A Note from the Director of Innovation

If you are a regular reader, you probably noticed a lot of changes around our websites in the last few months (if you’re new to the Logic newsletter – Hi, and welcome!). We’re going through quite a bit of retooling, and that’s not limited to the look and feel of our web presence.

Your unique software needs made great – that’s our business. It’s no secret that what makes technology “great” changes rapidly, so we are investing our energy into key focus areas: eCommerce, Content Management, and Mobile. You’ll notice some our articles in this issue surround eCommerce, specifically. We’re especially diving deeper into Magento, WooCommerce, WordPress, and Drupal. Our teams scour themes, extensions, widgets, and plug-ins to ensure we can take advantage of best-of-breed technology that’s already out there. We customize your unique features on top of existing awesomeness* to keep your costs down (*technical term).

Our Quick Guide to Mobile App Development Platforms compares cool mobile tools we use, and you can find frequent posts about the latest trends in mobile technology, like Wearables (think smart watches and fitness bands) on our blog. We’ve also introduced some huge new changes with our award-winning sales app Showcase, but you’ll hear more about that in our next issue – exciting news is just around the corner!

Angela roboing for 826Michigan

Internally, we’re bringing more focus and support to the health and soul issues that concern our Logicians. Guest speakers such as wellness expert Barb Figurski and home organizational whiz Sharon McRill of The Betty Brigade> have shared their caring insight with our team.

We’ve also devoted time to share with each other the many charitable organizations and activities in which our team members participate, such as Tzu Chi, miRcore,826michigan, The Yes Foundation, World Vision, and YMCA, among many others.

Finally, we’ve had the great pleasure of working with a large group of super talented interns this summer. They have brought endless energy to this joint, and helped us think differently about our habits. We will miss seeing the faces of Cassie, Victor, Frank, Sharon, Brian, Edgar, Jeff, Patrick, and Jackson every day. Good luck next semester, and know you set a very high bar! And to Jen, who has finished her undergraduate degree — welcome aboard!

Warm regards,  
Angela Kujava

Connect with Angela on LinkedIn.

The post Logic Solutions August 2014 Newsletter appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

Image Credit: Conversion Pipline

1. What types of apps have they developed?

We assume you will do the due diligence to find out whether prospective developers HAVE built apps, but you should also consider what types of apps they’ve created. Were they games? Consumer tools? Productivity boosters? Business or Enterprise apps?

Understanding the ins and outs of a high-performance video game does not necessarily translate into the ability to smoothly deliver, say, a sales force automation tool with secure data requirements. Developers should and can be versatile, but like any other field there are definite specializations.

2. What types of industries do they serve?

We won’t completely pass up a developer who hasn’t worked in our field, but it is certainly a bonus when one is familiar with the particulars of your industry. For example, if your app needs to be HIPAA-compliant, or adhere to stringent financial regulations, it’s much easier to work with developers who have previously satisfied those requirements.

3. What platforms do they know?

Delivering an app across multiple device types is certainly getting easier with the proliferation of cross-platform development, but it’s still important to ask a developer about their expertise. You might find you have a whiz at iOS programming, but a beginner at Android.

4. Do they perform the design work?

Graphic design and UI/UX (user interface and user experience) are CRITICAL for mobile apps. Users will permanently abandon a downloaded app in seconds if it provides a poor user experience. Development firms may offer design and usability services in-house, or work with outside firms. Some developers require you to deliver finished designs before the programming can start. Either methodology can be successful, and you should choose what makes sense for your project, corporate branding standards, or personal sanity.

5. Do they understand how to work with your users and data?

Many times apps involve grabbing data from an outside source, obtaining data from users, or both. You many need to use APIs, web services, and interact with the device itself to pull everything together seamlessly. If that’s the case, having a developer with expertise in data integration can save you a lot of headaches when trying to get information to and from sources.

6. Can they help you with deployment?

Maybe you want your app on public markets like the App Store and Google Play. Submitting your apps for sale involves an application process with code uploads, app review, possible contractual obligations, and more. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, you’ll want to make sure your developer can assist you.

If you’re creating an app for internal use by your employees, there are private distribution concerns to address. Do you need to control your devices with a Mobile Device Management tool? Do you have a BYOD policy, and what does it entail?

7. Are they asking the right things?

Good developers ask tons of questions. They want to know your goals for the app (brand recognition, customer loyalty, revenue generation, mCommerce, process improvement, all of the above, etc.), what devices you’re targeting, who will use the app, how you’re monetizing the app, what other apps do you like, if your tool needs an internet connection, where your current data exists, what security concerns you have, and so much more. They’re considering functionality, best practices, and optimal usability, while looking to avoid technical traps and App Store rejections.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Mobile App Development Checklist

Now that you know what to look for when hiring mobile developers, here is a handy checklist to help facilitate conversations with your developer!

Download this checklist now

Angela Kujava is the Director of Innovation and Chief Smoothie Officer at Logic Solutions. She is an ardent supporter the Oxford comma, and will challenge you to a duel if you believe the contrary. Should you find yourself about to duel Angela, it is valuable to know that her kryptonite is Doritos. She cannot avoid their salty, orange siren song.

