
To debate on Native App vs. WAP, we need to clearly understand what exactly a mobile app is, and know the differences between native, WAP and hybrid programs.
Native App —Created for smartphones (iPhone, BlackBerry, Androids, etc.), mobile applications are downloadable programs that run on your mobile device. Because they are designed for a specific platform, apps can be built in such a way as to maximize the unique features of the device. Additionally, a native app requires no Internet connectivity to function as it can work locally on the handset and can update once internet connectivity is available.
WAP — (Wireless Application Protocol) is a website that is optimized for a mobile platform. Typically, you can access WAPs by opening the web browser on a phone and navigating to the correct web address. WAPs require the user to be connected to the Internet for the WAP to function.
Hybrid —In hybrid app, different requirements can be handled in different ways. Some are handled to communicate just data to the backend server where as for some less complex WAP page, those pages are called from the native app
Now we can move on to the three questions we need to ask before making your decision:
1. What are your distribution needs/plans?
This area requires that you understand the makeup of your customer base so you can best determine how to reach them and put your app in their hands.
a. First, how do you get the app to your customer? This is where the “cool factor” comes into play. Native and hybrid apps can be distributed via a mobile app store. It is a bit “cooler” to point your customers to an app store vs. instructing them to type a URL into their browsers.
b. Second, how do you reach all of your customers? A WAP has a much broader audience potential than a native or hybrid app but with limited look and feel and complexities.
2. Do you have the budget to meet your development requirements?
Here, you must weigh the cost of longer, more costly development for the native or hybrid app against the benefit of more tightly integrated user interface and use of phone-specific functionality. Compare native app cost/benefit analysis with the significantly less costly development cycle for the WAP. It’s worth noting that WAPs have only a slightly less integrated and less engaging user experience than an app.
3. Do you understand your audience and know how they will use the app?
Take a hard look at how and where your customer will use the mobile app.
If you answer these three questions honestly, you will determine the best solution for your needs. As with any project, understanding your product, marketing/distribution goals, investment strategy and, most importantly, your customer, will lead you to the best choice for your organization.
WAP vs. Native Application Decision Matrix :-
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Native App
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WAP
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Advantages
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- Library update
- Direct technical support
- User has more control
- App store and device portal solution
- Can apply existing User Interface (UI) standard for mobile users
- Better UI design result, can take full advantage of each platform
- Data persistent – data could be available even with no network connection; more option on data cached
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- One programming language or solution could be applied for different browsers
- Centralized – more control – easy to update
- UI design takes less time and code to implement
- Fast development
- No code size and memory limitations
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Disadvantage
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- Frequent library updates – Fluid technology
- Different programming languages
- Different UI design pattern
- Slow development time
- Update depends on the app store or user to update
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- Library update could be slow from time to time
- Limited direct technical support
- Library is still limited to utilize the native features
- Browser rending issue for different version and browsers
- Data persistent – limited option and fewer data space can be cached
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