Web Development and its Importance for Small Business

The internet, like many modern technologies, is subject to rapid change and innovation. The web landscape shifts, offering new opportunities and broadening its horizons, which is awesome for driving rapid innovation and entrepreneurialism. At the same time, this frequent change demands constant vigilance from businesses who want to continue to take full advantage of what the internet offers and avoid being left behind when trends shift. So what do you need to keep an eye on Web Development?

Mobile users are again one of the top web trends. The mobile user share is growing, and websites must be prepared to deliver quality service to these users. Depending on your target market, the mobile share of visitors may vary, but it is likely to be above 20% even in markets with a. Elsewhere in the world mobile can represent close to 70% of browser traffic.

In a related trend, emerging markets are growing in web connectivity thanks to the availability and affordability of low-cost smartphones. We’re also seeing big companies like Google and Facebook put in a lot of R&D into new strategies to deliver cheap access to these countries.

As always, the design has its own trends. Like fashion, the look and feel of a website need to feel modern in order to achieve the best results. Here are a few design trends that are important to take note of for the 2015 web:

Responsive Design

This is a major trend, as mobile devices are more prominent than ever. Responsive web design allows your website to accommodate many different screen sizes, offering a stellar experience for all visitors.

Large Images

Images are obviously important visual elements. These days they are larger and more foundational to the design of the page—notably, we often use images as backgrounds with text and other elements laid on top. Sometimes this includes custom scrolling effects, which move elements around as you scroll, but that is not necessary.

Flat Design

Modern design has started to trend towards a certain minimalistic approach in which everything is flat. No skeuomorphism, like we saw in early iOS, or shaded 3D buttons. In the past couple years, Apple, Google, and Microsoft have all moved toward flatness for website design.

Modern Navigation

These days navigation is most often primarily done through scrolling, as this is easy for users to accomplish on any device. Nav-bars provide quick links to major pages, with each page devoted to a concept or topic and self-contained. Other navigation elements are large, to accommodate for tapping on small displays. Overall, modern web design favors fewer individual pages.

Software Developers India is a Silicon Valley web design and app development company. We have a track record of building powerful websites for some of the biggest brands worldwide. If you are looking for website designers and want to learn more about the state of modern web design, you can reach us at 408.805.0495, or leave a message on our site and we’ll reach out ASAP.

Why Data Encryption is Important For Your Business

Data encryption is the process of translating data into another form, or a code. It is only accessible to people with specific access to a secret key (formally called a decryption key) or password. Encrypted data is referred to as ciphertext and unencrypted data is termed as plaintext. Currently, encryption is the most popular and effective data security method used by organizations of all sizes. There are 2 main types of data encryption:

Symmetric Key Cipher: This is known as a secret key algorithm where there is a singular method of decoding the message that must be sent to the receiver before the message can be decoded. There will be a common key that will be used to encode and decode which is best suitable for individual users and closed systems.

Asymmetric Cryptography: This method uses two different keys (a public and a private key) that are interlinked together mathematically. The keys are large numbers that have been paired and synced with each other. They are not the same number, hence the term is known as asymmetric. You can share the public key with anyone, but the private key must remain confidential. Both can be used to encrypt a message, but the opposite key is used to encrypt and decode that message.

Why is data encryption important?

The main objective of data encryption is to protect and secure confidential digital data as it is stored on computer systems and seamlessly transmitted using the internet or other computer networks. Data privacy is very important especially if it’s going to be transmitted through the internet. The old form of data encryption standard (DES) has been replaced by modern encryption algorithms that play a critical role in the security of IT systems and communications.

These algorithms ensure confidentiality and drive key security initiatives like authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation. Authentication allows for the verification of a message’s origin and integrity provides proof that a message’s contents have not changed since it was sent.

Apart from protecting sensitive data from being stolen or compromised, data encryption also helps prove that the information is authentic and comes from the point of origin it claims to come from. It can also be used to verify the actual origin of a message and confirm that it hasn’t been altered during transmission.

In general, there are two distinct ways to you use data encryption:

1. Encrypting when it is “in transit” means you send your data somewhere else via the web, email, or anywhere other than just on your own device. When you encrypt data in transit, you are effectively using encryption to try to deter people from listening in on your conversations. The most common form of this encryption type is web traffic. A lot of websites, specifically financial, social media, and email websites now use this by default. Malware and viruses are kryptonite to any computer and/or website and they should be dealt with before you actually get one.

2. Encrypting when it is “at rest” means when it is stored on your device, which could be an integral part of the device, like a hard drive, removable drive, or a thumb drive. All of the major operating systems and familiar software applications provide the option to encrypt files and folders on your device. When you leverage this option, you must make use of a password that allows you to unlock and decrypt those files.

