The Definitive Guide to Choosing Your

Enterprise Mobile Application Architecture

N AT I V E VS WEB VS HYBRID
 2 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

The Mobile App Deluge Solving the Million Dollar Question

Mobile application development has become a critical business function as enterprises The cost of building a mobile business app today typically ranges from $50,000 to
look to generate revenue and improve the customer experience through mobile apps. $150,000, depending on its complexity. According to Forrester Research, the cost of
building the first version of a native mobile app represents about 35% of the true
As the demand for mobile apps grows, so does the development queue. According to a two-year cost of the app!3 This means the true cost of a native mobile app is between
study by Opinion Matters, 85% of companies have a mobile backlog of between one $140,000 and $425,000.
and 20 applications, with half having a backlog of between 10 and 20 apps1.
If you plan on building more than three apps during the next year, picking the right
You can’t afford to have your competitive differentiator sitting in the development development strategy and architecture might be a million-dollar decision — or more.
queue. If you know exactly what you want, it can be convenient to just outsource the The long term financial implications of mobile app development are becoming quite
work for a price, and simply build its cost into your budget. But developing a mobile clear. And while innovating to gain a competitive edge is more critical than ever, it’s also
application is not a one-time effort. Hiring a freelance developer or marketing agency to clear that you need a financially viable and sustainable means of developing and
deliver a ready-to-ship mobile app is often a costly temporary fix, with long-term maintaining mobile apps. This is where selecting the right mobile application
implications that are often overlooked. architecture comes in.
According to MGI Research, most mobile apps will experience, in a two-year timeframe, But selecting the right mobile architecture is just the beginning. Many organizations
at least four major update cycles stemming from operating system and device updates.2 that have gone down the mobile path have quickly discovered that traditional
This means that buyers often find themselves in an unexpected “money pit” because approaches to application development and delivery are fundamentally inadequate to
they need to keep engaging with the original developer to fix things so their app keep up with the realities of enterprise mobility. Leading companies have found great
remains compatible with each new wave of mobile operating systems and devices. Not success with integrated mobile and web platforms that not only allow them to solve
to mention an inevitable, growing list of desired feature additions and functional their enterprise mobility problem but help them address the entirety of their
tweaks. application development and delivery challenges.

“ The true cost of developing

“85% of companies a native mobile app is between
0”
$425,0 0
have a mobile app backlog
$14 0,0 0 0 and
of between one and 20 apps. ” Forrester Research
Opinion Matters

1 Opinion Matters, Mobile App Backlog Is Directly Damaging Revenue in the Enterprise
2 MGI Research, Mobile Enterprise Application Platforms (MEAPs): A Buyer’s Guide
3 Forrester Research, Your Company Needs A Mobile Organization
 3 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Mobile Application Architectures

At a Glance
The mobile application architecture you choose dictates how quickly and cost Hybrid Hybrid Packaged
effectively you can release new and updated mobile apps to your user base. Many Web Apps Mixed Apps Hybrid Apps
factors come into play when choosing the best mobile application architecture for your
app. We’ll go through those later. Here is a quick overview of the mobile application Run on multiple mobile operating systems (after
architecture types. fine-tuning for each operating system)
Built using a cross-platform framework
Downloaded from an app store
Native apps Part lives on the device and part served from an
application server
Run on a specific device and mobile operating system
ALTERNATIVE - MOBILE WEB +
Built using native code (e.g. Objective-C or Swift)
Downloaded from an app store
Live on the device

EXCEPTION - ONLY IF REQUIRED

How a Rapid Application Delivery (RAD)

Mobile web apps Platform Simplifies Mobile Architectures

It quickly becomes obvious after looking through the different characteristics of each of these
Run on any device with a web browser
architectures that one size definitely does not fit all. The reality is that any enterprise hoping to properly
Built using standard web technologies embrace mobility will be dealing with different apps that demand different architectures. Traditional
Served from an application server approaches are simply not scalable enough to handle the level of variability in target platforms,
form-factors, back-end integration, and technology (churn and skills) multiplied by the velocity of change
DEFAULT - MOST COMMON CHOICE requests across a portfolio of apps. The simple truth becomes increasingly evident, there must be a better
way. As a companion to each architecture, we will augment this guide with how the enterprise Rapid
Application Delivery platform from OutSystems tackles the entire scope of this amazingly complex
problem.
 4 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Native Applications
A native app is designed to run on one specific mobile operating system, such as
iOS, Android or Windows Phone. It is built using the operating system vendor’s
technology and, typically, using development tools supplied by that vendor. For
example, native Android apps are usually built in Google Android Studio using
Bottom line
Java, while native iOS apps are built in Apple’s XCode using the Swift or Objective-C
Build a native app when you want to
programming languages. This approach allows developers to use device features
deliver an extraordinary user experience
and capabilities, such as a camera, GPS or 3D engine.
at any cost. Games, like Angry Birds, are a
good candidate for native apps.
Native apps connect to external systems for data and functionality via standard API
web technologies, such as REST, exposed by backend application servers or mobile APP BACKEND
back-ends as a service (mBaaS). SERVER

