Creating an app can be an exciting process. It can also be a pretty big commitment. Long after you’ve published your app, you may find yourself updating it, maintaining it, adding new features, and so on.
In short, your app development cycle doesn’t stop after launch. You’ll need to engage in app management to keep things running smoothly. And in this post, we’ll cover the basics you need to know for application management.
What is app management?
First, what is it? App management is the process of managing the operation, maintenance, version history, and eventual upgrades of an application throughout its lifecycle. While this is very different from the development process, it is still incredibly important.
Like anything tied to app development, you could, of course, improvise. However, establishing solid application management policies will help you maintain best practices, ensure optimal operation, and help maintain the performance and efficiency of your app.
After all, you don’t need us to tell you that apps age. And if you aren’t managing them properly, they won’t age gracefully. App management ensures that your app stays relevant, modern, and effective for your users.
Who are the key stakeholders in app management?
In application management, there are a handful of important stakeholders. Here are the main ones you should know about.
Application manager and analyst
These are the team members that actually “own” the app management process. It’s their vision that the rest of the team is executing.
Generally speaking, there should be one manager/analyst per application.
There are two reasons for this.
First, it keeps the vision singular. This allows you to make decisions faster, maintain consistency, and create long-term familiarity with your app.
Second, keeping just one app manager/analyst will prevent you from devoting too much attention to an already deployed app. While managing launched apps is essential, your team no doubt has other app projects it wants to pursue. Keeping your resources divided appropriately ensures you have the people-power to produce new products.
Business unit owners
Business unit owners are your financial stakeholders, such as investors and higher-ups. For these stakeholders, your app’s bottom line is the key factor that they’ll be considering.
This gives your team financial incentive to keep investing in your already-deployed apps. Doing so will bring in a steady stream of new users, keep old users happy, and, importantly, keep the income flowing.
Developers
Developers are the people who have developed the app and will continue upgrading and maintaining it. Their say is valuable because they have the most hands-on experience with the application.
App users
In many respects, application users are your most important stakeholders. And typically, they’ll all be within a single organization or demographic. Keep feedback channels open to them and use their feedback to steer the direction of your app management.
Why is application management important?
Application management is important for several reasons. It helps protect corporate data even when employees use your app on their devices. It prevents security risks, which require you to update your app frequently.
App management helps your team keep your app running as efficiently as possible, so it works properly on all of the latest operating systems. And, finally, it’s important because it maximizes your investment in an app.
As soon as you give up on app management, your app’s success will decline, and with it, all of the resources you initially poured into it.
Learn more about app management with RebelDot!
Interested in learning more about app management and other development topics? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog. And if you’re looking for help with application management, reach out to RebelDot’s expert team!
