Why Should You Use Magento For Ecommerce?

Feb 07, 2017
 Magento is a strong ecommerce open source framework written in PHP. Among other names that are popular for development of ecommerce websites such as Drupal, WordPress and Joomla, Magento has emerged as the most preferred choice of audience.WordPress or Magento? Pick Your Platform WiselyWordPress may seem to be an easier choice with less coding work required. However, Magento is more flexible in terms of advanced customizations. While both of these are Content Management Systems (CMS), these frameworks make it simple to add, modify, and manage contents in the simplest way possible. Further, these platforms are SEO friendly and backed by a strong online support community.While there are so many similarities, what sets these platforms apart is the difference in their core functionality. Magento is dedicated for ecommerce website development considering the kind of in-built features and functionalities offered.On the other hand, WordPress is more of text-based and ideal for blogs. Though WordPress has variety of themes for ecommerce and business websites, the restrictions on customizations do not let you make the website as per your ideation completely. These are the possible reasons behind the surge of Magento ecommerce development servicesMagento: A Promising Ecommerce Development PlatformIf you are someone who hasn’t explored Magento yet, here’s a piece of information for you. This open source platform comes with an array of magnificent themes & templates. Magento framework makes it easier for professionals to work on secured ecommerce shopping cart development.Why Magento has took over other technologies when it comes to ecommerce website development? Answer to this question lies in the following pointers:1. Flexibility to set up the website as per business needs and preferences 2. Ability to manage multiple store through ‘multi-store management’ feature 3. Generation of up-to-date reports for analysis 4. SEO practices get noticed on websites developed on Magento framework 5. Mobile commerce becomes easy to implement with Magento 6. Magento makes it possible to create a fully customizable online store 7. Advanced functionality and systematic order management comes as an added bonus while working with MagentoOn a Concluding Note Magento is an ideal choice for small, medium as well as enterprise as the websites based on this framework are highly scalable. Third-party extensions and plug-ins of Magento are sure to fulfill your business website requirements....

How Frequently Should you Roll Out Mobile App Updates?

Jan 19, 2017
The advent of smartphones has brought about a significant change in the lifestyle of mobile phone users. Use of laptops and desktops is diminishing with an overhaul of convenience provided by smartphones. Any sort of task that requires a user to work on laptop is now possible to undertake with the help of pocket sized gadget. The following graph does justice to this statement:

1Image Courtesy: Digiday

Name any task and there are a couple of mobile apps to accomplish it smoothly. Mobile app development industry is growing seamlessly owing to increased user demand and requirement for an eclectic variety of apps. This has resulted in mobile apps becoming more feature-rich and serving users with high-end functionalities.What is the need for mobile app updates?Technology is blooming at an unprecedented rate, thereby opening up new opportunities for mobile app developers to experiment and bring in innovation in their work. Making amendments to previously launched mobile app in order to remove bug, improvise performance, incorporate latest technology or add an extra feature based on user feedback is necessary for your app to retain its value in the App Store.Direct Mapping of App Ratings with Frequency of Updates Rolled OutIf you think that mobile app updates are merely to improvise your previously developed app and remove bug then you re highly mistaken. There is a direct connection of app ratings with the frequency of app updates. To be more precise, the regularity and frequency of app updates affects its rating in the App store.Following graph shows insights on the connection between app ratings and frequency of updates:2Piece of information conveyed by above graph is that you should schedule app updates instead of rolling out randomly. Setting a particular frequency will lessen the risk of users getting frustrated with random updates.List of Valid Reasons for App UpdatesNow that you have learned about setting a frequency for app updates and scheduling it evenly, the next thing to understand is to validate your update. Why do you need an update to be rolled out? Give a valid answer to this question for users to accept and upgrade the app to new version.1. Addition of enhanced featuresHardware specifications of smartphones are constantly changing in an endeavor to offer better devices to mobile phone users. Operating system upgrades are also made available to users who are always eager to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.Following image shows Google Play Store’s support for split screen feature of Android Nougat:

3Image Courtesy: YouTube

These factors make more room for previously launched apps to include enhanced features. Mobile app developers work on it and send out updates for users to enjoy the benefits of newer technologies.2. Improvements to the appMobile app development companies usually release the first version of app in store very soon. Once the app is used by audience, they scrutinize the analytics and work on areas that require improvement from user’s perspective. Even user feedbacks are considered in this development phase to improve the present app.Possible bug removal, resolving navigation issues and performance improvements are considered as most validated and useful app updates for users. For example, an app named ‘FabAlley’ was rolled out to iTunes in 2015, but updated later to ensure its compatibility with latest iOS versions.

4Image Courtesy: iTunes

3. Updating users of your active involvement in developmentNot getting updates for a mobile app for a long time may make a user think that the app developers and the team maintain it is not active or not interested in the app anymore. App updates at regular intervals reassures users that you acre for them and are constantly working in improving the app to meet their requirements.4. Implementing changes based on user feedback Once the app is deployed to the App Store, it becomes open to wide audience. While some download and use the app, few of them take efforts to even post feedback based on their user experience. The app maintenance staff escalates this feedback to development team, who then decide on ways to fulfill app user’s requirement.The apps that take into account feedback of users in the process of improvisation earn a set of loyal audience. They feel valued and go forward to share their experience of using the app with friends or sometimes even on social media.On a Concluding NoteBased on the nature of your app and target audience, decide the schedule of app updates. Purpose of update must be well served in the version released out to the App Store. Give meaningful to your app and enhance its value by releasing timely meaningful updates....

Essential Elements to Create Elevator Pitch for your Mobile

Jan 16, 2017
An idea drives an app. But sometimes having an idea is not enough, it is critical to have an elevator pitch. For those wondering what an elevator pitch is all about- in a nutshell it your app’s mission statement.Crafting an effective elevator pitch will help you take a next step forward. Elevator pitch could probably make a difference and help you seize the opportunity. If you craft an innovative elevator speech it will inspire trust about idea and help listeners to want to learn more about your idea. Whether it is for your target audience or investors, elevator pitch is an effective business tool to communicate your idea to the world—the elevator pitch. For several companies offering mobile app development services, it is one of the most important aspects that will determine the success of your mobile app.No matter you are in ideation, design or mobile app development phase, you should have an elevator pitch with you at all times.Here are the five essential steps to creating one:What your Mobile App DoesThis is the most important question, what is your app all about? You need to define your app’s purpose. This will be your app’s goal statement in the most concise and appealing manner. This is a very simple and straightforward question and you need to answer it as clearly as possible. One of the most important tips is to stay simple and not complicate matters.Make it Focused on BenefitsAlways keep in mind that people listening to your elevator speech just want to know what’s in for them. Make your elevator pitch benefits oriented and not just features oriented. Tell users what makes your app special; in short tell users about your app’s main unique selling proposition.Be Concise and ClearRise above the fluff and go straight to the point as your elevator pitch should not last for more than a couple of minutes. Because you can’t afford to waste even a minute. Write down everything on a piece of paper, read it through and knock out elements that sound superficial and don’t add any meaning to your speech.Keep editing mercilessly till you’ve got the speech down to just few bullet points or sentences. Remember, your goal should be to entice the listener to learn more and not tell long story. Stay focused on the core message and not details like how and where you got the idea.Stay Away from JargonElevator pitch last for few minutes and sometimes just seconds. The last thing you want is to confuse your users, target audience or potential investors with tech speak or industry jargon. Your elevator pitch should be easy-to-understand even for non-technical audience. So avoid using acronyms or industry jargon that the average person might fail to understand.One-size Does not Fit AllIf you think just one variation of elevator pitch would be enough, you are mistaken. Well, you need to customize your speech depending on your situation and the people you are addressing. So focus on creating a common point and working up ways to customize your speech for particular situations.Make it Easy to VisualizeThe best elevator speeches are a visual treat and easy to relate. Use words that evoke image and help connect with your idea. As you don’t have the luxury of time on your side, it is equally important to engage with your audience. Try using humor to get the conversation going.Be Clear & FocusedAlways be clear about what you have in mind and your goal. Once your final goal is clear, you would be able to express information in a clear and concise manner that will add value to your proposition. On the other hand, stay away from gimmicks and making false promise. Remember, your integrity is at stake.FinallyYou may think your app idea is a revolutionary with a potential to change the world. However, avoid making such statements as it is bound to alienate users and investors alike. Instead, try to explain the problem your app can solve....

How Does Design Thinking Help to Increase ROI?

Jan 10, 2017
Till now, we have always learned the fact that design and development form the base for the success of any website or mobile app. Though this idea is not unknown to anyone, the aspect that gets least attention or is under-rated is the design. Why is it so?Coding, being a complex and time-consuming phase, overhauls the UI/UX development aspect. Time and resources engaged in development of a project are often given greater importance considering the proper functioning and delivery of error-free end product.Though it is true that development phase is to be accountable for making an app or website feature-rich, you cannot neglect that design phase is responsible for excellent user interface. When the project is in progress, development may seem to carry more weightage.Positive and Negative Impact of Design ThinkingThe above statistic goes upside down when website is made live or app is launched in the App Store. How? Are you confused? Let’s take an example of a business mobile app project:1. Biggest investment is made on hiring senior developers who have experience and talent to work on multiple platforms.Maximum time of the overall timeline is allotted to development phase, thus leaving restricted period for designing team.2. Under such stringent time constraints, designers cannot come up with creativity as they are attacked by a host of other important factors to be dealt with in priority such as user interface design and user experience design.3. While they somehow manage to cope up with the deadline of designing a mobile app, they are left with no additional space to think on adding some unique design concepts that would attract audience at first glance.4. Moreover, sometimes designers do not even get sufficient time to review user interface and user experience design to make needed changes.5. The negative impact of this is seen once the app is launched in the App store. Poor design leads to less user engagement.6. This could have been avoided if the concept of design thinking would be worked upon seriously during pre-launch. Design of an app has the power to convert users to customers, who start loving your app due to its user-friendliness and clean interface.The above example explains how design thinking is given least preference, which ultimately works against the success of mobile app.
Related: How Responsive Images Can Improve your Business ROI?
How to Improvise on Design Thinking Aspects?Analytics tools can give you details on every move of the user; however, it cannot match real face-to-face observations and interviews. Instead of laying a foundation of design solely based on analytics, try and figure out user preference by asking them in person or people around you.Talk to your target audience at work or home and keep an eye at how they use your website or mobile app. These real behavioral patterns provide true insights on how to improvise design thinking for your mobile app....

4 UX Elements for Engaging and Interactive Chatbots

Jan 06, 2017
Chatbot has been quite successful in creating a buzz among online businesses in its efforts to take customer experience to the next level. Users have high expectations from Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered chatbot. This entitles businesses to design a chatbot that has the potential to make a customer feel as if they are talking to a human being who understands their language well.It is a known fact that a lot of programming effort is required to build a fully functional chatbot. However, what many businesses fail to realize is UX designing aspect is equally important. How does your chatbot appear and respond to customer’s queries is what determines its overall usability.

1. Visual Presentation of Chatbot

Users do not like to think of chatbot as a human-machine interface or a robot. For them, it is more like a friend from whom they would like to mint out some useful information. As a result, it is vital to build a human like personality for your chatbot. Visual representation has to match with its attitude and personality.Some customers are so paranoid that they like playing around with the chatbot by asking silly questions such as ‘how are you’, ‘how’s your day going’, ‘do you have a girlfriend?’ and so on. All such questions should be rightly interpreted by your chatbot to give non-offensive and polite replies that pleases the customer.