Benefits of developing a native app:

Developers have access to all device features and functionality
Developers can deliver a very complex user experience such as gaming or
multimedia
The app can be distributed via the Apple, Windows or Google store How does OutSystems Platform
handle Native Apps?
Disadvantages of developing a native app:
Development costs are high, and timelines can be long, due to extensive Most native apps, especially business applications, are not self-contained on the device. Integration and
communication with a myriad of back-end systems for data, process and workflow is a constant and
hand-coding
challenging requirement. And in the case of many modern apps, these varied back-end servers - living both
Organizations must build and maintain a different code base of the same app in corporate data centers and the cloud - may be leveraged concurrently.
for each OS
OutSystems Platform provides the fastest and simplest way to build an enterprise grade mBaaS (mobile
Developers must learn a different coding language for each version of the
backend as a service) for your app. You can visually model support services that integrate with any corporate
same app database, API or enterprise system. You can mash, cache, aggregate, orchestrate, integrate, add custom
Version distribution can be slow due to the app store approval processes logic/process, and expose all this data via RESTful APIs - an easy way for native apps to connect with your
servers - and scale it with one click, with no impact on your corporate systems. A wide range of application
services (user management, social connectors, background jobs, etc.) support both your native app and a
unified web presence, along with all your app’s back office needs.
 5 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Mobile Web Applications

Bottom line WEB

A mobile web app can be accessed from any device running a web browser
Build a mobile web app when you want your
regardless of its underlying operating system. Mobile web apps are built using
application to be accessible from any device,
standard Web technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript and CSS.
without the need to install an application from
an app store. An example of a mobile web
Mobile web apps are built on top of web technologies. Screens (pages) and
application is the Financial Times web app.
business logic are served from an application server. APP BACKEND
SERVER
Benefits of developing a mobile web app:
Developers only need to maintain one code base
The app is immediately available to users regardless of their device platform
or underlying operating system (omnichannel app)
Developers familiar with web app technologies can build this type of app
New versions are instantly available
Users do not have to install the app How does OutSystems Platform
handle Mobile Web Apps?
Disadvantages of developing a mobile web app:
Developers have limited access to device native features and functionality OutSystems allows for a single authoring environment and codebase with the ability to create and publish a

Web technologies offer limited performance in very complex user interactions, best-in-class user experience for all means of access, including mobile web applications. To maximize

such as animations usability, mobile web

applications built in OutSystems Platform include support for responsive design, meaning that the user
The app cannot be distributed via the app stores, where users are accustomed
interface dynamically optimizes itself for the user’s device, regardless of operating system, screen
to looking for new apps
resolution or device orientation. The operational capabilities are similarly powerful, with one-click
publishing directly from the development environment, which dramatically streamlines testing,
production, and lifecycle management. For use cases where specific device
capabilities need to be leveraged, the platform can separately (or concurrently) target a Hybrid App
deployment model as well, which is detailed below.
6 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Hybrid - The Best of Both Worlds

The hybrid app approach is the fastest and most efficient way to deliver “real,” device-savvy
mobile applications to users with frequency and low development cost and overhead. After
several years of painful and costly missteps with pure native apps, the emergent hybrid
approach has recently swelled in popularity and continues to gain momentum. The hybrid
approach minimizes the amount of custom code required for each supported operating
system, while still giving developers the ability to incorporate native features and functionality.

Additional options within the hybrid category allow organizations to cost effectively fulfill
application requirements while optimizing in-house resources.

