News from appitudez

The Tortoise and The Hare

2011-05-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

The old fable tells us that slow and steady wins the race. In the world of mobile apps, the reality is that fast and steady (and well-marketed) wins the race.

Quite often prospective clients come to us with a great idea for a mobile app. The first thing we do is conduct due diligence research to determine:

1) Is this a viable concept that people will be interested in buying or downloading?
2) Is the market for the app large enough to justify the time and money required to create it?
3) What is the pricing model? This means a free app that generates income from in-app ads or a paid ad.
4) Has it been done before? How often and how well? Is there room in the market for another one?

If it is a viable concept, then the app must be created both quickly and with quality. And, in most cases, it must be marketed effectively. Many "idea guys" come to us with great ideas, but are often surprised by the size of the marketing budget needed to create buzz and generate sales. With hundreds of thousands of apps in the iTunes App Store and other similar app stores, your app must be both good and well-marketed to reach the Top 10 lists.

As an app company launched from the owners of a marketing firm, DLA Creative, our team provides the full offering of services to our mobile app clients. So, in 2011, the fable has changed – fast and steady, AND well-marketed wins the race.

So keep those ideas coming. And let's get 'em marketed!

It's up to us to turn the economy around!

2011-05-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Generations X and Y will fuel the shopping growth needed to spur an economic recovery, according to a new study."

While Baby Boomers (ages 46 to 64) were largely responsible for the retail spending that fueled recoveries from previous recessions, this time the Boomers are rebuilding personal wealth lost during the recent recession and saving for their future.

Although Gen X is only 75 percent the size of the Baby Boom generation, 71 percent of them have children under the age of 18, which is a time of great spending. In addition, these individuals are approaching their peak earning years.

Generation Y members (ages 10 to 28) have plenty of time to earn and save for the future, and react less strongly to economic conditions. With 85 million people in this group, they outnumber the Boomers. And although 10-year-old children may not have jobs, they have purchasing influence. Have you seen a tween’s bedroom these days? It’s hard to maneuver through all of the stuff—Xbox, iPod, laptop, TV and more clothes than you can imagine.

The article further explains that Gen Y has always lived a life of instant gratification, and for them, a tech lifestyle is a need, not a want. Some of this tech “need” also bleeds over into the Gen Xers. In fact, I recently overheard someone talking about delaying a dishwasher repair so he could buy an iPad—that’s how people live today! Read the rest of the article from InterBusiness Issues here.

Wanna create apps? Are you the best at what you do?

2011-05-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

With a strong background in data-driven technologies and the ability to provide cross-platform solutions, appitudez is well-positioned to partner with today’s leading corporations to meet their mobile technology needs – from smartphone apps to custom applications for tablets to cloud computing solutions for the mobile world.

We only want to work with the best … whether that’s our clients or our team members. That’s why we always keep our eyes open for qualified software engineers, especially those familiar with Objective-C, the XCode toolchain, mobile/embedded development and/or some form of native architecture development. If you have a passion for excellence, a vision for the future and thrive on being part of a winning team, submit your resumé here.

Innovative App Company Tells Its Story

2011-01-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

I wanna be Steve Jobs...

2010-12-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, not really. I like my life. I love my family. But this guy knows how to develop products and convince people that they need them. His latest, the iPad, is a runaway success. In fact, it has the fastest adoption rate of a non-phone electronic product…ever!

Let’s put that in perspective. According to CNBC, in the first 80 days, the iPad sold three million units. It took the DVD player five years to achieve the same adoption rate that the iPad reached in its first quarter. Colin McGranahan, retail analyst at Bernstein Research, states unequivocally, “The iPad is a runaway success of unprecedented proportion.”

Bring it Home
What does this mean for those of us who AREN'T Steve Jobs? For the individual user, the iPad is the current “it” product and is lots of fun to play with.

But for today’s corporations, it’s much more than that. The iPad, or other comparable device, is a powerful tool that can contain a custom enterprise solution. These proprietary apps enable organizations to improve efficiencies, provide instant access to data and increase their competitive advantage.

Here’s How It’s Done
John Prusnick, director of IT innovation and strategy for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, says that they’re all about “home away from home.” Now they take it one step further by even saving you a trip to the reservation desk. When guests walk into Hyatt’s boutique-style Andaz hotels, they’ll be greeted by hotel staff with iPads. “We can swipe your credit card, capture your signature and check you into the hotel,” Prusnick explains. “We even have the ability on iPad to encode your key so you can go directly into your room.

“Imagine a large convention center hotel where there are 1,000 people wanting to check out,” says Prusnick. “Now we’re able to empower hotel staff with iPads and allow them to quickly and easily check out guests.”