2. Teach your Chatbot to Give Short and Simple Replies

Lengthy answers that form paragraph are not good in terms of user readability. Chat replies have to be short, simple and sweet. If your Chabot has to instruct something to user that cannot be conveyed in single sentence, then program it to send series of short replies.Another option is to use photos and videos to explain something in depth. Android and iOS app development companies understand that using such methods make the conversation more interactive and engaging.

3. Design a Smart Chatbot

You would like your chatbot to ask silly questions to customer, isn’t it? A person using chatbot expects to get quick and precise answer to his or her query, without much cross questioning. AI should be implemented as deeply as possible to understand human behavior.With AI well incorporated and language interpretation working as expected, your chatbot would develop a smart personality.

4. Escalation System of Chatbot

Chatbot saves human efforts of interacting with customers for basic queries that are most frequently asked. However, you need to have a human supervision to this system as not all answers can be expected from chatbot. How much ever programmed is your chatbot, some level of discussion requires customer interaction with company executives.To ensure the best UX experience with chatbot, it is necessary to code it such that it understands when to escalate the case to higher authority executive. This way, customer’s high level issues can be addressed immediately without any delay.ConclusionOnce your chatbot is ready, test it by indulging in conversational chat with a set of random people. Keep an eye on the responses delivered by chatbot and reaction of the opposite person. Some aspects that you missed out on might come to light during this testing phase.It is not too late to work on flaws at this stage though. This testing and analysis will help you to refine the UX experience before the product is deployed in the online world to millions of people....

What’s New in MongoDB 3.4? How will it Improve your Database

Nov 28, 2016
MongoDB is not unknown to anyone who lives and breathes technology. Being one the most preferred databases of developers, the new update of MongoDB comes as important news. What are the possible reasons for favoritism of this database?The following list is not exhaustive that could explain the usefulness of MongoDB, but it mentions about important benefits that make this database superior to others:
  • 1. MongoDB has support for expressive query language, which makes it easier to interpret data.
  • 2. Ease of indexing is another factor that reduces developers’ efforts.
  • 3. MongoDB makes it possible to keep consistency in data.
  • 4. This database provides smooth integration of information and enables its easy retrieval.
  • 5. With MongoDB, you can be assured of Enterprise management of data and business critical information.
  • 6. This database offers its users flexibility to use and access data.
  • 7. The extremely scalable working pattern of this database is easy to learn and use.
  • 8. Robust performance of MongoDB makes it simpler for developers to work and rework on it.
MongoDB 3.4 adds cherry to the cake by taking user experience to the next level. Following is a list of changes in MongoDB 3.4 that has added value to database using experience:1. Elasticity in OperationsOperations become robust and elastic with zero or no downtime. Data scaling option in MongoDB 3.4 accounts for its uptime, resulting in superior elasticity from data auto balancing.2. MultimodelingMultimodeling in MongoDB 3.4 is complimented by compatibility with Apache Spark and Business Intelligence. If you did not know the usefulness of it, it would be meaningful to say that MongoDB 3.4 has real time analytical capabilities and enables facilitated computing with native graphs.3. Improved DeploymentWith the introduction of Zones in MongoDB 3.4, admin has better control of deployments done at multi regional level. Grouping can be done based on hardware locations and resources for optimized deployment. Improved flexibility standards of this popular database do nothing other than adding reliability to deployment for MongoDB 3.4.4. Cloud CompatibilityMongoDB 3.4 includes support for Server Pools and Cloud Foundry tools for systematic management of databases in cloud environment. The infrastructure of MongoDB 3.4 is suitable for cloud services thus making it an integrated and stand-alone product for managing enterprise level databases.On a Concluding NoteMongoDB 3.4 has included a host of features for the feasibility of admins to access data conveniently. What’s more is that this database makes data manipulations easier, thus entitling users to experiment with it as per their requirements and preferences. Encourage the developers at your web and mobile app development firm to use MongoDB 3.4 version to experience its benefits at first hand....

