How does one make a choice when it comes to selecting a good development partner? What criteria do you go by, and what features should you look for? Well, you must take care to select a company that gives you the advantage of being their client. You must look for a company that can provide the perfect expertise, insight, and support which will ensure the growth of your company. One who  creates a win-win situation for your business and product scalability is a good choice.  Our experience in BitsActive Systems has been same.

Features

There are certain characteristic features that you can look for while making a choice among great  development partners. These features are a benchmark that indicates successful and reliable companies.

Customer-centered operations model

The company must have teams that specialize around your company’s technology requirements and area of operations. This ensures that the solutions and services that are provided are specialized and that the distinctly characteristic needs of your company are met perfectly.

Around-the-globe networking

This empowers you to select the service strategy that is tailor-made for your company’s needs.The  firm must be able to service your requirements irrespective of your company’s location, and this service must be up and running at all times. Transnational servicing is a must.

Proven track record

The company you choose must have an established track record. They must be known for delivering their promises. The services and expertise they provide must be on time and within budget. Look for this winning combination. The budget and the deadlines should be foundations on which the company must base their work. The company must help you set your goals, right from the beginning and then continue to help you organize and adapt to new technologies as and when required.

Investment maximization

You need to maximize as much as possible on your information technology investments. The standard of operations at the company must include world-class procedures and processes. The development of solutions by the company must ensure the minimal use of time to value the investment of your company. The information technology services provided by the company must not just ensure the good running of your company, but also ensure its growth and transformation.

The best solutions arise from collaborations and relationships that stem from strength, trust, and productivity. The simplest way to ensure that you’ve chosen the right company is to check their track record and look at the results on paper. But another very important thing to keep in mind is the work ethic of both the organization and your company. If the work ethic matches, then the partnership will be smooth sailing for sure.

Social media having taken the world by a storm in the recent years is expected to play a major role in the years to come too. Marketing through social media which was one of the many channels would be one of the main source reach out to the target market.

Some of predicted trends in 2014 are discussed here.

Increase in user of Smart phones and mobile applications:

With so many  mobile phones and smart applications flooding the market, the number users are also increasing at a rapid pace. Most of those who own these trendy devices have internet on them. There is a greater scope to connect and share content through these hand held devices. Therefore, its imperative for the businesses to showcase their presence on social media that will be frequently accessed by these users.

Snap Chat on the rise

Snap Chat, a mobile app , that sends messages, pictures or short videos as ‘snaps’ that would auto-destruct within seconds has been welcomed very warmly. Brand marketers find Snap Chat Stories very useful feature as they can connect to the customers on the spot and get to share their experiences increase the interaction.

Google +  will see plus plus users

Google being a premier search engine , using social signals to integrate all users needs  under one roof will be definitely see the slide tilt in their favor. With introduction of Google Authorship and Google Author Rank, Google+ is here to make it big and stay. Businesses who have not used much of social media presence will also move in the direction and the best place to start of would be Google + sheerly due to ability to  provide that personalized search experience.

Linked In – be there to be seen as a pro

Linked in has established its monopoly as the social networking site for professional and B2B marketers. It enhancing the being on Linked in experience by launch its Influencers program which is a great source of content creation for the professionals.

Twitter evoking renewed interest

Twitter’ going public has renewed the interest on this site and has managed to get back a lot of lost customers. Apart from the new users joining due to curiosity by the popularity evoked by site , lots of young adults and teenagers are shifting loyalties and exploring Twitter.

To sum up the trends, Google + will see a definite growth in spite of the presence of giants like Face book and Twitter. These veteran sites will see a increased competition from other social media sites that are constantly innovating. Business marketing professional will target to have their presence felt on mobile devices as well.

It’s a mobile and mobile internet era, mobile phones are increasingly used for access internet  and along with calling, receiving calls, messages and other transactions. This necessitates need for Mobile Optimized Websites. Such websites are built specifically for viewing on mobile phones that enables the users to go through the content without scrolling left-right, pinch or zoom to read the text. They load much faster and have features like tap to call, tap to email, and tap for Google Maps functions etc. These result in increased sales, generate greater traffic and boost user interaction.