RehabCare in St. Louis, Mo., is able to document patient care more accurately in real time through the use of a custom iPad app. “Using a mobile device at point of care saves time,” says Jayson R. Chitwood, vice president of information services. “We’re capturing the treatment delivered, the time spent, and any other relevant clinical information, which makes documentation more accurate and increases compliance.”

With its large, easy-to-read screen and fast internet access, the iPad is an unbeatable mobile interface for clinical applications and documentation, from diagnostic and imaging tools to nursing notes and patient intake forms. “iPad will be the new workstation for healthcare workers,” says Jim O’Brien, assistant vice president of technology services at RehabCare. “With iPad and virtualization technologies, there is nothing we can’t do. It was all about the proper form factor, size and capabilities. And it’s all there, out of the box.”

Remember going to college and hauling around that huge backpack filled with textbooks? Not any more! Today, your entire library of texts can be included on a tablet device like the iPad. University apps also include custom maps, virtual tours, class schedules, homework assignments, freshmen orientation, athletic event information, emergency alerts. It’s all there!

Bottom line: If you can imagine it, it can be created.

What Now?
If your organization would benefit from improved efficiencies, instant access to data from any location or has a vision for a greater competitive advantage, the first step is to identify the specific need. Next, you need to locate an app development company that can create the software for the target device (i.e., iPad) that will effectively integrate with your organization’s existing technology systems. The right company will provide you with guidance regarding how the app can work within your current structure and help achieve your overall business objectives. iBi

Appitudez Inc., a division of DLA Creative, creates mobile applications and proprietary enterprise solutions and can be reached at appitudez.com. (From http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2010/nov/i-wanna-be-steve-jobs.)

2010-10-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

Business App Case Studies

2010-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

The sky is the limit when it comes to the potential of business apps. So let's start there with an app from Virtual Aviation. At a the top level, business is always ready for take-off. That’s because iPhone helps the company’s small team stay connected and deliver 24/7.

And the bottom line. “What iPhone has really meant for us is that we can do everything at any time,” says Virtual Aviation founder James Stevenson. “So we save time, we’re more productive and we save money.” Read all about the app here.
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Many people think that mobile apps are just games or organizational systems for SmartPhones. Far from it! They are most often most powerful as proprietary enterprise-wide systems.

Learn how RehabCare achieves its most important goal: helping people regain their lives after medical treatment. They have turned to the iPhone and iPad to make both its caregiver services and its business operations faster, more accurate, and more responsive. Get the story here.
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"Welcome to college. Here's your paper map of the college campus, a list of of the books you'll need for your classes, a printout of your class schedule." WAIT!!!!! This is 2010!

Head to the nearest recycling bin and toss all that stuff. Today it's all about the app. Look at this case study from the University of Washington in Seattle.
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Want to know more? Check out this link to a list of both Enterprise and Small Business mobile app solutions.
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A recent article from MacWorld on how iPhones are making their way into the business world.
The iPhone Goes to Work
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You know what to do next. Call appitudez! We'll help you take the next step into improved productivity, profitability and portability.

7 Key Trends in Mobile Usage

2010-09-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

“As feature phones give way to smartphones and tablet devices, mobility is taking on new dimensions,” said Noah Elkin, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report “Seven Key Trends in Mobile Usage.” “The ability to consume, create and share more content than ever before translates into increased engagement on mobile devices. It also means enhanced opportunities for marketers to reach out to potential customers via mobile.” Read the rest of the article here.

Celebrate!!!

2010-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated our one year anniversary in August. Recognizing the exploding trends in the smartphone and mobile app industries, we knew this would be a good complement to the work already being done by our affiliate company DLA. Look at some of the current and projected stats:

· Smartphone apps could be a $15 billion industry by 2013.
· Mobile gaming will top $800 million in 2010.
· The mobile ad market should be $500 million in 2010.
· A Pizza Hut exec expects 50% of future orders to be mobile.
· The iPad is for Grandma. Read it here.

We've had a great response and have some exciting things in development. Stay tuned!

Peoria Company Reinventing Itself

2010-07-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

By Steve Tarter of the Journal Star
PEORIA — The iPod phenomenon has done more than make Apple Inc., makers of iPods, iPhones and other items, a lot of money. It has accelerated the development of the mobile Internet ... Read complete article here.

Get it while it's hot!

2010-07-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Some call it a "killer app". Others say "it all adds up". And now it's a powerhouse deal with our Beat The Heat price – only $1.99 (normally $7.99). But this price won't last.

11 powerful calculators in one app. Now at our lowest price ever!
• Standard Loan
• Auto Loan
• Mortgage Qualifier
• Fixed Rate Mortgage
• Variable Rate Mortgage
• Refinance
• Credit Card Payoff
• Compound Interest
• Retirement
• Savings
• Annual Percentage Rate

Simple enough for money novices, yet sophisticated enough for financial professionals. Valuable for home buyers, realtors, bankers, mortgage lenders … or anyone wanting to estimate their loan payments, savings accumulation or retirement amount.

