Mobile application development is for every mobile device user who has ever lamented, "If only there was a program for that!" With application development, you can create the programs and applications that you need. Whether you need to keep track of time or communicate remotely with the office, a professional developer can customize a mobile device application to your exact specifications.

As more businesses rely on mobile devices, having the right applications on those devices is becoming increasingly essential. At the same time, mobile devices are becoming more sophisticated, so they can handle more complex programs and commands. Despite this, companies developing software usually create titles that only allow for limited customization, resulting in applications that may not be just right for you. Building custom applications lets you save time and frustration, because you end up with a mobile device that works just as you need it to. If you have been thinking about a mobile application development provider, consider:

1. Finding services that take care of the details of mobile application development for you.

2. Buying tools that allow you to develop your own programs without endless consultations--and at a lower cost.

3. Taking classes that show you how to develop simple applications inexpensively.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find mobile application development providers who can develop a customized solution

Some companies provide a full range of mobile application development services. Simply contact these service providers, explain what you are looking for and they will develop an application for your device that suits your needs. Hiring a professional developer is a good solution for busy business people with limited application development knowledge.

I recommend: Intermec offers an array of mobile application development services, including design and analysis, custom application development, mobile application testing and project management services. Endeavour offers application development for iPhone, J2ME, Palm OS, Win CE, Symbian and other mobile platforms. Contact them for a free mobile device application development quote.

Get the tools necessary for in-house mobile application development

If you or your employees are familiar with programming languages and programs, tool kits allow your company to develop applications in-house. These tool kits help you design and sometimes even test your applications without having to outsource. As an added bonus, any applications your employees develop are generally your company's copyrighted property and can translate to more profits down the line.

I recommend: The Sun Java Wireless Toolkit helps programmers develop wireless applications designed to run on cell phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and other mobile devices. PDATopSoft sells MobiForms, which is a tool for creating mobile applications for Pocket PC, Windows CE, Tablet PC, Windows Mobile, Smartphone, Symbian and Palm platforms.

Sign your team up for mobile application development training

If you often find yourself needing simple applications, developing your own in-house development team can be the most cost-effective solution. To do this, though, you often need more than just a few tool kits -- you also need to train your employees and yourself to create simple applications. Classes often allow you to start designing simple applications quickly.

I recommend: Adobe offers an on-going Flash Lite 1.1: Mobile Application Development course that provides hands-on practice as well as theory so that students can start creating simple applications for mobile devices right away. Exceed Education offers a very comprehensive course for developers interested in learning about J2ME architecture for mobile devices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you seek out mobile application development information or a mobile application development list or catalog and eventually decide to hire a service to take care of all the development for you, have the service develop your application for more than one platform. You may also want to share your application with other team members and use the application on different devices.