The Modern Take on Cross-Platform App Framework

Apple’s mobile App Store was developed and launched on all of their mobile devices back in 2008, and a few months later we were introduced to Google Play, Google’s equivalent to the App Store. Ever since these two mobile app stores were released, app development soared through the roof and has continued to grow up until 2021. 

Originally, all apps being released were native, meaning they could only be installed through their specific application store (IOS or Google). However, in recent years, many mobile apps have been developed as cross-platform, meaning their applications are designed to be compatible with more than one operating system. Take Spotify for example, their application is cross-platform across Google, Apple’s App Store, Playstation, and XBOX. 

The Difference Between Native and Cross-Platform Applications

Developing a native app does have its benefits. A native app is more tailored to its specific operating system, allowing app developers to produce a fluent application. There are a few experts who still believe that native apps are superior. However, budgeting is usually the driving force behind the shift towards cross-platform development. 

Ben Sandofsky, a professional app developer, said in a tweet “At this point, everyone knows that apps built with cross-platform frameworks only ship if you compromise quality. But nobody has measured whether they save time over just half-assing two native apps”. 

It is, however,  important to remember that the technology available for app developers is constantly changing, indicating that it is worth revisiting this topic from time to time to double-check which development option is the way to go.

Pros and Cons of Native VS Cross-Platform Apps

Cost

Native apps have a high cost of development compared to the significantly lower cost of developing a cross-platform application. 

Usability

Native apps only function on a single platform, whereas the cross-platform app codes can be used on multiple and have easy portability. 

Device Access

Native apps are tailor-fit to the specific operating service on which they will be built, allowing for the app to access the device’s full API without any issues. Cross-platform does not usually allow this same functionality. 

Performance

Native apps are known for their seamless performance because they have been developed specifically for their OS. Modern cross-platform apps are also high performance; however, they may experience frequent lags and compatibility issues. 

There are a variety of reasons as to why developers would choose either one of the application types. The choice must be made as to which application best suits your companies business model and operational goals.

For more information on app development, contact us.

4 Benefits of Using Third-Party Authentication

In today's digital landscape, the security and reliability of user authentication methods play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring a seamless user experience. One approach that has gained popularity is third-party authentication, which allows users to log into websites or applications using their existing credentials from trusted platforms such as Facebook, Google, or Twitter. While third-party authentication offers benefits such as convenience and enhanced security measures, it is essential to understand its limitations and potential implications.

In this article, we will explore the four benefits of third-party authentication, the responsibilities it entails, and its impact on user trust and reliability. By delving into these aspects, we can gain a better understanding of why some users find third-party authentication to be the preferred method of authentication, and how you could benefit from implementing this strategy.

1.You are not responsible for the passwords of your users.

By using third-party authentication, you release yourself from responsibility for any data breach involving passwords. You do not handle private information, so if on any occasion your security network is affected and compromised, only the public profiles of users on their social networks will be exposed.

One of the advantages of third-party authentication is that it simplifies the registration and login process for users. They don't need to remember another set of credentials, which reduces the risk of weak passwords or password reuse. It can also save time by automatically populating user information, such as name and email address, based on the data provided by the third-party platform.

Keep in mind, it's crucial to recognize that even if the service provider does not directly handle passwords, you have a duty to implement appropriate security measures to protect the user data they do have access to. This includes safeguarding the information received from the third-party authentication provider, adhering to data protection regulations, and adopting industry best practices for data security.

2. It is very likely that Facebook or Google have a better, more secure authentication system than the one you could create.

If it is not relevant for your company to store this type of data, then it is recommended that you leave it in the hands of companies like Google because it has more resources to maintain the security of that information. If you need help implementing third-party authentication, be sure you find the right people for the job.

From a security standpoint, third-party authentication can provide an extra layer of protection. Social media platforms generally invest significant resources in securing their authentication systems, which can be more robust and sophisticated compared to the security measures implemented by individual websites or applications. This can reduce the risk of password-related vulnerabilities, such as password guessing, phishing attacks, or weak password storage practices.

NOTE: There are some third-party authentication systems that stand out ahead of others, such as Google and LinkedIn, as opposed to Twitter, which is far from the top places.

3. Some users find third-party authentication more reliable.

Third-party authentication has gained popularity among users due to its perceived reliability compared to traditional username/password systems. There are several reasons why some users find third-party authentication more reliable. Let's explore these factors in more detail.

1. Trust in Established Platforms: Third-party authentication relies on well-known and established platforms, such as Facebook, Google, or Twitter. These platforms have invested significant resources in developing robust authentication systems and have gained users' trust over time. Users may feel more confident in the security measures implemented by these established platforms compared to smaller, less well-known websites or applications.

2. Stronger Security Measures: Social media platforms and other third-party authentication providers often employ advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication, anomaly detection, and machine learning algorithms, to protect user accounts. These additional security layers can make it more challenging for malicious actors to compromise user accounts, which then enhances the perceived reliability of third-party authentication.

3. Convenient and Seamless User Experience: Third-party authentication offers a convenient and seamless user experience. Users can log in to websites or applications with just a few clicks, without the hassle of filling out registration forms or verifying email addresses. This streamlined process can save time and effort for users, leading to increased satisfaction and perceived reliability.