What are the risks for data encryption?

The speedy increase in encrypted traffic is altering the security landscape drastically. About 85% of CIO’s believe that their security defenses are less effective since they were unable to inspect the encrypted network traffic for attacks. Around 90% of the CIOs have or expect to suffer from a viable breach in which encrypted traffic is used to hide the attack. Encryption technology could be a helpful tool to keep out unwanted attacks but there is a possibility it could be a curse too.

In a nutshell, it is essential for the businesses to aggressively inspect the two security risks – tangible threats that include malware, and threat indicators such as signs that a malicious/risky party is scanning the network for vulnerabilities. Data security experts need to check encrypted traffic from all aspects of their business and audit the information from every session to understand the full ‘transaction’ of a particular piece of traffic.

Reasons why encrypting your data is crucial

Information / Data is the most valuable asset you own, and business owners should be aggressive when it comes to protecting it. Here are some reasons why you should encrypt your data:

1. Your customer’s contact information can be used to redirect payments to a different bank account

2. A good hacker can place orders for goods which your company is liable to pay for by making use of your supplier account details

3. An unused, locked, or ost or stolen mobile device containing sensitive information can be easily stolen through information like cached domain passwords, stored Wi-Fi passwords, and passwords saved in web browsers

Healthcare is a great example as they have taken serious measures to ensure that all patient data is secure. HIPAA plays an important role in healthcare and others should follow their lead in trying to secure their data.

What is the cost of data encryption?

Most organizations will never put a financial price on the protection of their data and that of your customers. The inability to protect data can destroy a company’s reputation and no one wants to work with an organization that may allow sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands. Experienced data security experts like SDI however, can easily help you out with encryption options that will suit your organization’s needs.

The cost depends on the company size and the level of encryption needed. Good companies can make a more cost-effective solution based on your needs all while still protecting your data from threats.

Whether it’s protecting your email communications, stored data, some type of encryption should be included in your lineup of security tools. While data encryption may seem like a daunting, complicated process, it is necessary and there are experts to help you.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Telemedicine App?

A telemedicine app allows both patients and doctors to stay in touch easily but also delivers another level of healthcare that really helps during this pandemic. We’ve already seen how technology can help in the hospitals themselves.

It’s been used to help doctors manage patients in the office or help connect devices throughout the hospital for better patient care. When it comes to telemedicine app features, the camera, microphone, and chatting are just a few that make this a great option for doctor/patient relationships.

The Benefits of Telemedicine App

Patients have easy access to their doctors with a faster, more convenient way to get a hold of them. The same goes for doctors. They can connect and answer patient questions quickly. Prescription renewals are also very convenient to do through the app rather than calling and/or going to the pharmacy.

Video calls are a fantastic way to meet with your doctor and for doctors to help with diagnosis and just get medical advice without having to actually go and sit in the doctor’s office. Let’s face it, no one is thrilled with having to do it.

By building a telehealth app you can also provide patients access to an entire system of questions and answers that they can look through. There is so much information all over the internet it can be overwhelming for people to find the right answer or to know what they are reading is in fact correct. Having it accessible in the app assures them it is a proper place for solid medical information.

For medical practices, there are advantages in terms of revenue as well. Telemedicine has earned billions of dollars in revenue making it a very good investment. If you decide you want to build a telemedicine system then you have the chance to earn some serious income. You can provide a feature that allows any physician to join the app and manage their own patients. The physicians pay a fee to be on there.

Some say if you create telemedicine software you don’t necessarily need to have a physical building. This really depends on the type of practice you have. At the end of the day, there will still be a need for in-person visits and large hospitals can’t solely rely on a telemedicine app.

However, a smaller more independent practice could switch over and in the case of more serious cases at home, consultations could be the way to go. This can lead to lower costs as you are not paying for an actual building and as many staff members. Again, this may not be the solution for everyone as it is up to each individual clinic and doctor to decide this.

Scheduling becomes much simpler in a telemedicine app. Patients know exactly what doctor’s available times are and can book an appointment within seconds. No more waiting on the phone for someone else to schedule you.

Doctors can quickly and easily set their availability and see their appointments. It really does save a lot of time and manpower as the app does it for you. This works great for small clinics as well as large hospitals.

Doctors can access patient files within seconds making it very easy to know what is going on right before they meet.

It can often take time and other people to find and manage these files which is a waste of time and effort. There are serious safety elements that do need to be understood when it comes to storing health records (HIPAA Compliance) which we will get into shortly.