Hybrid Mixed Hybrid Web Packaged Hybrid

 7 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Hybrid Web Applications

A hybrid web application combines the best attributes of native and mobile web
apps. The vast majority of the app is built using mobile web standards – HTML5,
Bottom line
CSS and JavaScript – that are either served from an application server or are
distributed with the app. The difference for a mobile web app is that, instead of Build a hybrid web app when you need to WEB
running in a generic browser, the app runs inside a thin native shell. This allows the access device capabilities or you want to
developer to access device sensors and functionality from within the web distribute a branded app via the app stores.
application. This is an ideal approach for apps that access,
manipulate and display data as opposed to
highly complex graphics or animations. An
Benefits of developing a hybrid web app:
example of a hybrid web application is the APP BACKEND
Most of the app will be built using a single code base with web standards Banana Republic app. SERVER
Developers are more likely to have some of the necessary web development
skills
The app can run on existing web infrastructures
Most new versions can be released immediately, since the vast majority of
changes will be on the web app
The app can access device sensors and functionality
The app can be distributed via the app stores
How does OutSystems Platform
Disadvantages of developing a hybrid web app: handle Hybrid Web Apps?
Organizations must develop, maintain and deploy several code bases of the
OutSystems did the heavy lifting of creating a multi-platform native shell, complete with Cordova
native shell to support multiple device and operating systems
integration that is maintained and extended as part of OutSystems Platform. This shell, called OutSystems
There are some limitations in terms of performance and user experience that Now, allows developers to build powerful hybrid mobile apps without having to understand any of the
make this approach impractical for some apps, like games. vagaries of the different individual native environments. It is open source, allowing customization to your
specific needs (e.g. your logo, your native integrations, etc.) For the web part of the hybrid application,
OutSystems Platform makes building integrations, business logic and user interfaces beautifully
straightforward and fast. OutSystems also provides everything needed to leverage full use of device
sensors from within the web app - no native code required.
 8 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Bottom line
Hybrid Mixed Applications Build a hybrid mixed app when you require
WEB

one or two screens with complex user

A hybrid mixed app is similar to a hybrid web app but more code is written natively interactions that need to work on both old
to take full advantage of device features and capabilities. Like hybrid web apps, and new devices. An example of such
hybrid mixed apps are primarily built with standard web technologies. Screens and a hybrid mixed app is LinkedIn.
logic are built using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript, which are either served from an APP BACKEND
application server or are distributed with the app. Hybrid mixed apps include an SERVER
extra native component added to the native shell that enables highly interactive
and device-intensive screens.

Benefits of developing a hybrid mixed app:

Most of the app consists of a single code base for all devices, new and old
Developers familiar with web app technologies can build that portion of the How does OutSystems Platform
app
handle Hybrid Mixed Apps?
Core app components can be created using existing web infrastructure
New versions can be released quickly We did the heavy lifting of creating a multi-platform native shell, complete with Cordova integration that
The app can use device features and capabilities is maintained and extended as part of OutSystems Platform. This shell, called OutSystems Now, allows
developers to build powerful hybrid mobile apps leveraging access to device sensors and apps without
The app can be distributed via app stores
having to understand any of the vagaries of the different individual native environments. For the web part
of the hybrid application, OutSystems Platform makes building integrations, business logic and user
Disadvantages of developing a hybrid mixed app:
interfaces beautifully straightforward and fast. OutSystems also provides everything needed to leverage
Organizations must develop, maintain and deploy multiple versions of the full use of device sensors from within the web app - no native code required.
native shell to support multiple operating systems
Building native shells is less work than building fully native apps, but this is still OutSystems Platform provides the fastest and simplest way to build an enterprise grade mBaaS (mobile

very significant overhead as new devices and versions of mobile operating backend as a service) for the native portion of your app. You can visually mash, cache, aggregate,

systems proliferate orchestrate, integrate, add custom logic/

process, and expose all this via RESTful APIs - an easy way for native apps to connect with your servers -
Each new native component added needs to be maintained for multiple code
and scale it with one click, with no impact on your corporate systems. A wide range of application services
bases
(user management, social connectors, background jobs, etc.) support both your native app and a unified
web presence, along with all your app’s back office needs.
 9 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Bottom line
WEB
Use a packaged hybrid app when you need to
access standard device’s features and

Packaged Hybrid Application capabilities from the app and you don’t want
to maintain any native code base. An example
of a vendor supplied app is Salesforce1
A packaged hybrid app consists of a native shell and a mobile web app very much Platform.
APP BACKEND
like a hybrid web architecture. The difference is that the native shell is maintained SERVER
by a third-party vendor, further reducing the need for in-house maintenance work
on the native code bases.

Benefits of developing a packaged hybrid app:

Organizations only need to maintain one code base for all devices
Developers familiar with web app technologies can build this type of app
How does OutSystems Platform
The app can run on existing web infrastructure
New versions can be released quickly handle Packaged Hybrid Apps?
The app can use device features and capabilities
We did the heavy lifting of creating a multi-platform native shell, complete with Cordova integration that is
The app can be distributed via the app stores
maintained and extended as part of OutSystems Platform. This shell, called OutSystems Now, allows
developers to build powerful hybrid mobile apps leveraging access to device sensors and apps without
Disadvantages of developing a packaged hybrid app: having to understand any of the vagaries of the different individual native environments.
Organizations cannot brand or customize the user interface
OutSystems Now is the fastest way to get started with hybrid, without all the effort of building, testing,
Some performance and user experience limitations
deploying and maintaining a native shell throughout the multiple native operating system updates, not to
Access to the device is limited to what’s supported by the vendor mention the painstaking approval processes of the different platforms’ app stores.

