Worldwide spending on mobile apps hit $120 billion in 2021 according to App Annie—a figure projected to grow to over $360 billion by 2026 per Market Research Future. Fueling this demand are enterprise mobile solutions helping organizations digitally transform operations, boost workforce productivity, reinvent customer experiences and unlock new revenue streams.
Leading technology research group Gartner estimates that by 2025, 70% of organizations will have introduced mobile app innovation to optimize business processes. They also predict that 60% of B2B teams will leverage partner apps as a core sales channel. Developing secure, scalable and feature-rich mobile apps has thus become a major imperative across most industries.
Large global IT consultancies and outsourcing providers have emerged as the dominant mobile app development vendors for enterprise customers. In a recent Forrester report titled "The Forrester Wave: Global Mobile App Development Services", analysts recognized providers that "can effectively guide customers through envisioning and building mobile apps". They evaluated companies across 32 criteria focused on mobile capabilities, deployment options, development approach and tooling expertise.
The top 10 companies driving this new era of rapid mobile app innovation for businesses are outlined below, along with details key elements of their custom app development capabilities and offerings.
#1 Accenture
With revenues topping $50 billion annually and over 600,000 professionals in 50 countries, Accenture sits atop major analyst rankings as a leading enterprise mobile app development services provider. They earned a "Leader" designation in the Forrester Wave report which praised Accenture‘s "strong alignment to customer needs" and ongoing investment in "tools, methods and skills" that set it apart.
Key Stats
- 110,000 technical professionals on staff
- 3,000+ mobile focused staff
- 1,200+ mobile projects delivered over past year
- 80% of mobile projects leverage AI, IoT, cloud and analytics
Mobile App Expertise
Backed by over 12 R&D labs globally, Accenture leverages leading UX design thinking, analytics, DevOps automation capabilities and robust testing when building custom mobile apps. Their apps span native iOS, Android, hybrid web apps and more for an array of complex enterprise use cases.
For example, Accenture developed a custom iPad app for Juniper that allows sales reps to access the latest customer presentations, campaigns, ROI calculators and videos while on the go. They also built mobile tools to help Walgreens merchandising managers digitize in-store auditing and integrated image recognition with backend ERP data for detailed reporting.
Recent innovations include an automated system utilizing AI to accelerate configuration and testing when migrating legacy apps to mobile, reducing effort by up to 80%. Accenture also employs certified cybersecurity specialists on all mobile projects ensuring apps meet stringent security and compliance requirements.
#2 IBM
With 280,000 professionals serving clients in 175 countries, IBM Global Services has established itself as a digital transformation powerhouse. Their mobility practice specifically focuses on enabling new mobile solutions for industry challenges around supply chain operations, retail merchandising, field services management and healthcare delivery.
Key Stats
- 8,000+ mobile practictioners
- 1,900+ mobile focused UX experts
- 5,000+ mobility projects annually
- Ranked #1 in mobile app development worldwide by IDC
Mobile App Expertise
IBM leverages its leadership in cloud computing, security and emerging technology when building mobile apps aligned to customers‘ priorities. Apps are tailored to industry-specific needs, with both template-driven and custom options available.
For example, IBM developed an easy-to-use mobile app on iOS devices for technicians at Virgin Australia to receive real-time alerts, report on completed work and automate parts reordering. The app integrated with backend workflows for intelligent task recommendations and tracking.
Recent innovations include leveraging AI, automation and analytics to accelerate delivery of mobile solutions by 3x, while using predictive UX analysis and virtualized end-user data to optimize performance. Gartner recently recognized IBM as having the deepest capabilities for enterprise mobile app development in their 2022 Market Guide.
#3 Infosys
With over 250,000 professionals focused on emerging technology across 50+ countries, Infosys has established strength developing mobile solutions for the world‘s largest banks, insurance firms, healthcare organizations and CPG companies.
Forrester recognized them as a "Leader" in enterprise mobile services, noting that "Infosys is a good choice for large, global clients looking for deep industry expertise combined with quality delivery."
Key Stats
- 15,000+ mobile practitioners
- Completed 3,000+ mobile projects
- 45% CAGR mobile revenue growth rate (2018-2021)
- 90% of mobile projects incorporate AI, ML and cloud
Mobile App Expertise
Infosys utilizes dedicated applied AI labs with over 168 patents and 65% of staff certified in areas like machine learning, NLP and computer vision which are leveraged to enhance custom mobile apps. For example, Infosys helped a leading airline digitize multiple manuals pilots previously accessed manually into a centralized, search-friendly mobile app saving them hours.
Recent innovations include an automated system for generating mobile layouts using AI by ingesting app content and UX preferences. And GENIE, their test automation platform, can intelligently explore mobile apps to uncover defects and vulnerabilities by mimicking human behavior.
#4 HCL
Employing over 200,000 professionals across 52 countries, HCL Technologies earns strong marks from analysts for its enterprise app modernization capabilities and visionary approach. The Forrester Wave report called HCL a "globally consistent company investing in the latest techniques and tools to drive innovation."