Telemedicine App Features

When it comes to telemedicine app development having the right features for your patients and doctors is what will make a successful telehealth app.

Here are some key elements you should think about including to ensure it’s a successful app.

1. Registration – both parties need to register themselves in order to even use the app.

2. Profile – details that show doctor and patient information.

3. Video chat – one of the most important elements is being able to see and speak to one another through the app. Choosing a high-quality video program is very important.

4. Texting and emailing – both parties need a simple way to communicate outside of a video appointment. Texting and emailing are great options for this.

5. Scheduler – Doctors can set up their availability and patients can make appointments in a very quick and easy way. Both should have the option to reschedule appointments and be able to sync to their calendars.

6. Medical information – access to all types of medical information so they can get medical advice even without an actual consultation.

7. Doctor finder and ratings – Patients can find a doctor through a list which they can filter and find one that matches them. They can also look at details and ratings from other patients. This helps people determine if that doctor is right for them.

8. Payment gateway – A proper secure payment system needs to be included so that patients can pay for their appointments and doctors can also pay their fees. However, you decide to use it you need a high-quality third-party payment gateway.

9. Notifications – Reminders are a necessary part of any app but also in terms of doctor on-demand app development not only reminders but notifications about updates in exams, health details, pill shipments, and more.

HIPAA COMPLIANCE

Earlier we talked briefly about being HIPAA compliant. This is incredibly important especially to patients because their privacy should be the most important part of the app. You must be HIPAA compliant in order to even use this app. The whole reason HIPAA was created was to protect personal data from unauthorized access.

If you do not create your app with this in mind fines can be above $1,000,000. The security you choose to use is important in order to be HIPAA compliant. Your healthcare app developers should be able to guide you on exactly what you will need for this. That is why it is best to hire a company like SDI who understands HIPAA certifications. This is where you don’t want to go cheap because in order to have a strong security system you do have to invest quite a bit.

Telemedicine App Development Cost

Telemedicine startup costs can vary quite a bit depending on what features you want to include. The first step is looking for a proper healthcare app development company that is familiar with exactly what is needed to create a telemedicine app. The first step in the app development process is wireframing, then design, development, testing, and finally maintenance. Each step is part of the cost to build an app.

Also, keep in mind that these are really 2 apps. One for the patients and one for the doctors. You will also need a CMS to manage all of the data and app elements. The price will range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on what you want to include and what you decide you want to be done.

This price range is for both apps together. If we keep it very basic, simple design, minimal elements, then we’re looking at $20,000. If you want a higher-end design with all the functions necessary then it will average about $70,000. Again, each element has its own hourly cost and price.

For example, if you decide you don’t want to include the ability to order prescriptions then it would be about $3000 cheaper.

If you want to know the exact cost to build an app like this you need to contact SDI and discuss all the details and they will provide you with an exact fixed price.

Developing a telemedicine app and software isn’t a simple inexpensive project but at the end of the day, it’s worth it. People have become dependent on telecommunication more than ever before.

Even after Covid, we will see people continue to prefer the digital route versus face to face. This route just makes things more efficient and allows people to get care during easy and difficult times. It’s a great investment and will provide its own income.

If you are ready to learn more about how to get this built then contact team@sdi.la or call us at 408.821.8481 now.

Top 10 Web Design Trends For 2025

Trends change fast and never remain the same. Every year comes new web design trends. Web design is continuously evolving and becoming more and more creative. Design elements and website features that were once modern have become outdated now. The design trends need to do more than look attractive as they need to get results too. A website or an app has to generate leads and convert visitors.

Best web design trends 2025

Here are the most significant design trends that you need to watch out for in 2025. You can find out which design is the best fit for your type of business.

1. Dark mode

For a long time in web design, a white background was considered to be the only way to create empty space on an app or a website. This began to change and the dark mode trend really picked up. The dark mode is now a great way to add a modern and elegant touch to any website. Besides being sleek, it can be more pleasing to the eyes. By increasing contrast, design elements can also be made more visible. Adding a dark mode toggle to the website can allow visitors to customize their experience.

2. Neumorphism

Neumorphism is gaining a lot of traction and is sure to be one of the best web design trends in 2025. It applies a minimalist approach while giving a sense of 3-dimensions in the form of buttons and other elements. It is all about the color of the screen and giving a decent and unique look to the website.

3. Parallax animation

The popularity of web-based animation is increasing year after year. In 2025 web animations are getting more complex through the separation of page elements into foreground and background creating a parallax effect. Parallax is nothing but the optical illusion that happens when objects near to the viewer appear to move faster than objects which are far away. This offers a unique experience to the users.

