Startups of the funded variety will be better served by web apps instead of native mobile apps. The reason for this is that mobile apps are limited to mobile phones, whereas web apps can be accessed by any device that makes use of some sort of web browser, making them more ubiquitous. While mobile apps are more specialized when it comes to catering to their specific handset, the jack-of-all-trades known as the web app is better suited for funded startups because it caters to a wider audience, thus reducing risk and increasing chances of profit in the long run. Specialization, after all, breeds in weakness; it's sure death if it's not handled properly.
The Other Advantages of Web App Startups
· Regardless if you're using iOS or Android for your operating system, the same base code will be used on all web apps, and they'll still run smoothly on the handset of your choice. How is that possible? It's because a web app is usually activated via web browser access. Regardless of cell phone brand, browsing the Internet works the exact same way, so running a web app is possible on all formats.
· In contrast, you'll have to overhaul an iPhone native app's base code in order to make it operable in an Android or Blackberry. If you want your app to have compatibility and support on all systems instead of one brand or OS, then web apps are the way to go. They're particularly startup-friendly thanks to how significantly they bring down costs for app development (i.e., they fit the standard startup budget).
· In terms of the go-to-market, web apps are also winners. While native apps require approval from Android Marketplace and the Apple App Store, web apps aren't limited by such constraints. Sure, a bit of work will still be needed to ensure platform compatibility, but once everything is said and done, the web app is even more available for all users than your average native app.
Reference taken from here http://rightstartups.com/
