What is an App?

An App is basically a small application that you can download and run on your smart-phone. An app runs locally on your device and may or may not access services on the web to update and refresh the content that is displayed. In contrast, a mobile website is a slimmed down version of a normal website that has been optimized for a smaller screen. Unlike Apps, mobile websites are accessed via the devices web browser.

What is My App Engine?

My App Engine is an easy to use, affordable way to build and maintain your own native mobile application. We close the gap between you and your customer. Our App Engine is the most effective, powerful, and affordable app solution available for your business today.

Why should I offer a mobile app to my customers?

Mobile devices have outpaced computer sales and are becoming the main source for information. This fact has given rise to incredibly powerful and 'smart' phones that are in fact minicomputers. Now, more than ever before businesses can leverage the personal device of their customers by showcasing their brand through a mobile application. Imagine the ability to create a presence on your customer's devices that allows them to quickly and easily receive important information as well as communicate in new and powerful ways. Mobile apps provide that mechanism and are quickly becoming the business tools of choice to stay ahead of the competition while offering their customers a unique and personal user experience.

What skill set is needed?

If you, or someone on your staff has experience with uploading pictures to the Flickr, Facebook and other services, and can resize images, cut and paste, or drag and drop, then you have all the skills to be able to build your own mobile app. If you don't, are too busy, or would just rather have someone else create it for you, then we are here to help design and build your app for you.

How long does it take?

Unlike internal or out-sourced custom development teams, our platform accelerates your app from months to days depending upon the features you choose. Our solution is agile, robust, and provides a mobile experience like no-other.

Why not just build a mobile web site?

You can certainly build a mobile version of your website, however there are a number of drawbacks to this approach. The main drawback is that the device needs to have a connection to the Internet at all times to be able to use its web browser, and the performance of your connection will play a part in the customers experience. Features of the device are also not available to web sites, such as integrating with the GPS, compass, accelerometer or Camera. Most of all, native mobile apps are the expected way that mobile end users will want to interact with your content on their devices..

Are there any tools to help me market my app?

We provide a number of stock images that you can use to promote your application, either on your website and printed materials.

Can I see my app before it is published?

Yes, you can download our special viewer app (available for iPhone and Android), which will allow you to enter the username of your CMS portal and then choose your application to preview. You will be able to experience your application exactly as your end users would experience it.

How are new features made available?

As we add new features to our solution we will add new fields and screens to our web-based Content Management System (CMS). You can then login and complete these new areas and republish your application to take advantage of any new functionality.

What is the roadmap of future features/devices?

We believe our customers are the best source for product feature enhancements and it's our goal is to continually improve and innovate our products based on our customer's feedback. In addition, as new functionality is made available from either device manufacturers or the makers of iPhone and Android operating systems, we will strive to incorporate them into our platform.

Why is your platform superior?

We believe that our customers should have affordable mobile app solutions. Unlike expensive custom-built mobile apps our platform provides our customers the freedom to manage their brand easily and cost effectively. Custom apps are often unable to flex with changes in mobile operating systems and devices which can contribute to poor end user experiences when their app no longer works. Rather than create a never-ending loop of work for custom app builders, we decided to create a powerful platform that puts control into the hands of our customers. We take the worry and the cost out of creating a mobile experience for your business. Our platform insulates you from the ever changing mobile technology landscape by providing a consistent, dependable experience. Our services are on a subscription basis, eliminating the need for heavy upfront investment. We show you exactly what your finished app will look like in real time as you design it, giving you immediate design feedback.

What is the Android Criteria for approving apps?

Android apps do not go through an approval process like Apple. As long as the app meets the Android Content Guidelines they will be published into the Android Marketplace. Apps published into the Android Marketplace are published through our own developer account and do not require you to register as an Android Developer.

What is Apple's criteria for approving apps?

Apples policies for approval are frequently evolving. There is no guarantee that Apple will approve the app you build. However, there are some things you can do to increase the chances of being approved. As part of the process our review team will take a look at your app and let you know if they see anything that may be a red flag for the Apple approval process. These are things such as:

• Limited content
• Broken website links
• Any references to "coming soon" or placeholders for content yet to be added.
• Pure advertising with no utility or entertainment.

In a nutshell, Apple is looking for a good user experience and the more content you can upload the better the chances of approval, and the better the experience for the end user. Please review our refund policy for rejected apps.

Why do I need to have an iOS Developer Account?

If you are wanting to deploy an iPhone app then you will need to have an iOS Developer Account. This is because Apple recently changed their policy and requires a unique iOS Developer Account for each individual or organization that is wanting to place an app on their App Store. If you already have an iOS Developer account then there is no need to create a new one. Otherwise, each customer will be required to pay a $99 annual fee which is paid directly to Apple. We manage the process for you the whole way at no additional cost. There are some benefits to having your app published under your own iOS Developer account. Specifically, your app is listed under your own company name, and you are able to charge for your app if you choose to.

How long does it take for my app to be available on the App Store and Android Market?

When you click the build app button and choose the option "make my app live", we will build and review your app. Apple's review process generally takes between 5 and 10 days. Once they approve the app is available to download from the App Store within 24 hours. Android apps do not go through a review process and are available for download from the Android Market within 24 hours of submission.

How do I know how many people have downloaded my apps?

We provide at no additional cost download statistics for both iPhone and Android apps. This information shows up when you login to your app dashboard.

After I have published my app, how can I make changes to my content?

Using our Content Management System (CMS), you can log into your app and make any real-time content changes you need. When you are done, you simply click on the publish button to make your content changes available to your users.

Does it cost anything to update my app?

No. Before and after you app is live on the iTunes store or Android market, you can make as many changes as you like. There is no charge for content changes.

How do I customize the look of my app?

You can change the color theme of your app, and re-order and rename tabs, and enter content. We provide a collection of stock images you can use to construct your app and you can also upload your own images. Image sizes are displayed within our Content Management System (CMS) at all the relevant places.

Why do you charge a monthly fee?

All apps created by our App Engine rely upon media and content stored on our cloud servers and content delivery network. These servers also allow for real-time content updates without forcing you to resubmit your apps to Apple for review, and requiring your users to download a new App from the store each time. We also update your app with new features as they become available.

What happens if Apple doesn't approve my app?

All iOS apps that are created have to be approved by Apple before they will be added to the iTunes App Store. There is no guarantee that Apple will approve your app. If Apple rejects your app due to any fault of ours then we will address the issue and resubmit the app to Apple. If Apple rejects your app due to content or utility then we will share the feedback with you and you can address the issue and resubmit. However, we review your app in advance of submission and will advise you if we believe that there is a chance that Apple may reject.

Can I see a demo?

Our sales team is frequently doing webinars on the benefits of our platform, and we would be happy to have you join one. Please contact us here to join a session.