4. Augmented reality (AR) experiences

AR offers an amazing immersive experience for the users. In the context of marketing, augmented reality allows brands to offer unique digital experiences and to engage consumers in a memorable way. By giving customers a visual representation of how a product will look in real life, this technology can reduce returns and boost customer satisfaction.

5. Bold fonts and color

Bold letters and colors always attract attention. A simple page will look fresh if it has big headlines with bold fonts. Nice fitting background with big lettering can look really amazing. Even old fonts are seeing a bit of resurgence after undergoing some stylization and a bit of artistry. The bold typography gives a nod to the past while still feeling very modern.

6. Minimalism

Minimalism is a design trend that refuses to quit. It was and is very popular. This is less a visual style and more a design principle and is based around using only the essential elements such as clean text, limited color palette, and basic shapes. Something functional, memorable, and simple. Minimalist web design will continue to be a key component of modern UI design for years to come.

7. Designs based on preference

Web development has made great strides in offering more personalized experiences. This can be anything from including a toggle between different modes to other ways of changing a site’s appearance and navigation. Websites are becoming more user-centered with more focus on meeting the needs, wants, and tastes of the users.

8. Cartoon illustrations

Cartoon illustrations have gained a lot of popularity as a way of transforming websites with a healthy dash of humor and humanity. These illustrations seem to “match” almost any design aesthetic as well, making them a popular option for all kinds of industries or website types.

10. Thumb-friendly mobile navigation

Responsive design is essential and no longer an option. The site should work well on mobile devices. Hence it should be thumb-friendly. The navigation bar, menu, and even contact buttons should be in the space where the thumb can reach. This is sure to make your site more comfortable to use and will improve your UX manyfold.

If you plan to start a new website or update an existing one, contacting us at SDI will be a very wise decision. Our award-winning web design team has created thousands of websites and apps based on the latest trends. We understand the latest technologies and know-how to use them properly. We follow the highest standards and do proper web development testing so as to give you a winning website and/or mobile app.

Feel free to contact us at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la.

Protect Your Apps From Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are on the rise everywhere. Besides targeting business networks and personal computers, ransomware is becoming a common threat to mobile platforms too. Mobile internet has grown by more than 504% since 2011. As more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will hear the call.

What is mobile malware?

Mobile malware is malicious software that is specifically built to attack mobile phones or smartphones. A cybercriminal can use mobile malware to steal sensitive data from a smartphone or lock a device before demanding payment to unlock the device.

Ransomware attacks can take on several forms. Two are particularly common. Known as crypto-ransomware where attackers take over your device and encrypt its files. To regain access to your data, the ransom will have to be paid. The second kind is known as locker ransomware. Here instead of encrypting files, it denies access to a device by locking the user interface.

Reports suggest that 97 percent of organizations globally in 2020 faced mobile threats that used multiple attack vectors and more than 40 percent had at least one employee download a malicious mobile app. Mobile malware has risen drastically in the last couple of years. There is a growing trend away from computers and towards smartphones and it is more important than ever to protect yourself from malware.

Ways to stay secure

Here are some ways by which you can ensure data and mobile app security.

1. Avoid third party stores

Always download apps from the respective companies’ app stores only. Google Play Store and Apple’s App store have mechanisms built in to screen new apps before they are allowed inside. This minimizes the spread of malicious code. Downloading apps from third-party app stores is quite risky with some of them being a haven for malicious apps. They may act as a gateway for malware to enter your device and steal information. As such, be very careful while downloading new apps and make sure that you download only from recognized app stores.

2. Visit secure websites

Websites containing the most up-to-date malware defense carry HTTPS security certificates and the ones carrying only the HTTP certificate are not as secure anymore. If a website contains the only HTTP in its URL then it will be advisable not to visit these websites as they are susceptible to being used as malware injection platforms. Also, run only default OS browsers rather than third-party ones which may not issue security certificates to individual websites.

3. Use popular security apps

Download antivirus apps from established companies. Modern mobile antivirus apps regularly screen your phone for malware and other harmful additions and disable them before they can inflict any damage. For example, an app like Malwarebytes can detect dangerous threats and remove them before your mobile phone gets compromised. It also alerts you if it detects anything suspicious to ensure a safe browsing experience.

4. Set a password

Setting a strong password is a great way to defend against intrusions. Passwords may seem like a hassle when you use the device several times an hour to check messages, use apps, or play games, but it is really the best way to prevent anyone else from accessing your personal information without your permission. Nowadays you can protect your smartphone by activating a fingerprint sensor or the iris scanner. These cannot be cracked and will protect your data even if your phone is misplaced or stolen. These biometric details are unique for every user and are quite effective.