Unlike pure packaged hybrid, it is open source, allowing customization to your specific needs (e.g. your
logo, your native integrations, etc.) For the web part of the hybrid application, OutSystems Platform makes
building integrations, business logic and user interfaces beautifully straightforward and fast. OutSystems
also provides everything needed to leverage full use of device sensors from within the web app - no native
code required.
 10 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

How to Choose a Mobile

Application Architecture 5 Do you need access to custom native functionality?
If the functionality you need has been implemented by a third party, then you can cut development
costs by using a proprietary native shell. However, if what you need is not available out of the box, you’ll
You can see that many factors come into play when choosing a mobile have to invest in developing a shell that supports your requirements.
application architecture. The number of options can further complicate the
decision making process. That’s why it’s important to understand your mobile 6 Do you need to distribute your app via the app stores?
app’s requirements. Specifically, consider the following:
Users typically find apps via their device app store, but there are other ways to distribute an app. For
example, users can access an app from a link sent via email or shared through social networks.

7 Do you need to support devices with poor performance?

You can’t count on every user having the latest and greatest mobile device, so you need to consider
which models you will support. Older devices may not support animation or complex user interfaces
1 Who will use the app? running in the web browser. If these are important, you’ll need to implement them natively.
Organizations typically build mobile apps for either their customers, partners or employees. Image and Alternatively, you can deliver different experiences for people with high-end versus low-end devices.
branding requirements are typically more demanding for customer-facing apps. Although the usability
requirements are equally as strong for both user groups, you can usually keep the presentation simple 8 Do you need to brand your app?
for business-to-employee apps.
Customer-facing apps generally need to represent your brand, but it’s generally not a requirement for
employee or partner apps. If branding is not an issue, you can choose a third-party hybrid shell. It will
2 Will the app consist of a single screen with a lot of animations or sounds? not feature your icon or logo, but it will save you the time and effort required to build and maintain your
The classic example of such an application is a game. Other examples include augmented reality own shell.
applications or applications with heavily customized UIs and hardware-intensive animations.
9 Do you need to support multiple operating systems?
3 Do you need access to the device’s sensors? The cost of native development quickly grows with each operating system you support. And it’s not
Some applications rely on data collected via device sensors. Capabilities like the camera or GPS are only about iOS, Android and Windows Phone. There are also differences between the various versions
available to mobile web apps based on HTML5. Anything more elaborate however, like reading a of each vendor’s operating system. In other words, developing for iOS 7 is different from developing for
barcode, requires native functionality. iOS 8.

4 Does the app require a few screens with a lot of animations or sounds?
Some apps consist of a combination of screens with standard functionality and screens with very
complex user interactions such as heavy animations or sound. Standard screens, like a catalog of cars With the answers you just gave, you can navigate the following decision tree to
featuring technical specs, are a good candidate for a mobile web application. The one screen with the determine the best mobile application architecture for your project.
interactive 3D model of the car is a good candidate for native development.
11 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

Decision Tree
N AT I V E VS WEB VS HYBRID

START HERE

YES NO
Is your app customer
facing?

YES
Is your app single screen YES NO
Do you need to access
NO with lots of animations or
the device sensors?
sounds? (e.g. a game)

YES Do you need access

Do you need a few
to custom native YES Do you need your app NO
screens with lots of
NO functionality, not on the store?
animations or sounds?
available as plugins?

NO
YES

YES

Do you need to NO Do you need to YES Do you need your app

support devices with support multiple
branded?
poor performance? operating systems?

YES NO NO

Native Hybrid Mixed Hybrid Web Packaged Hybrid Mobile Web

12 / Mobile Application Architecture Guide

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About OutSystems

OutSystems provides the enterprise Rapid Application Delivery (RAD) platform that makes it easy to
develop apps once and deliver seamlessly across iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Web - deeply
integrated with existing cloud and on-premises databases and systems of record. OutSystems Platform
enables the rapid delivery and effortless change of large application portfolios and is available as a public
cloud, private cloud and on-premises solution. Over 450 enterprise organizations in 25 countries across 22
industries use the Platform to deliver beautiful mobile and web apps in record time. For more information
visit us at www.outsystems.com or follow us on Twitter @OutSystems.