Employees and consumers access all types of mobile applications using various devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. Recently, HTML5 has received plenty of attention for those looking for ways to create apps that work on all of these gadgets and are supported on all web browsers.

The growing popularity of platforms like Android, iOS and even Windows Phone means that app developers have many choices as to what platform(s) they would like to develop on. In the past, companies that wanted to experience the benefits of cross-platform mobile development needed skilled workers or had to hire outside help. Those days are now over, as there are now a number of free and effective options at their disposal.

Tools such as IgniteUI, for example, allow users to create highly visual HTML5 applications in jQuery that deliver fast performance on every Internet browser, device and operating system. Firms can create apps that are made with touch-based gestures in mind, including pinching, zooming, panning and flicking capabilities, which have become staples of today's gadgets.

Looking ahead, the development of HTML5-based applications is only expected to grow in importance, making it even more crucial that businesses get ahead of the curve by creating their own unique apps suited for their own corporate demands.

The Majority of Mobile Apps will be Hybrid by 2016

According to a Gartner report, more than half of all mobile applications by 2016 will be hybrid, which includes HTML5 features and native device functions.

"Mobility has always been a separate topic for IT professionals, but it is now influencing mainstream strategies and tactics in the wider areas of technology enablement and enterprise architectures," said Gartner Vice President and Analyst Ken Dulaney. "Increasingly, enterprises are finding that they need to support multiple platforms, especially as the BYOD trend gains momentum."

Companies supporting BYOD can kill two birds with one stone. On one hand, they no longer have to issue corporate-owned devices to their employees, saving on annual costs. Secondly, workers can use their own personal gadgets, which they are more familiar with and trust, to perform work-related functions.

Given that staff members are using Android, iOS and Windows devices, companies cannot simply support just one operating system. Firms that want to create HTML5 applications that function across all devices and web browsers will find their apps to be the most useful, as all of their employees, regardless of what device they use, will be able to access these apps.