Published 2013/05/09
I entered this project after the initial launch of an iPhone app. Since then, we added an in-app payment system and migrated the app to our vendor Service2Media’s App Lifecycle Platform™ – M2Active. This enables us to maintain apps across multiple OSs via a shared codebase. Basically, when we make updates, we only need to make them once and they apply to all versions of our app. We have now launched an Android app and a now discontinued BlackBerry app. Because of the nature of M2Active, we will be able to support emerging platforms, such as Windows Phone, quickly and affordably.
We were the first M2Active customers to require in-app payments. Working through the differences between the different marketplaces was one of the more interesting challenges we have faced. However, it is worth it because it enables our users to try before they buy. It has also enabled us to experiment with a personal subscription model for Scopus.
For the next version of the apps, we plan to offer in-app registration and self-managed authentication through deep integration with our shared access and entitlements system. This will remove the biggest barrier to usage we currently have.
For more, please see:
Schiller, K. (2011, June 8). One book, many covers: meeting the challenges of multiplatform publishing. EContent
Download the apps: Mobile Apps Gallery or return to Portfolio
Our marketing group made a cool promotional video: