A web application is essentially a tool, according to Christopher Howell, CEO of Anchorage-based Northwest Data Solutions, which specializes in developing high-tech web applications that work across all modern devices. A web app, which could reside on the user’s device, is connected to dynamic information that’s stored on a database somewhere in the cloud or on a company’s server. Having data stored in one central location allows updates to be applied to one source or code base. “So it’s speed for development and speed for releasing updates and changes, which can be done in a matter of minutes or on a weekly basis,” he says.

Since 2003, Northwest Data Solutions has developed a wide range of apps for the military, engineering companies, furniture stores, and financial institutions. The company has also created industry-specific medical and human resource applications, as well as an aviation safety management application that it is marketing worldwide.

There are also hybrid apps that are a cross between a web and desktop app. They have an offline desktop interface and direct access to hardware and other connected devices. They also have an always-on connection to the internet for rapid updates and access to internet resources. In addition, some apps exist in all three forms, providing greater flexibility for users. For example, Microsoft Word is available for computers in its most comprehensive form but also on the web, by subscription, and via a mobile app.

Alopex Interaction Design is a graphic/web development agency that specializes in corporate-level websites and mobile app development. In addition to creating AlaskaNavigator.org, Alopex Interaction Design developed the Alaska State Fair app for 2015, GreenPass (a social networking app for cannabis enthusiasts), and several Apple Sticker apps—Nora the Wingbear and Alaskanisms—which made the Top 7 list on Apple’s App Store a few years ago. Currently, the company is developing an app for local startup RealtySimple and is finalizing a web app experience for Koahnic Broadcast Corp’s Storyteller series.

With the FNBApp, personal banking customers can log in with Touch ID or face recognition to review transactions, view images of deposits, deposit checks, pay bills, and transfer money, among other tasks. FNBizApp enables business banking customers to log in with Touch ID to review transactions, view images of deposits, deposit checks, pay bills, transfer money, manage positive pay exceptions, and more. And CardValet provides advanced debit card controls for the bank’s customers, including alerts and card controls such as turning the card off/on and restricting activity by region, merchant type, or transaction type. Customers can also establish spending limits within CardValet.

First National’s mobile apps are a valuable resource for customers, according to SVP/IT Systems and Support Director Dustin Hofeling. “Today’s Alaskans carry a smartphone with them everywhere they go, whether doing business around Alaska or around the world,” Hofeling says. “By downloading and using these apps on their phones, First National customers know they can safely conduct a full range of banking transactions wherever they may be with full confidence in the strength of their local bank.”

First National partnered with Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Fiserv to develop the apps. Leveraging key vendor relationships allows First National to be an “early adopter” of many new digital features and enhancements, including mobile apps, Hofeling says. The bank also offers Mobile Deposit, an app enhancement that gives customers the ability to deposit a personal or business check from their smartphone.

“Over the past several years we have seen customers migrating from traditional in-branch and online banking transactions to using mobile banking tools and services for their everyday needs—these services are especially convenient for Alaskans who are frequent travelers to and from the state,” Hofeling says. “Businesses and consumers alike expect to be able to manage their finances anytime from anywhere using their mobile devices. From a fraud prevention standpoint, mobile apps help our customers reduce their risk of fraud with real-time account access and daily account monitoring for suspicious activity.”

Nearly half of First National’s consumer customer base uses its mobile banking app, and customer adoption rates are increasing at a faster pace than ever before, Hofeling says. “First National is focused on enhancing our apps and providing new features to continue to meet our customers’ needs,” he says.

The app is also a fluid resource that is constantly adding new information, such as an upcoming wayfinding project and suggested itineraries for visitors. It also allows for push notifications, so people don’t have to update their app. “Once it’s downloaded, our users don’t need WiFi to use it,” Tetley says. “That’s an incredibly useful feature because many users want to conserve their data. However, automatic updates will happen only when they are in WiFi range.”

The app is enhancing efficiency for Juneau visitors, Tetley says. It provides visitors with another resource, connecting them with information about different businesses and partner discounts. “We obviously have our visitor centers and our website available, but it’s just another way for us to reach people,” she says.

According to Lindman, the totalWifi app will afford MTA customers unprecedented insight and control of their home WiFi. He explains: “They’ll be able to see what devices are connected to the WiFi and how much data they consume, access parental controls to set rules for what devices can connect to the WiFi and at what times, and establish guest networks, so they no longer have to deal with that awkward password handoff to friends and family.”

While the totalWifi app will provide MTA’s customers with new tools to support themselves, it will also give its support center staff game-changing visibility into internet and WiFi issues. Consequently, customers who adopt the totalWifi app will need to call MTA’s support center less frequently, and when they do, their issue should be resolved in a fraction of the time. “WiFi has become an essential home need, so it’s frustrating to no end when the WiFi doesn’t work flawlessly,” Lindman says. “With totalWifi, our customers will experience peace of mind, so they can lead a connected life free of stress.”

It’s important for a company to have a reason to want an app, Burnell says. If they don’t really need an app, trying to develop one can be problematic. Some companies might feel that every company has an app, so they should have one, too. But the reason should be driven by a need to solve a unique problem. “I think there are a lot of situations where the use case for the business is sort of intermittent,” he says. “[In] other cases, if there is a security element, a lot of visual effects or performance issues, then an app might be warranted.”

At Northwest Data Solutions, clients bring ideas, along with subject-matter expertise, for their web application. The company does the analysis and design and provides options to the client. Ultimately, the web app is developed based on the client’s specifications. “We can do everything from the design, development, and maintenance,” Howell says. “For example, NDS can provide maintenance if there’s a new browser feature that is not compatible with old code, or if there’s a bug that wasn’t identified at testing. Support can be provided as needed or as part of an annual subscription.”

At Alopex Interaction Design, there’s an equal mix of creatives and developers on staff—all based in Anchorage or Palmer—to facilitate the app development process. “We start with an idea and work with clients to develop what that idea looks like and how it functions before we ever touch a line of code,” Fox says. “It saves our clients a lot of money by ironing out kinks early on, and it is a real science with its own set of tools.”

The initial step in the development process is really about qualifying whether the app is desired or needed by users, Fox says. Much of the time he helps clients determine that their idea might not have the demand they expected or that there is too much competition.

Fox points out that effective app development requires a team-based approach that includes designers and developers functioning in their respective roles. “You don’t want someone who develops the app to also design the app,” he says. “The developer is really executing the vision… The developer is like a scientist who’s dealing with art. It would be functional but not beautiful.”

Prices for app development are all over the map. The cost equation should include a programmer, designer, and someone to handle the back end of the data side, Burnell says. At Spiffyware, just the programming can run more than $10,000 a month.

Similarly, Fox says app development can be an expensive undertaking—especially compared to the cost of the average website. The cost for creating a decent company website can start at about $4,000 and go up depending on functionality. App development generally starts at $10,000. “I have yet to see an app we’ve developed cost less than $15,000, but that is partly due to the complexity of the projects that we typically take on,” he says. “A simple reference app, for say local hiking trails, could cost half that.”

Pricing aside, it’s important to remember that a good app begins and ends with a perceived value, Fox says. He advises: “If you don’t offer your user enough incentive to download, open up, and update your app on a regular basis, it won’t fly. If you have an idea, ask people if they would use it; hammer it out with a consultant before pursuing it. It takes a long time and a lot of money to build a good app—you want to make sure it’s worth it.”