The post 7 Things CEOs Should Consider When Hiring A Mobile Developer appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

Here’s a short definition: �?IoT) is a concept in which objects, animals or people are connected to each other and have the ability to automatically transfer data over a network without the need to human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.�?(WhatIs.com)

Okay, so that definition is still a little confusing. Let me a paint you a picture instead:

Your phone alerts you of a traffic accident on your way home and reroutes you around it. When you arrive at home, the garage door automatically opens and closes behind you. As you enter your home, your thermostat adjusts in temperature to your preference. Your oven begins preheating because you Googled “how to make a roast�?earlier in the day. Even your dog is automatically let out of his kennel and is now free to roam about the house.

Image credit: Business Insider

This is the Internet of Things �?a world that is connected and efficient through the use of intelligent devices.

IoT is more than just a bunch of pretty devices talking to each other and making your life easier, though. Devices in this field have a serious, positive impact on the world. The city of Cincinnati implemented an IoT solution recently to combat its waste problem. The result was a 17% increase in recycling and a 49% reduction in residential waste.

Additionally, the McKinsey Global Institute predicts the U.S. could save between $200-$500 million dollars in energy costs by 2025. As we mentioned earlier, the industry is already worth a trillion dollars. That number is supposed to increase by 40% by 2020.

In this era, it’s imperative we think of business solutions outside of web and mobile devices also. Sometimes The Internet of Things is a simple solution you use at your office, with your employees �?like shades that automatically dim to save on air conditioning costs. There are also many possibilities with IoT devices for a company’s services and products as well. Innovative examples include iBeacon and Nest.

If you’re still a little confused, we hope this commercial clears up the confusion.

The Future Is Now

Science-fiction things of the past are actual pieces of technology today. We at Logic Solutions aim to harness these new futuristic gadgets and use them to help you grow your business. Let us create the mobile apps, websites, or healthcare solutions that you need to stay on top of the times.

Find your perfect solution

Pierce Courchaine is a marketing coordinator at Logic Solutions. When he’s not in the office, he’s rumbling around the country in a 1996 Honda Civic he lovingly named Martha. Martha’s air conditioning doesn’t work anymore, her power locks failed, her back left window doesn’t open and her 106 horsepower has made for some heart-pounding races against Vespas. For some reason, he’s the only one who can see what’s special about her.

The post What the Heck is the Internet of Things? appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

Many company leaders are posed with the difficult question of, “Should I develop my project in-house or with an independent developer?�?Obviously, we want you to work with us. But there are just some instances where it doesn’t make sense to go with a developer. 

See below for a quick guide to help you with this question.

You Should Totally Develop In-House If�?/b>

• You have excellent project managers. Knowing all of the possible options is crucial to the success of your app. People often underestimate the importance of the system definition specifications and system design specifications. It’s a foundation with which you can properly build your app. If your project managers can properly assess the needs of your company and plan out a project, your app will be off to an excellent start.
• You have developers with the proper skill sets and time. Ultimately, your app is limited by the expertise of your team. There is often a big gap between the idea and the execution. If you have programmers who can execute the idea in the proper framework on the preferred platform, developing in house might be an excellent option. If you don’t, hiring the developers to execute your vision is also an option, though that begins to push the investment price up. Couple that with training and helping the employee acclimate to your company, and it can be a headache.

You Should Totally Work With a Developer If�?/b>

• You don’t have any in-house developers: Well, duh. You’re probably going to need to hire someone. Unless you have a really fast learner who also happens want to work for 70 hours a week for the next six months.
• You need help with the first step: You might have some great project managers, but many of them don’t know where to start with an app. That’s okay! A developer can come in, assess your needs, develop a timeline, give you the blueprint and send you on your merry way.
• You like your team but they can’t do it all: We get this all the time. A company has a great start on a solution but they are missing some crucial components. Bring a developer in, we’ll help where it’s needed and we’ll part ways when it’s done.
• Your team simply doesn’t have time to take on one more big project: You can’t imagine how common this is. Simply put: internal teams are often already too buried to take on a large project or manage it effectively. Partnering with an outside developer can get a project executed quickly, and there are plenty of options to ensure that you still have whatever control over the process and outcome you desire.

If you haven’t been able to tell yet, it all comes down to talent. Even if your team hasn’t made an app yet, but you trust their ability, developing in-house is a possibility. But if you have any doubts, hiring a developer is a much safer bet.

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Want To Work With A Developer?

Logic Solutions is a fantastic company to help you realize your mobile or web dreams and grow your business. Let us create the mobile apps, websites, or healthcare solutions that you need to stay on top of the times.

Find your perfect solution

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Pierce Courchaine is a marketing coordinator at Logic Solutions. When he’s not in the office, he’s rumbling around the country in a 1996 Honda Civic he lovingly named Martha. Martha’s air conditioning doesn’t work anymore, her power locks failed, her back left window doesn’t open and her 106 horsepower has made for some heart-pounding races against Vespas. For some reason, he’s the only one who can see what’s special about her.

The post When Should You Develop In-House? appeared first on 雷技信息科技（上海）有限公司.

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