Why Startups Should Invest in Mobile Application Development

Nov 22, 2016
Mobile revolution is transforming the way we live. The online phenomenon that started back in 2000 is now undergoing an evolution. According to surveys and stats, mobile represents 65 percent of digital media time. On the other hand, desktop/laptop is becoming a mere secondary touch base point for an increasing number of users.Online businesses are now going mobile. And why not? It is expected in 2020, mobile apps are projected to generate 188.9 billion U.S. dollars in revenues via app stores and in-app advertising. Today, most mobile users have smart phones and prefer to have information on their handset.If you thought mobile application is just for multinationals or big companies, think about it again. Mobile applications are providing startups an easy way to connect with users across the globe. Your startup needs a mobile app, you need to get one. After all just having a mobile app is not sufficient, as online activity continues to witness a rapid shift to mobile industry. In simple words, apps are too difficult to ignore.Enhance your Geographic ReachWith billions of users downloading millions of apps, your mobile application helps you overcome geographic barriers. Mobile applications allow startups to reach out to global users and promote their products/services while improving bottom-line profitability.Companies that are not offering mobile apps and responsive design sites are quickly fading away and become obsolete in a mobile-driven market. Furthermore, mobile apps offering social media integration can reach the millennial generation who might otherwise not come across your business.Improve Mobile Customer ServiceMobile apps can also help startups better serve their customers, respond to customers for great service. Your customers now can connect with your anytime, anywhere with a tap of button allowing them to keep on top of rising customer demands.Builds LoyaltyMobile app helps you digitalize conventional loyalty program, instead of continuing with old point-based systems. This makes it possible for your customers to collect rewards with mobile app, resulting in return customers. Generating loyalty via mobile apps can be achieved through the use of push notifications to consumers informing about sales available to app users. Another way to build loyalty is to create a wish list on items tagged as favorites and providing alerts when such items are available on discounts.Stand Out From the CompetitionMobile apps for startups and small businesses are still not a common sight. This helps you take a big leap ahead of your competitors. How does it feel to be the first in your neighborhood to offer a mobile app to your customers to book appointments? You would be surprised that your customers will appreciate your futuristic approach!Get ContextualMobile experience is all about providing highly contextual and relevant information for a personalized experience. With apps and push notifications, you can provide information about sales, discounts, and special offers anytime, anywhere. Through mobile apps you are getting close to a direct interaction and can easily remind customers about your products and services.Maximize ROIOne of the biggest reasons keeping startups away from mobile application development is the initial costs involved. If you have concerns about costs involved, it is important to understand that not to invest in mobile app might work against your business interests in the long run. Cost of developing app might seem intimidating, but it is nothing compared to the branding value and opportunity to generate additional sales.Test the WatersIf you still are not sure whether to take a plunge or whether it is worth the cost, you can consider launching an app only with key features and test the pilot version. Based on the feedback of users, you can add more features.FinallyWhether you are a salon, coffee shop or a tech startup, it is about time to take your marketing to the next level with a mobile application. Hire expert developers or outsource mobile application development company to transform your startup idea into reality....

Why should Restaurant Owners Think of Investing Money in Dev

Oct 20, 2016
News of a new restaurant in the town comes almost every week or fortnight. People are becoming big time foodies and this has given a boost to restaurant businesses. ‘When there are so many good restaurants already existing, how do I get mine noticed’ is the common problem faced by new restaurant owners.Constant checks on the quality of food, inclusion of new items and offering food at competitive price have always been on the priority list of hotel managers to mark a good impression on visitors. However, if you think taking care of these aspects guarantees profitable returns in restaurant business then you are highly mistaken.Key to success in restaurant businessRestaurant business demands for a huge investment, which makes the owner impatient to get returns once it is properly set up. This industry is no exception to others where reaching out to maximum audience is the key to success. People have to know about your existence for them to try out your restaurant food. Effective marketing techniques should be used to reach maximum number of people in short time.How did developing an app for restaurant come into the picture?Every business needs effective marketing strategies to promote their products or services. These strategies keep changing as per current trends and technologies. Based on this fact, many businesses have started using the power of mobile apps to reach the target audience and get recognition.Methods such as setting up hoardings, advertising in newspaper and magazines have been replaced by new one focusing more on digital media. People are glued to mobile phones all the time, which makes it an important medium for businesses to reach audience. Developing a mobile app requires initial investment, but the returns are assured.Analyzing foodies’ behavior using restaurant appsFollowing graph shows how a typical mobile user interacts with a restaurant mobile app:

U.S. restaurant app usage activities 2015 Statistic Image courtesy: Statista.com

Let’s understand the important aspects of user’s behavior in brief:1. Attractive deals and discountsMobile apps make it extremely easy to update users on festive offers or promotional discounts by the means of push notifications. Who does not like to relish their favorite food dish offered at lower price as a part of discount deal? These special offers attract mobile users and compel them to visit the app and browse through its services.2. Glance through the menu‘I like Mexican! Does this restaurant have Mexican cuisine?’ This curiosity is what makes a user navigate to the menu section of a restaurant app. Further, those users who do not know what to eat click on the menu option to get an array of options and make a tasty choice.3. Search for nearby restaurant outletsUsers generally hit the restaurant mobile app when they are dead hungry and in need to rush to the nearest outlet to hog some food. Mobile app’s ability to show nearby outlets based on your location (using GPS) is what makes it more usable. Though users may not opt to order food through app, they may be in search of a nearby outlet to visit and grab piping hot meal by themselves.4. Redeem loyalty points/reward pointsBusinesses often use the technique of rewarding their customers with loyalty points, which can be later put to use to avail the service next time. This trick of engaging customers has never failed, not even in case of mobile apps. If not anything else then just to utilize the points earned on previous food orders, users place an order through the app and make the most of their reward points.On a concluding noteDeveloping a mobile app opens up immense scope for growth in restaurant business. Start your search for a reliable app development company to join hands with and see your restaurant flourish like never before!...

How to Validate your Mobile App Idea for its Quick and Succe

Sep 19, 2016
I got up today with a wonderful and out-of-the-box mobile app idea in mind! Now I am eager to turn this app idea to reality as soon as possible. This is the common scenario of any individual who is excited to release a mobile app into the App Store. What most people fail to exercise in this excitement is to validate the usefulness of the mobile app idea.Test the Potential of your App IdeaYou may have an idea in mind that intends to solve a particular problem that people face or help them in their daily routine. But, have you tested the scalability of your app idea? Not yet, isn’t it? This is the right stage to test whether your app idea has legs to scale.Do not directly jump to the stage of hiring developers. You need to do some homework on your part before reaching out to development phase. Merely having an app idea is not enough; it is vital to check people demand and behavior on your app idea to validate its success post release.Determine your Target Audience: Broad Niche or Micro Niche?Which group of people are you targeting? Is it a large group or a defined small group? It is wise to opt for app funded by advertising if your app is likely to interest broad niche of audience. However, word of mouth recommendations may work as well for micro niche audience.How Many People Would be Keen to Know About your App: Find out Using Google Keyword Planner Now that you know your audience, take a step ahead to find out the popularity of your app idea by searching for related keywords on Google Keyword Planner. How to use this tool for the benefit of validating my mobile app idea?Try typing keywords related to your app idea or associated with the problem you are targeting to solve through your coming mobile app. You can even use keywords that relate the basic concept of your mobile app. This will give you an idea on traffic that your app might get. These keywords can then be optimized for smart use.Fast Time to Market: Build a Minimum Viable ProductIt’s obvious that you may want to release an in-inclusive app for the best use of people. As a matter of fact, apps that have minimal features and fast time to market fetch good money than those with too many functionalities requiring high investment.Though you may have good intentions behind creating an app with all minute details, it may be confusing for users to understand the navigation and usefulness of each feature. Instead, it is better to focus on main functionality and keep it simple so that users can make the most of it conveniently.Further speaking, addition of all the features at the very beginning of the project can extend the development time, leading to increased development cost. One good solution to this is releasing a minimum viable product (MVP) focusing on core areas of the app and adding secondary features later on.Adequate market research is required to determine which features can be included in MVP and which ones are affordable to be added later on. Principal rule is to include features and functionalities that matter to your target audience based on their needs and priorities.Create your Mobile App Landing PageMinimum Viable Product and target audience preferences have been analyzed. The next step is to promote your app idea in advance by making an announcement on the landing page. You can allow potential app users sign up on the landing page to be notified of all app updates.This will give you an idea of how many people are taking interest in your mobile app. It also adds to the excitement of potential app users. What’s more is that you can use this landing page to the benefit of developing mobile app by taking suggestions of subscribed users. You may ask for their preferences on features and develop app accordingly.Landing page for upcoming mobile app also helps in search engine rankings as usually it takes weeks for Google to recognize a new domain. The landing page acts as a teaser of upcoming fully loaded mobile app. It connects audience with your app before it is released, thus adding to mobile app marketing efforts.What have you gained by Validating the Mobile App Idea?You have worked enough on validating your mobile app idea, but what have you gained at the end of it? Firstly, you are now assured that your mobile app idea has good response in the market and is capable of garnering people's attention.Secondly, you are determined on what features would work in the benefit of people and are mandatory for app’s pre release. Lastly, you already have a group of people waiting for the launch of your mobile app, which is a great motivation to come up with an exceptional mobile app....