5. Backup all files

It is always a good idea to back up all files. This will come in handy not only if your device is held for ransom but also if you lose or damage your phone.

6. Update your operating system

You need to update your operating system as soon as a new version becomes available. Malware can penetrate your defense if you keep running an outdated OS. Updating your software as often as possible not only protects you against malware but also keeps your smartphone running in the best state.

To get maximum protection from malware, you should never delay the download of security patches for OS, apps, and plugins.

We at SDI have been developing secure mobile apps that offer maximum protection against ransomware. Our testing methodologies are strong and we ensure that all aspects are covered during testing. By using the latest technologies and robust security measures, we build apps that can face any threat. Our app code is extremely difficult to reverse engineer and ensures critical data and security.

If you’d like to have a well-built and secure app for your business, call us today at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la.

How To Build an App Worth Millions of Dollars

The mobile app boom has created several millionaires. These individuals were able to turn a great idea for an app into a monthly revenue stream. However, for every success story, there are thousands whose apps went bust. In spite of following the same mobile application development process, not every developer can enjoy the fortune of getting billions of dollars into their accounts.

If you are about to develop a mobile app, the obvious question would be “how can I make money from an app” or “How can apps make me rich?“, Here are a few important points that can help you become a successful Appreneur.

1. Planning and market research

Proper planning is what matters most for a mobile app development business. To develop a successful app it is important for you to be aware of the latest market trends. Spend time and learn more about top trending app ideas. Understand what the customer wants. For building an app empire you should come up with a million-dollar app idea. The solution should be something that remains useful in the future since the market changes every month and trends keep on evolving.

2. Target audience

To make money with a mobile app it is important to determine your target audience. For example, if you’re creating a business-oriented mobile app, it’s critical to choose a revenue strategy that doesn’t waste your time. To become a millionaire you have to offer genuine worth to your users.

3. Competitor analysis

You can figure out how to monetize your app by doing some research and learning about your competition. You can find out if there are similar models and how much they are earning. In case there are similar models not worry. Find out if there is a loophole or something still missing that you can turn into an opportunity. You can modify and improve your idea. To develop your million-dollar app, offer something different, a catalyst in performing business or work.

4. Share it with people you trust

To turn your idea into an app, share some of your app ideas with friends, family, basically people whom you trust. Do not share it with someone who may steal or spread the idea. There may be cognitive biases in our judgments and thinking, hence it is always better to seek other people’s opinions on your app ideas to overcome any personal biases you might have.

5. Technologies

Your earnings from mobile apps depend on the technologies you introduce in your app. For example, a blockchain-based application model delivers 85% of the total app profit share whereas a traditional business monetization platform model provides developers only 70% of the amount paid for an app.

6. Minimum Viable Product

It is always prudent to make a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and get feedback based on that. An MVP basically is the app developed with sufficient features to satisfy early adopters. Here you test the core assumptions behind the idea and get valuable feedback from the users.

You can send the MVP to the same people whom you had previously asked for feedback and find out if they like the product. Once you have heard from people about the points they do not like, you can fine-tune them and increase the value of your app. This can give you some certainty that your business will have a paying audience in the future.

7. Proper monetization strategies

Monetization of mobile apps can be done in multiple ways, some of which are

App ideas that can make you rich

Here are a few app ideas that are interesting and can help you make millions of dollars.

1. Dating app

A lot of entrepreneurs have succeeded in this space and there are plenty more opportunities. You can start an app that can help people find the best dates with special interests like comic lovers, nerds, etc. This is an industry that has always stayed strong in the market.

2. Language learning app

This is another interesting idea, wherein you can design an app that can help people learn different languages. You can also enable voice so that learners can know how words are pronounced.

3. Loaned money tracking app

An app of this nature can help avoid financial problems between friends. By keeping a record of all financial transactions such as who owes money or who paid the bill etc. unpleasant incidents can be avoided later.

These are just a few ideas but there are millions out there. It’s not always about coming up with something completely brand new that no one has thought of because let’s face it, that is pretty hard. It’s more about see what’s out there and seeing what is missing that people really want and need and taking advantage of that.

Being a leading mobile app development company, SDI’s goal is to create apps that can make you a millionaire. We will work with you side by side to achieve your business goals. We consider your business as our business and we’ll tell you if your idea works or if it is what the market needs.

Call us today at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la and we will create a million-dollar app for you.

UX Design Mistakes to Avoid When Developing an App

The popularity of using mobile apps is increasing day by day across the globe. When you click on an app, it opens a whole new world. From ordering any kind of product you can think of to booking cabs, you can easily find a popular app for such needs.

