Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Mobile app platform allows for code-free development on iOS

news
Apr 19, 20122 mins

The service lets users build simple forms-based apps from their iPad or iPhone, with an Android version promised

Startup vendor iGenapps unveiled on Wednesday a do-it-yourself mobile application development platform, which enables users to assemble programs right on their devices and link to a cloud back end.

Users can build essentially forms-based applications without programming, according to iGenapps, which announced its self-named platform at the Demo conference in Santa Clara, Calif. It is available now for Apple’s iOS devices; an Android version is expected in a couple of weeks. “Our target market is small to medium [businesses that] can’t afford $50,000 to build their own native app,” said John Morris, iGenapps chief marketing officer.

But applications developed with iGenapps are limited in complexity. “At a certain point, the complexity gets to a place where you have to go do something different. But for the target market we have, it’s perfect,” said Morris. In addition to smaller businesses, clubs and schools could use iGenapps, he said.

Applications are distributed to users via an email link. iGenapps is selling its tool for $1.99 on Apple’s App Store. The company will host applications for customers for $99 in commercial settings. The technology leverages Sencha’s application development technology. Although users do not need any programming skills, knowledge of HTML or JavaScript will help them enhance their applications with further customization.

There are plenty of “do-it-yourself” mobile apps services available, such as Apps Builder, Conduit Moble, Didmo, and Tiggzi. But they typically provide a cloud-based development tool that generates the usually Web-based application in a native wrapper.

This article, “Mobile app platform allows for programming-free development,” was originally published at InfoWorld.com. Follow the latest developments in business technology news and get a digest of the key stories each day in the InfoWorld Daily newsletter. For the latest developments in business technology news, follow InfoWorld.com on Twitter.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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