, it should be able to function no matter the status of other programs.

What is Android Mobile App Architecture?

Previously, developers had never had access to libraries that were integrated to the network. AsyncTask, is crucial for Android app creation.

Today, Clean Architecture has been created and implemented into android app creation, and currently is the best solution for a reliable operation. With clean architecture it gives you the ability to build free of frameworks, databases, and more.

The transitions with Android mobile app architecture are portrayed through Boundaries. Which offers two interfaces: one for request and one for answer. These are necessary because they are the base layer that doesn’t rely on the outer layers.

In order for a dependency in an Android mobile app architecture the principle of dependency is inverted and applied.

What is IOS Mobile App Architecture?

iOS app architecture is actually slightly easier to understand, as it is broken down into four categories:

1. Kernel Level (Core OS) – uses the file system and controls the validity of certificates for applications.

2. Core Services (Core Service) – provides access to databases and file controls.

3. Media Level (Media) – contains tools for processing most media data

4. Interface Level (Cocoa Touch) – uses most elements for creating mobile interfaces

A Massive View Controller, otherwise known as MVC, takes prototypes and uses them to develop high quality iOS mobile app architecture.

Here are some key tips for Mobile Application Architecture:

Any and all applications it is required that each one has a great design. Utilizing architecture will help you save money, and effort. It will also help make your application easier to tweak, test, and debug.

Included is a checklist to ensure you provide good architecture:

• Efficiency – your system should perform tasks in a timely matter

• Flexibility – your solution should be adaptable for any sudden changes

• Extensibility – you should have the ability to add or subtract functions that work or end up not working

• Scalability – time for development and update decreases

• Testability – the architecture should be easy to test

• Understandability – the code for your application should be understood by as many developers as possible

Now, here are 4 elements that are important before starting development:

1. Developing for each Device

First and foremost, you need to determine what devices you would like in your application one. This needs to be the first step because it will determine what processor you use.

2. Understanding various bandwidth scenarios

You, next need to know what kinds of internet your software will run on. Will it just be on Wi-fi or will mobile data be required too, and when thinking about data will it just run on 4G LTE, or will you integrate 5G compatibility.

 

3. Clarifying the user interface

Designing an awesome UI is a must for an app and is often the cherry on top to a successful app build.

4. Choosing the correct navigation method

Being able to navigate your application is crucial and here’s a guide to 5 types of navigation users prefer:

• Stacked navigation bar – a fixed bar, often in the top right corner of the screen with links to elements of your app

• Tab controller – a menu that allows you to alternate between groups of tabs with links

• Modal controller – an on-screen menu that also alternates between tabs and links

• Single view – a screen with one element and an option to go back

• Gesture based navigation – an intuitive tool that encourages the use of finger combinations

How do you choose the right architecture?

When it comes to fine details of building an app, you must start from the fundamental layers:

1. Data Layer – where all the data on the app is stored

2. Business Logic – where the domain processes and operates

3. Presentation – all the aesthetic features

In summary, here are 5 steps to help you choose the right architecture for a mobile app:

1. Get to know your clients

2. Develop a Test App

3. Tweak the key functionality

4. Check in on the process of your development team

5. Optimize your budget

The development of mobile architecture is a sequential idea that must be executed prior to the development process. The plan shows each developer how every piece to the puzzle will fit to function smoothly.

We at ISU Corp work with companies and their workforce to develop efficient solutions for mobile development. Talk to our experts to learn more!