The technical contexts of various app development services are the features that ultimately build-up the total cost. There are certain requirements of IoT-based ecosystems that may not be required for web and mobile app development. In a general overview, the elements of building IoT apps for android or other platforms include,
Features of your IoT application
Complexity based on hardware and software
Security of the application
Primary interfaces of the IoT ecosystem
Developer team
1. Features of the IoT application
Proper cost calculation is essential for smoother performance in the market post-deployment. While starting out, it is recommended to have a novice idea with features that are required, such as ones in an existing free iot mobile app, instead of experimenting with multiple new features. The more complex and longer the feature list for IoT and mobile apps is, the more expensive it might get to develop.
Simple IoT apps are recommended to start out with, as it has limited device connection and basic features that allow it to handle user information. A complex IoT application could have several third-party integrations, device integrations, multiple sensors, tracking data, and so on, and could be expensive to start out with. Hence, for maintenance of your ecosystem until new features are added over time, a simple feature-based IoT mobile application development is recommended.
2. Complexity based on hardware and software
IoT is a platform that comprises several opportunities but is relatively filled with challenges as well, due to the complexity of the novice platform. Having a clear vision and focus of your idea can help you integrate the features that you want hardware and software-wise. Certain hardware devices offer more inbuilt features compared to others. Hardware acts as a monitoring system as well as an interface for interaction with users. Hence, the priority should be to utilize hardware and software that allows seamless connection for users.
3. Security of the application
Due to the number of devices across different channels involved, there are multiple entry points for security, data, and privacy violations in IoT apps. Apart from these, large databases, third-party integrations, real-time scans, and synchronization across devices are also potential targets. Including a security expert on your team can not only reduce costs that may incur in the future but also avoid any potential security threats.
4. Primary interfaces of the IoT ecosystem
IoT hardware comprises a wide range of devices for routing, sensors, and bridges. Hardware boards, firmware, edge computing, and sensors are some components of an IoT ecosystem. For instance, in the case of IoT apps for Android, the partial cost of hardware is covered by smartphones that users access it through. For a cost-effective primary interface, it is recommended to buy hardware that suits your project.
5. Developer team
The time taken for building your application depends upon the features that you require and the team that you hire. An expert IoT app development team can aid the process by giving an estimate of the duration required for app development. Developers, designers, QA engineers, IT professionals for front-end and back-end developers, and a project manager are required for developing, implementing, deploying, and maintaining your IoT-based application.
Based on products, size of the integrated third party applications, hardware, team, duration of work by the developing team, an average IoT-based mobile application project can cost you around $19,000-25,000.