The app which you see on your smartphone is just the final product of continuous and complex coding. Along with coding several other features are needed for creating a successful mobile app to come into existence.

Importance of UI/UX design

App and web design trends keep changing and an app can become successful only if it can communicate well with the users through its interface. An app can communicate with the users through the user experience (UX) design.

Businesses must build a distinct brand identity in terms of the user experience they provide through their apps in order to stand out. It’s the decisive factor that will determine whether the app is a success or a failure. Utmost caution needs to be paid while designing the application.

UI/UX design is important for an app to become a hit in the digital market. UI (user interface) is the look of certain elements such as the size of fonts, colors, etc while UX (user experience) is the overall impression a user gets during and after the interaction with an app.

Now let’s look into the common UX design mistakes you should avoid while developing an app.

1. Poor compatibility with other apps

Your app is not going to function in isolation. A smartphone is jam-packed with different apps and functionalities. You should make sure that the app works seamlessly with other apps as well as the device.

At SDI our award-winning app and web designers can ensure that your app will run smoothly in the presence of other applications and also provide users identical experiences irrespective of the screen sizes. We can help create engaging user experiences for all your customers.

2. Complex interface

The consumers of today live a fast-paced life and they need solutions that work quickly. The UI of an application should be simple and intuitive, with only a few steps required to reach any point along the user’s journey. Unnecessary and confusing touchpoints will ruin UX and might prompt the user to uninstall the app. Users will instinctively abandon anything that is too difficult for them to navigate.

A leading app UI design company like SDI makes use of the best visual imagination and various color codes to deliver the message. We maintain simplicity without compromising on intuitiveness and functionality.

3. Bloating design

Avoid bloated design because there should be no clutter. Only meaningful content should be added. The design process should enable your product to deliver a high-quality solution and should not be crowded with unnecessary features.

By creating a user journey map, our team of experts always visualizes the product through the eyes of the user before designing the product.

4. Typography

A good UX design is characterized by both font and style consistency. Always choose a readable font. Do not go for low contrast text as they may not render correctly and several readers may find them unreadable. Optimize your typography to increase accessibility to your users. You can also use carousels so that users can view more information at the top of the page.

5. Poor app architecture

A common UX design mistake that developers make is to give the aesthetics of the app more importance than the flow and architecture. This should not be the case. The app’s basis is more crucial than its appearance. Creating an app architecture before entering the development stage is important.

We always map out the user flow as well as the structure of the map before taking care of the aesthetics. The industry requirement and consumer’s desires are always kept in mind while making the process flow.

6. Poor first impression

If the app fails to impress the users the first time, there is a slim chance of it becoming successful. The majority of users end up abandoning an app after three days of downloading it. So it is important to have the right onboarding experience.

In some cases, a detailed mobile app onboarding process may be necessary to explain all the features if the app is a complicated one. Ensure that the onboarding process does not take too long. Don’t overwhelm the users with a lot of information. Always pay close attention to how an app behaves the first time it is opened.

We always ensure that proper beta testing is done to clear all the initial issues a user is likely to face.

7. Imitating the competition

It is a very bad idea to copy your rival. Your app should be unique to differentiate itself from the competition and to gain an edge. If your app doesn’t give anything new to the customers shared by your competitors, you are not giving them any good reason to buy from you. You really need to think out of the box and offer something unique. That is not to say you can use other apps for inspiration but just make sure it’s not a carbon copy.

We can build something new with unique features that are sure to be loved by your customers and give a competitive edge to your app.

If you want to create a mobile app, SDI is one of the best options you can choose. We are highly respected and follow the best UX design practices. Our team has created sophisticated apps that have processed over $1 billion in transactions.

Partner with us and we will create the right app for you. Call us at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la.

How To Hire a Programmer For a Startup

It is very crucial for a startup to hire the right developer. You need to hire the right people for your business to survive in this tech-driven world. The future of any startup depends on how effective its coders are. Building a product is challenging. You need to have the right people to make your brilliant idea into a product.

Benefits of hiring a programmer

Programmers can help you build the structure of your startup and convert your idea into effective solutions. They can create, design, and brand your products. They can help design the right app and website for your business.

A good programmer is highly creative and they can influence the growth of your startup to a very large extent. A dedicated programmer can bring in a lot of value for your startup.

How to hire the right programmer for a startup

Knowing how to hire a programmer for your startup is critical especially if you are a non-technical person.

Here are a few important tips that can help you find the right software developer for your startup.

1. Identify the need

Before hiring a software developer you should be clear about your requirements and what you would like to build. Defining the project clearly will help you in attracting dedicated developers to your startup. Finalize your idea before moving forward with recruitment so that you can look at the right places.

