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Big deal, I write code, but I judge people all the time.
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Hi,
Recently I was having a discussion with my colleague, to provide a mobile app to access a remote device which we frequently work with at office. and hence to provide basic functionalitues within the app.
For this we need to implement a web service.
Now the real question !!
For the above idea, we need to implement a web service.
However now the user is already able to access device over web portal within any web browser.
So, the natural question.. WHY DO I NEED A MOBILE APP ? WHY SHOULD I IMPLEMENT A WEB SERVICE ?
That's very much right.
IF this is the question, then why do Facebook, twitter have web services.. ( there is always a browser to access )
Please provide me your inputs, which are those "MUST" requirements for web service ?
Thanks.
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There are any number of reasons, but the most basic reason they offer them is so you can use their services in your applications. This isn't them being altruistic, there are cold hard business drivers in place such as building brand loyalty.
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Do some counting.
Lest have package tracking application - user enters package number and application displays date sent, current status and expected arrival date.
Data sent: let's say 20 bytes for number and 200 bytes of status/dates.
Now try to count the overhead of html/images/etc and compare it to overhead of WebService envelope (if you will use JSON service it will be minimal...)
If it's used frequently this sums up to quite big numbers.
And it will be probably more user friendly as native app than web page (unless you will design mobile-oriented web UI).
Convinced? 
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Hi,
That is very convincing. Thanks.
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IMHO the big difference is your audience.
Web site
Anonymous users, you have no clue who will access your site and when. The goal of a web site is to allow users free access.
You as the builder can change the contents whenever you like and how you like.
In short:
* for humans
* many clients
* free access
* no guarantee on content
Web Service
The interaction with a web service is via a "contract." It is expected that you keep some backward compatibility when upgrading the services. In addition, most web services have a limited number of users and access is more tightly controlled (IOW less open). Web services are also more easily used by machines instead of humans (as were web sites are more human readable)
in short:
* for machines
* fewer clients
* limited access
* content guaranteed
There are more differences and the above is not the "law", but rather rule of the thumb, but I think it gives you an idea.
hope this helps.
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Well, if your users want an app, you should provide it.
End of that discussion as the customer is always right.
IF an app can look better / be more responsive /be seen as better by the users, then again, you need to do it.
If you set up your web site to use the same web services then it's also a reasonably inexpensive route.
Finally, depending on circumstances, having a web service means other devs can always add the functionality to their applications - so you can get more users that way too.
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Because there's no pissing about with waiting for customers to test updates on their systems (which always seem to be ****ed up).
You just update the (fully tested) app on your server, and Bob's your system administrator.
I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!
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And I don't mean the app you use the most, but rather the one that's making your life easier.
My vote among paid apps would be Tasker[^] and for free apps it would be Shush![^].
Both are for Android.
Any posts saying twitter or facebook will be downvoted, not just by me I'm sure, unless they can come up with a REALLY good argument. 
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