Smooth, intuitive user interface with quick calculations and clearly-written Help screens. This app was developed by a team including accounting, banking, design, technology and communication professionals with a goal of streamlining daily calculation needs.

Another GREAT Review ... Thanks!

2010-07-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

For financial matters, Appitudez Financial Calculators is on the mark!

If you have any need of a financial calculator then Appitudez Financial Calculators is right on the nose. This collection suits the needs of anyone who may be shopping for investments, loans or cars. It is also advised for businesspeople that need to crunch numbers as well. While finding one of these on the web is easy, finding one that fits the iPhone really isn’t. Downloading this will give you the more common of the formulations that you will need for any type of calculations for any financial situation.

With this application, you have your choice of over 11 calculators including those for investment, annual percentage rate as well as savings for example. All you do is change the parameters for what you need and hit go. The calculators can give you the financial nitty-gritty when it comes to details. You can save this information for later or can download it for future reference. Your saved calculations can be saved in alphabetical order by name. This can be very handy for those that need to save financial information such as real estate agents and consumers to be precise.

So you can see why this would be a very valuable application for you to have. This is a lower priced application at $5.99 and well worth every penny paid. (NOTE FROM APPITUDEZ – NOW ON SALE FOR $1.99.) No matter what you need in financial calculations, this application has it for you and in a easy to use format for ease of use and saving information for future reference later.

Original link here.

Corporate Apps: Why Us? Why Now?

2010-07-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

The means of interacting with your customer continue to evolve. One of today’s newest ways to connect is with a corporate app. Here are some examples of how some companies are getting right in their customers’ pockets:

Pizza Hut. Their app allows you to build a customized pizza on your phone by choosing the crust type and adding various toppings, then clicking a button to order it. Convenient for grown-ups and fun for kids!

Nationwide Insurance. While most of us know the steps we should take, it’s hard to think clearly after an accident. Nationwide Mobile helps you contact local authorities and emergency services. It also prompts you to exchange relevant information with the other driver, as well as take pictures of the scene with the iPhone’s built-in camera and record the exact location with the phone’s GPS.

AirStrip OB. Since this is the healthcare issue, I couldn’t neglect the huge impact apps are having on this industry. The Apple website shares an amazing example. AirStrip OB enables obstetricians to monitor different stages of labor even when they’re not by a patient’s side. Developed by AirStrip Technologies, AirStrip OB links individual mobile devices to a central server with HIPAA-compliant authentication, giving obstetricians remote access to live views of delivery room data—including fetal heart tracings, contraction patterns, vital statistics and nursing notes.

“AirStrip OB is an absolutely indispensable app on iPhone,” says Dr. Marco Giannotti. “It fundamentally changes the way I’m able to interact with labor and delivery. In a tenth of the time, without pulling a nurse away from what she’s doing, I get all the real-time data I need at the touch of a button.”

The Wine Connection. Massimo Marinucci runs a $20 million business with six employees, an online enterprise system and his iPhone. “We’re basically a web-based business,” Marinucci explains.

Having instant access to inventory and sales data means that Marinucci can better serve his customers. If a customer walks in and says, “You know, I can’t remember what I bought last time. Can you help?” he pulls out his iPhone, logs into the system and looks up the purchase based on the customer’s name or email address. If the customer decides to buy, Marinucci can process the sale right there, without using the cash register. And that results in a faster transaction for the customer and shorter lines at checkout.

Ahead of the Curve
DLA Creative recognized the trend of apps and launched a spin-off company six months ago. This new entity, appitudez, has already released several successful apps. Having the ability to create these portable marketing tools is just one more way to help clients extend their brand and reach the higher level of customer intimacy that is needed in today’s marketplace. iBi

This article was originally published in interBusiness issues, written by Michelle Lefebvre

Write well. Right now.

2010-06-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

Looking for copywriter with 2+ years ad agency experience. Primarily website copywriting with some print ads, radio commercials and other creative projects. Need ability to effectively translate complex subjects into client-friendly verbiage.

Must be versatile, able to multi-task, have strong attention to detail and thrive in fast-paced environment. Should be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Part-time position with potential for growth. 20 hours per week at well-established innovative marketing firm in north Peoria. Email resumé, samples and salary requirements to Michelle Lefebvre.

Time to Make the Apps

2010-05-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

How much does it cost to develop an app? How long does it take?

Many people think it's a matter of a great idea and a little bit of coding and voilà! Not so fast. In reality, it often takes a comprehensive team several months to pull it all together. While they're working on the app itself, you need to have the marketing team putting together a promotional plan to get it into the right hands (whether it's being sold to an individual or a corporation). Of course, all this costs some bucks.