How Much Do You Know about Beacon Technology?

Sep 15, 2016
Have you heard about Beacons? This technology was first brought to light by Apple in 2003 and since then Beacons gained popularity owing to its usefulness. iOS app development service providers started building app based on iBeacon technology, which were easily adopted by Apple users.Following this success adoption, even Android app development service providers started experimenting with apps that used Beacons. Beacons, when they were newly launched, came in the form of wireless devices. Now they are available as stickers, making it convenient to place them anywhere such as on walls or any other object.Where can Beacons be used?Beacon technology is useful for diverse industry sectors, though not many have explored it yet due to lesser known facts about it. One sector that has greatly benefitted from Beacons is Retail. Big retail outlets deploy Beacons to inform their customers about latest offer and promotional deals without any special efforts.Big names in the Hotel Industry such as Starwood Hotels are employing the power of Beacons to rule out room keys. Airlines industry also leverages the power of Beacons to improve communication with customers. From corporate events to trade shows, Beacons have worked wonders in all arenas.What can Beacons do? Beacon is a technology that alerts nearby mobile devices when a customer enters or leaves the prime location. Using this location specific technology, businesses can entice customers by notifying them of newly arrived products and special deals.Beacons are most useful for retailers as it assists them in catching the attention of people that pass by the store by flashing enticing offers and discounts. Personalizing the offers and express check out are some other things that are possible with Beacons supported mobile apps.Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) CommunicationBeacons communicate with apps using Bluetooth low energy signals. BLE is mainly used for transmitting data over short distance. These signals emitted by Beacons are detected by smartphone apps, which then deliver the message to the mobile user.Beacons – A Revolution in the World of Customer EngagementBeacon technology has completely changed the meaning and level of customer engagement. It gives personalized experience to users and makes them feel valued. Thus both customers as well as companies are at benefit with the use of Beacon technology.Some Unknown Facts on BeaconsThough Apple was the first one to develop the iBeacon standard, it does not make Beacons. Some names in the manufacturing unit of Beacons are Kontakt, BlueSense, Gelo and Estimote. Eddystone is Google’s Beacon standard, which has been adopted widely across the globe.Considering the scope and usefulness of Beacon technology, many industries are unleashing its power for increasing their sales and rapport with customers....