2. Be clear on who you need

Once the need has been clearly defined, you can start looking for the right person. You can choose a full stack developer but it is very difficult for a single person to do all aspects of a job effectively. Software development is hardly a one-person job. Based on your requirements you may have to check out specific types of developers such as frontend developers, backend developers, etc.

3. Look at the right places

This is the main part and also a difficult one for a startup. You need to look into credible sources to identify the right candidate. Linkedin, Facebook, and other social media platforms are some important resources for you to tap into.

You can create an interesting profile and careers page and source talent by networking through contact. You can also use free ads and participate in group discussions to increase your brand’s visibility. Participate in conferences and meetups where you may be able to find your ideal developer.

4. Shortlist candidates properly

Before interviewing the candidates you need to shortlist the candidates as you would have received several resumes. Shortlisting can be done on the basis of their experience, educational qualifications, the organizations they have worked for, and also referrals and recommendations.

5. Qualities to look for in candidates

Ensure that the candidate has both soft and hard skills. Soft skills include communication, punctuality, team player, creativity, problem-solving, learning attitude among others. Hard skills refer to a domain, technical, and other subject-specific knowledge.

Save costs

Being a startup helps to be prudent in matters of costs and budgets. You can check out offshore software developers. There are a lot of advantages such as quality services at lesser costs. There is a huge talent pool available and with different time schedules, you can win more time for other important tasks. You can always get high-quality web developers from countries like India.

How SDI can help you with the right candidates.

If you hire software developers from companies such as SDI, you can be sure of excellent service and value as all our programmers are highly skilled with access to a top-notch code library thus giving your startup a much-needed edge over your competitors.

Here are the steps we follow while putting our dedicated programmers on to your project.

1. Understand your requirements

We take great care in understanding your business requirements so as to offer the best-suited programmer who can add a lot of value.

2. Onboarding

We can make sure that our programmers join your team as smoothly as possible. We can create a schedule or you can assign daily tasks. Our programmers can work on hours chosen by you.

3. Escalation process

You can always have access to a senior technical person for any escalations. They will be available any time and we have a very robust system to solve problems and attend to emergencies.

To know more and to choose the right web developer for your startup call 408.621.8481 or email team@sdi.la right away.

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How Much Does it Cost to Build a Rideshare or Taxi App?

Traditional taxi services are being increasingly replaced by ride-sharing apps. The main reason being they are convenient, transparent, and secure. The costs are also comparatively less. There are a lot of other features which a traditional taxi service may not be able to provide.

Uber the pioneer in ride-sharing services was founded in 2009 and it changed the industry forever. As of now, the market is wide open with a lot of companies catching up and the competition is getting stiffer. The global online taxi services market is expected to touch $28.65 billion this year.

If you’re thinking of developing a new ridesharing app like Uber to start your own car rental business, the obvious initial question would be how much does it cost to build an app. We will look at how a taxi app works, features that an app should have, and finally how much taxi app development will cost.

How does a rideshare app work

Services like Uber give the opportunity to the client to book a taxi along with its driver. You are able to track its movement and pay online. You can choose a car category and also change drivers if you feel like it.

A GPS system will help the driver find you. You can rate the service and your behavior can be rated by the driver. This helps to maintain standards. You can find out the price for the ride before booking which is a very useful feature. A taxi app lets users access a host of services other than booking a taxi.

Features of a taxi app

Some of the typical features a rideshare app should have are as follows. They can be broadly divided into three elements for passengers, drivers and you can have an admin panel.

For passengers

1. Registration

There should be a safe and encrypted environment where the customer can store his or her credentials. Allow them to register from social media networks also. Make it simple so that it does not take more than a minute.

2. Cab booking

Once the client enters they can start looking for a taxi. Carpooling services should also be allowed if the passenger wants to share the trip with other passengers going on a similar route to save money. The potential client should be able to choose the preferred route, type of transportation, option to share the ride among others.

3. Real-time notifications

The passenger should be notified of all the events occurring such as updates from drivers or other passengers, delay if any, etc.

4. Location determination

GPS features should allow the users to know the movement of the booked taxi and also the location of the other passengers.

5. Communication

It should be possible for the user to communicate with the driver and other passengers if necessary.

6. Payments

The app should have a flexible payment structure, this is quite important. The client should be able to choose the payment option and for that, a lot of options should be provided.

For drivers

It is necessary to have a system to track and check the driver’s background and also to see that they are paid properly so that they stick with your company. Drivers are the backbone of ridesharing companies and you need to have a well-established driving staff to succeed. Some of the important features the app should have are

1. Sign up and login

The driver’s account should be safe and also it should be approved by the admin before signing in.

