I think Pakistani firms doing mobile phone development have a very strong advantage over a US firm doing the same business. Though both have equal access to market but being in Pakistan allows a companies to develop and launch a product at about fraction of the cost which a US-based firm would incur. This low cost ultimately translates into lower risks of launching mobile apps.

What do you think ? Can cost be the sole success factor? What about skills and …

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Discussion: Being in Pakistan is an Advantage for Mobile App Development

November 10, 2010 9:32 am 5 comments

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This was an interesting fact shared with me by CEO of a successful Mobile App development firm. I am stating his comments as i remember – open for discussion.

I think Pakistani firms doing mobile phone development have a very strong advantage over a US firm doing the same business. Though both have equal access to market but being in Pakistan allows a companies to develop and launch a product at about fraction of the cost which a US-based firm would incur. This low cost ultimately translates into lower risks of launching mobile apps.

What do you think ? Can cost be the sole success factor? What about skills and access to the latest tools and technologies? What about angel funding, VC sponsorship etc.? Do share you thoughts.

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5 Comments

  • Data on how much it costs to develop a mobile app in the United States:

    http://stackoverflow.com/questions/209170/how-much-does-it-cost-to-develop-an-iphone-application/

    Expectations for ROI on apps are shorter than for other product types. The fast-changing landscape for apps leads many project sponsors to expect 100% ROI within twelve months. At a median development cost of $50k per app in US, apps that would earn less than that in the first year should not be developed.

  • Obaid Ahmed

    I don’t think that’s a true statement. I do agree about the cost but the creative and design resources in Pakistan are rare. We need to beef up that market.

    You can’t just fight on the basis of cost alone. The market dynamics have changed a lot.

  • Obaid, I do agree with scarcity of Design resources however, i believe now they are getting fair share of pays (against what was usually paid to them in the past) this should create a healthy trend.
    But there is also no denying of the fact that the mobile app market place has completely changed the ball game

  • Obaid Ahmed

    Qazi,

    I don’t think its a matter of “pay”. Design takes talent and creative schooling. We lack both in Pakistan. We have talent but it is hidden and the rare an individual knows about that talent since the system is setup to demoralize them rather than encourage them.

    Just my 2cents.

  • Cell Phones and Mobile Network companies are making good business in Pakistan

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