Greg Grundberg, star of NBC's "Heroes," has a second job as an app developer. In this clip from "Planet of the Apps," on CNBC, Greg shows off how his coupon app, Yowza!!, works.

Are You An App Star?

2010-05-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Take this quiz to see how much you really know about iPhone apps. Here's an example of one question.
What was the one billionth application downloaded from Apple's App Store?
Post your score. Let us know how you did.

I feel naked...

2010-05-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

when I don't have my iPhone. Do you feel that way?

One day last week, I rushed out of the house without my iPhone. I had notes for the meeting I was running late for. I had my purse, Mountain Dew, MacBook Pro, lip gloss ... what else could I need?

Zipping down the road far too fast, it hit me. I forgot my iPhone and bluetooth. I reached over to call my husband so he could grab it for me and drop it off at my meeting.

But it wasn't there. How could I call about my iPhone without my iPhone? TRAGEDY! I had no choice but to be even LATER for my meeting. Screeching into the nearest turn-around, I did an about face and flew back home – meeting my husband's vehicle nearly head-on as he pulled out of the driveway and into the street. Pay attention, dude!

Pop into neutral, yank the parking brake, jump out of the car (not an easy task in a low-slung car in a tight skirt and sky-high heels) and run into the house to grab the phone (where a message was waiting from the person I was supposed to be meeting). Back to the car, shift into reverse and away I go.

Slide the bluetooth into place, pat my iPhone and push the clutch. By the time I've shifted into third, I can see that everything's gonna be alright.

Peoria Company Reinventing Itself With iPhone Apps (Complete Article)

2010-05-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

By Steve Tarter of the Journal Star

PEORIA — The iPod phenomenon has done more than make Apple Inc., makers of iPods, iPhones and other items, a lot of money.

It has accelerated the development of the mobile Internet as users learn "there's an app for that" and decide on which apps they want.

An app is computerese for application, if you didn't know.

As iPhones, iPod Touches (which provide the Internet connection without the phone) and other devices proliferate, the market for apps has exploded. Apple's iPod store offers more than 100,000 apps, with more coming available every day.

A Peoria company looks to help in that development.

Appitudez, Inc., a division of DLA Creative, Inc. 3332 W. Willow Knolls Road, already has developed two apps and has more on the way, said Michelle Lefebvre, DLA vice president.

"Financial Calculators" was the first app the Peoria agency developed. It allows the user 11 different calculators in one. The user can figure such things as home loans, auto loans and credit card payoffs - all in the palm of his or her hand. The financial tool sells for $5.99 - pricey by app standards, according to one online reviewer, who still raved about the app's effectiveness.

Then, earlier this year, Appitudez came up with "Cartoonerizer," a free download that lets you take your favorite photograph and convert it to cartoon form.

"Cartoonerizer had more than 45,000 worldwide downloads in the first week of its release on Jan. 5," said Adam Byerly, a partner in Appitudez who handles the tech side of the operation while Marc Lefebvre, DLA co-founder and Michelle's husband, handles design duties.

"Both of our apps have flown through the application process," said Michelle Lefebvre, referring to the official acceptance by iPod's Apple managers. "They receive over 8,000 apps a week for approval and not all are accepted," she said.

The app market is already a billion-dollar proposition, said Michelle Lefebvre. "Experts estimate it will be a $4 billion market by 2012," she said.

While many of the apps developed around the world are games people can play on their handheld device, Appitudez is focused on business, she said.

"We're kicking around ideas for our next app. We're excited about bringing this (opportunity) to corporations. There are plenty of large and medium-sized businesses that could benefit," said Michelle Lefebvre.

National firms such as Geico, Nationwide Insurance and Pizza Hut already offer apps to customers, said Marc Lefebvre. "In the case of Pizza Hut, you actually build the pizza you want online," he said.

The Peoria firm has already been pitching area customers on possible apps, said Byerly.

"For some target audiences, (apps) really make sense. My personal goal is to develop a double-digit number of apps over the next year or two," he said.

As Spencer, the Lefebvre's beagle, pads about the DLA offices ("He's our chief morale officer," said Michelle Lefebvre), change hangs in the air.

While DLA is a 17-year-old ad agency that has worked on all types of media campaigns, the whole concept of building specific downloads for customers is still relatively new, said Michelle Lefebvre. "We've had to reinvent ourself in terms of the services we offer. Part of this involves launching an entirely new service," she said.

Launched last year, Appitudez builds on DLA's marketing experience, she said.

The rapid adoption of apps by the public has proven to be a challenge. "We're still learning as we go," said Byerly.

One thing that hasn't changed is the need to listen to clients about their needs, said Michelle Lefebvre.

"As a marketing firm, our goal is to help companies develop creative strategies to grow their business in spite of difficult times," she said.

And find an app for that.