2. Confirmation and rejection

The driver should be able to confirm or reject the trip. If rejected the ride should be assigned to the next available driver.

3. GPS based tracking

It is necessary that your app has an inbuilt navigation system to make things easier for the driver.

4. Communication

The driver should be able to communicate with the passengers clearly and concisely

5. Payment

The driver should be able to receive the payment from the clients for the ride effortlessly. Different options should be provided.

Admin panel

The administrator should be able to access complete information about active, completed, canceled rides, etc. It should be possible to track and generate reports and analytics so that revenue can be managed.

All the details about the drivers, their personal information, and credentials should be stored in the app. The admin will also have to manage complaints and review ratings based on which he or she may need to even block drivers, passengers, etc.

Costs of building a riding app

Now that we have gone through the basic features, let’s go over the most important aspect which is the cost. Development costs will vary depending on the rate of the developers and of course how many functions and features you would like to have.

We at SDI follow a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds. Hence you can build your high-quality app at the best possible price. The price can vary between $10,000 to $35,000 based on the features.

If you would like to know more about the various options available call us at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la. We will be happy to help.

How Are Progressive Web Apps Useful To E-Commerce Platforms?

Being highly accessible on mobile is a must to succeed in the eCommerce space. Until a few years back it was difficult to replicate the experience of a native mobile app. The creation of progressive web apps has changed the situation. Several companies have taken advantage of this technology which offers cross-device accessibility on mobile phones and tablets.

What is a progressive web app?

PWA (progressive web app) which was introduced in the year 2015 is a web application that can offer a native app-like experience to users. Basically, it allows the user to have the same experience on a website as his or her experience on an app. It also offers features like push notifications, work offline among others. This technology brings consistency between web and native apps replacing both with a single app.

Native apps provide a much richer user experience than the web. Progressive web apps behave in the same way as the native app being incredibly fast and being very user-friendly.

Benefits of progressive web apps

1. Loads faster

Users are likely to abandon a site if it takes more than a few seconds. Speed is the essence. PWAs load extremely fast, thereby effectively increasing conversion and retention rates.

2. Highly reliable

PWAs are highly reliable as you can load them even if the internet connection is bad or non-existent thereby eliminating dependence on a network connection.

3. Can reach a wider audience

Since PWAs can work for every user regardless of the platform or screen size, they are instantly accessible thereby enabling more people to adopt them.

4. Less development costs

Developing a progressive web app requires less time and fewer costs. If it is a native app, you will have to create it both for Android and iOS, and with maintenance and other costs, it is bound to be expensive. In addition, you will have to maintain a website as well.

Progressive web apps for eCommerce

People need easy access to services and products. PWA in eCommerce offers just that with fast loading speeds, checkout, and usability. Reports suggest when an eCommerce store switches to PWA, there is usually an increase in revenue by nearly 20%. The ease offers to the customer helps to increase your eCommerce business.

People may not like to download an app due to various reasons. They may prefer to search for products or services through a website. By adopting PWA you make your website more user-friendly thereby attracting more customers.

The benefits of PWAs for eCommerce businesses

1. Can be released faster

Since PWAs are designed with reusable codes, modules can be developed in quick succession. Moreover, in most cases, the original eCommerce site already exists which means most of the groundwork has already been laid out. It is much faster to release a PWA than a native app.

2. Better user experience and engagement

PWAs can provide a highly engaging user experience and can be installed right on the home screen making them very accessible. They’re automatically updated so there is no hassle for the user to update it further. There is no need to download, it is very simple to install, just like visiting a link and accepting a prompt. Also, PWAs offer the capability to send push notifications which assist in grabbing people’s attention. This will significantly increase opportunities to promote your products and services.

3. No need to pay app store subscriptions

You will have to pay subscription charges for native apps as these reside in third-party application stores. With PWAs you can avoid these without in any way affecting your app’s visibility as customers can find your website on their browsers.

4. Improves your SEO

Being a web-based PWA means you can be discovered better by search engines. Along with engaging user experience and faster loading, a PWA will result in higher SEO rankings. This in turn will lead to higher conversion rates helping you achieve your business goals.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the benefits of having a PWA for your eCommerce store are numerous. The user experience and speed offered by a PWA are essential to attract and retain customers. There are several examples where progressive web apps have truly changed businesses.

This is the right time to create a full PWA. We at SDI can help build a PWA eCommerce app that will give you all the benefits mentioned and much more. Being an experienced PWA development company we can enhance your user experience and help increase sales.

Do not wait. Call us at 408.621.8481 or email us at team@sdi.la and let’s get started.