Benefits of Ionic Framework

The Benefits of Ionic Framework

When companies create apps, they typically establish hybrid ones as this type of application will operate on Android and iOS. Ionic provides support for push notifications through these systems. In addition, the software allows developers to view transitions programmed into the framework for Android and iOS. Instead of learning the programming languages for these two service providers, developers can learn Ionic to gain access to both. The framework lets developers focus on app functionality while providing a native looking user interface upon implementation.

While Ionic is still referred to as a framework, the system has added more services. This has transformed it into a platform. In addition to offering push notification service, Ionic also gives app developers the option of updating their programs instantly within App Stores. The service includes analytics that are easy to assimilate. It is also available in Alpha. By using Ionic, a company’s IT team can implement push notifications more easily because of the service’s handy device checks.

How Do Push Notifications Work?

The best apps operate in a way that uses the programming feature to the company's advantage. They make the push notification an accepted part of a user’s regular routine. Recent data shows that push notification engagement percentages vary among different industries. For instance, the utility and financial services industry has a 40 percent engagement rate while eCommerce and retail is at 12 percent.

The utility and financial services categories have a high response rate because of the services that they provide. For example, in the utility segment, push notifications are sent alerting people to situations like traffic conditions, and people are more likely to respond to these. When it comes to financial services, people respond to these pushes because they provide budget information or money tips. Companies can increase their push notification engagement numbers by becoming a valuable part of their users’ days. App developers should keep in mind that not all apps need to send push notifications daily. Instead, consider sending the proper message to a user at the best time for him or her. Users often respond angrily when they receive push notifications at particularly bad times like when they are sleeping. One survey shows that when companies get it right, their average conversion rates grow by more than 300 percent.

To send push notifications to a mobile device, a company’s server will forward the request to a service provider’s push notification program. For instance, the notification will first go to Apple’s or Google’s push notification system. The service provider’s system will then forward the notification to the customer. Since this method is a roundabout way of implementing push notifications, services that simplify a basic publish-subscribe, or pub/sub, process is available for these types of alerts.

Prepping the Environment

Because of its popularity with users, most companies will want to develop their app for iOS. Apple has a few more requirements for app development than other providers do. For instance, a company's IT manager will need to establish a certificate to create an accredited and encrypted Internet Protocol, or IP, connection. This will permit the app to receive push notifications.

Apple will not let app developers forward push alerts to apps that are operating in an emulator. Instead, the real device must be used. Because of this, the device will need to be equipped with an Apple Developer's License. Consider testing the operations that the push notification will activate in the emulator. Then, when the application is built out, load it to a real device to make sure that it is operating properly.

When it comes to Android, Google offers a service called Cloud Messaging for Android. With it, a company's IT department can send data from a server to each user's Android managed device. The software also permits the company to receive messages from the device through the same connection. The system will queue messages and manage the application.

Simplifying the Process

Without a simplified push implementation service, companies would have to track each user’s phone identification to send push alerts manually. To trigger a notification with a pub/sub service, only one line of code is required. Compare this one-step to querying a database that stores the identifications of every user. Then, separating out which users want notifications and sending out individual alerts for each one.

Several services offer pub/sub functionality, but for this informational resource page, Parse will serve as the example. Parse is widely accepted, and it’s been thoroughly tested. In addition, the service’s plugins and application program interface are easy to use.

App developers will need to set up a Parse account through the company’s site. To verify that a Parse account is set up for push notifications, software developers will need to register. App developers can decide to enhance a push notification by adding sound. To do so, just set up an MP3 file within the platform folder. Once an app developer implements the coding, the system will be ready to run the company’s push notification project.

Clarity Can Help

Since push notifications tempt users to re-engage with an app after it stays idle for a period, they are especially helpful. Clarity offers app software development solutions. We employ a skilled staff who will create push notification alerts with Ionic framework for your company. With Clarity, you can work with software programmers to create tailor-made software solutions for your business whether it’s small, midsize or large. Call us for a consultation and a free quote today.