New Taiwan software solution saves app development time, money

Want China Times, CNA 2013-10-12

A screenshot of the software solution created by Taiwan's Institute for Information
Industry. (Photo courtesy of the Institute for Information Industry)

A new software solution created by Taiwan's Institute for Information Industry can help people develop mobile applications in a more efficient and cost-saving way, the developers said on Friday.

Using the solution, called AppCross, content providers can save an average of 60% in development time and 80% in development costs, said Anthony Chien, a senior engineer at the institute, citing figures from Taiwan's largest publishing group, the institute's partner in the project.

With the solution, a publisher that can normally develop 40 apps a year has the potential to make 400 a year without needing to code and debug, Chien said.

"It is as easy as using (Microsoft) PowerPoint to make your own slides," he said, adding that as long as the content is in the format of Adobe InDesign, there is no need to hire or contract extra programmers to develop an app.

Even as user-friendly as it is, the AppCross can "meet any needs," the developer said. There are 15 templates, and animation arrangements and interactive features can all be customized to the developer's needs, he added.

The institute is hoping to license the software solution to corporate clients and has already successfully marketed it to Cite Media Holding Group, Transmission Books and Microinfo Co, Sanlih E-Television and others, Chien said.

There are also plans to promote the solution abroad, he said, adding his institute has been in contact with two Japanese companies.