4. Enhanced Privacy Control: Some third-party authentication providers offer granular privacy controls, allowing users to choose which information is shared with the service provider. This gives users more control over their personal data and can increase their confidence in using third-party authentication.

5. Reduced Phishing Risks: Phishing attacks, where malicious actors try to trick users into revealing their login credentials, are a significant concern in the digital landscape. Third-party authentication can mitigate phishing risks because users are directed to the authentication provider's secure login page, where they are already familiar with the branding and security indicators. This reduces the likelihood of falling victim to phishing attempts and enhances the perceived reliability of third-party authentication.

If you’re unsure if third-party authentication is the right solution for your platform, talk to an expert.

4. Facing a data breach problem may make the impact less significant.

If a data breach occurs and you are using a third party authentication such as Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn, you have two possible situations:

• First, if one of them is responsible for the problem, you can be sure that these companies have a security team that will find an answer quickly. The solution is free of cost for you, and if there is a legal problem it is very likely that you will not be affected.

• Second, if the violation occurs on your side, you may find that having hired a third-party authentication reduced the volume of compromised personal information of your users.
  
  

While third-party authentication can offer benefits in terms of convenience and password security, service providers cannot fully relinquish their responsibility for data breaches by simply relying on this authentication method. It is essential for service providers to implement robust security measures, regardless of the authentication method used, to protect user data and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches.

If you have any concerns about how to set it up, feel free to reach out to us.

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

Tips To Become a Salesforce Developer

Salesforce Platform?

Salesforce is a cloud-based pricing, customer support, and marketing management tool. Sales Cloud, Operation Cloud, and Advertisement Cloud are the most relevant items for these purposes. Commerce Cloud (for eCommerce), Financial Services Cloud (for financial organizations), and Health Cloud are among the most common market items (for healthcare organizations). SFDC has additional components to enhance their offerings, such as CPQ & Billing, which is used to provide automatic pricing quotes and invoices.

Force.com, SFDC's PaaS product for developers to build and run applications in the Salesforce infrastructure, was released in 2007. While Force.com was renamed Lightning Platform in 2018, some developers also refer to it as Force.com.

SFDC upgrades its offerings on a daily basis and brings additional goods to its portfolio. Einstein AI is one of these devices, which helps companies improve their CRM through predictive analytics for reasons like finding the most desirable leads (potential clients) for future collaboration.

SFDC's IoT Cloud is another ambitious offering. This interface allows for the gathering, retrieval, and real-time monitoring of data from IoT devices. IoT Cloud, for example, will aggregate data from sensors attached to products to monitor their warehousing and distribution conditions in retail.

Salesforce Customization…

When the built-in point-and-click capabilities in Salesforce aren't enough to simplify complex business operations, Salesforce customization is necessary. Examples of Salesforce customization include:

1. Specific nonlinear enterprise systems can be automated.

2. Salesforce integration of other applications (ERP, company website, social media, etc.).

3. Customizing presentations and dashboards.

4. CRM can be enhanced with Einstein AI capabilities.

Salesforce developers create custom software for Salesforce in addition to customization and tuning IT devise businesses to submit those applications to Salesforce's AppExchange marketplaces.

Back and Front End Development 

Salesforce software developers use Apex, a heavily typed object-oriented programming language with a syntax close to Java, for server-side development. The Apex code is organized into groups and causes. SOQL, Salesforce's own data processing language, is equivalent to SQL.

The Salesforce app has a few quirks that developers should be aware of. To begin, unit tests should cover at least 75% of Apex code before it is deployed. Second, the program places restrictions on developers' ability to execute such operations (Governor Limits). It's difficult to run more than 100 synchronous SOQL queries in a single transaction.

Salesforce's Visualforce and Lightning systems can be used to build user interfaces. Visualforce is a more traditional platform that includes a tag-based markup language and a series of controllers. Lightning, on the other hand, is a contemporary platform that allows for more immersive user interfaces to be created. Aura Components, a Salesforce proprietary programming platform, and Lightning Web Components, a JavaScript-based counterpart to Aura, make up the system.

Education

• Education in software development 

• Bachelor's Degree in software, computer, mathematics, or related fields in engineering

• Gaining Salesforce knowledge through additional online courses

Why You May Like Salesforce Development 

1. The Lightning Platform comes with a lot of ready-to-use programming elements, which makes a developer's job a lot easier.

2. Salesforce software developers build user interfaces as well as function on the server-side.

3. Salesforce growth necessitates a thorough examination of a customer's market processes. Furthermore, learning a customer's company will be a part of your work responsibilities and will have an effect on your career advancement. 

Java and Salesforce Developer 

Salesforce is often chosen by Java developers due to the common syntax of Java and Apex. New work openings around the world (as soon as Salesforce CRM is commonly used), improved pay, and a refreshing transition are the key advantages they seek. Around the same time, some developers argue that working as a Salesforce programmer limits one's career opportunities, while Java programming allows for a wider range of projects in fields other than CRM.

For more information contact isucorp.ca