Key Stats
- 7,500+ dedicated mobile consultants
- Completed 10,000+ enterprise mobile projects
- Ranked #11 globally among custom app developers
- Develops apps for deployment across 12 different platforms
Mobile App Expertise
HCL leverages an end-to-end approach spanning advisory, UX design, agile dev, testing and managed services for mobile app development projects. Apps tap into data and connect front and back-end systems leveraging cloud, automation, analytics and other innovations.
For example, HCL partnered with Leumi Card to envision and develop a secure mobile app to empower field agents with tools to provide better customer support. The app integrated machine learning for real-time alerts and analytics to surface insights.
Thoughtful UI design combined with performance benchmarking, vulnerability prevention and global deployment support allows HCL to handle complex, enterprise-grade mobile solutions.
#5 TCS
With over 600,000 associates in 53 countries, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) earns top marks from analysts for scale, stability and delivery excellence. TCS focuses heavily on emerging tech and partners with industry leaders like Microsoft, Google and WorkFusion around mobility solutions.
Key Stats
- 8,500+ mobility focused professionals globally
- Completed 3,000+ enterprise mobile projects
- Recognized as Leader in mobile app testing automation
- Adopting hyperautomation across 70% of current mobile projects
Mobile App Expertise
Leveraging proprietary platforms like TCS ADD, Mobile Payments Connect and QuickSolve, TCS can rapidly build and connect mobile apps to core systems. Machine learning algorithms provide real-time guidance to improve app performance.
For example, TCS developed a tablet solution for retail associates at Canadian Tire to lookup inventory, place orders, access task lists and assist shoppers, integrating IoT and analytics. TCS also built mobile tools for police and inspectors to streamline violation reporting by 70% for Istanbul Municipality.
Forrester recognized TCS mobile testing automation solution helps clients improve quality. TCS is also expanding partnerships with 5G carriers globally around cutting edge use cases.
#6 Atos
Generating over $12 billion in annual revenues across 73 counties, Atos receives strong marks for its strategic approach helping enterprises embrace mobility to engage customers and optimize operations. Atos acquired critical mobile testing expertise through the 2021 purchase of Processia Solutions.
Key Stats:
- 55,000+ technologists worldwide including specialized mobility practice
- 3,000+ successful enterprise mobile app projects delivered
- Testing automation used on 45% of mobile engagments
- Advanced analytics used on 65% of mobile application projects
Mobile App Expertise
Atos employs user-centric design thinking combined with its leading artificial intelligence and data analytics when developing mobile apps aligned to customers‘ priorities. Apps seamlessly connect information flows across front and back-end systems at scale.
For example, Atos created enterprise mobile dashboards for agriculture company KWS to provide field agents a real-time view of crop quality data and growing statistics to support decision making. The solution improved daily reporting by over 80%.
Atos also partners with WorkFusion to leverage intelligent automation across testing processes, reducing mobile app release cycles by 40%. And its "Zero Trust" model bakes comprehensive security into mobile solutions using sophisticated tools.
#7 Wipro
Generating over $10 billion in annual revenue across six continents, Wipro takes an integrated approach to enterprise mobility spanning strategy, design, agile development, testing and deployment. Analysts praise Wipro‘s strong network of partners including leading device vendors.
Key Stats
- 7,000+ dedicated mobility consultants
- 5,000+ successful enterprise mobile app projects delivered
- Testing automation utilized on 65% of mobile application projects
- Advanced analytics leveraged across 55% of mobile application portfolios
Mobile App Expertise
Leveraging Designit acquisition for UX thinking and Topcoder for crowdsourced development talent, Wipro can rapidly envision and build custom mobile solutions. They utilize data and AI to optimize performance.
For example, Wipro developed a tablet solution for Walgreens field teams to manage tasks, publish updates and access multilingual product guides and training content while onsite. The app provided extensive back-end integrations.
Recent innovations include enhanced testing platforms that leverage computer vision and NLP to validate mobile usability and compliance. Gartner recently positioned Wipro as a "Visionary" in its Magic Quadrant for Mobile Application Services.
#8 Zensar
Headquartered in India with over 11,000 technical staff across various global offices, Zensar Technologies has deep expertise around digital commerce and retail mobile solutions. Forrester named them a "Contender" in enterprise mobile services, noting positive client feedback praising their flexibility.
Key Stats
- 2,000+ dedicated mobility focused consultants
- Completed 1,500+ successful enterprise mobile app projects
- Testing automation leveraged across 60% of mobile applications
- Specialized labs for UX design, IoT, data and cloud testing
Mobile App Expertise
Zensar has invested heavily in proprietary platforms like Mobiquity to accelerate mobile app delivery by 30-40%. The company focuses industry solutions for insurance, finance, manufacturing and software verticals.
For example, Zensar created a custom mobile app for sporting goods retailor Jimmy Styks to enable field reps to log orders and manage conversations across accounts. The app integrates IoT data on store traffic patterns to recommend relevant products.
Application security, performance optimization and continuous integration/delivery pipelines represent ongoing innovation focus areas for Zensar. They also expanded mobility practice via 2021 acquisition of M3bi, an Arizona headquartered firm.
#9 Mindtree
Founded in 1999 reaching $1.47 billion in revenues, Mindtree takes an integrated approach from envisioning to launching data-driven mobile apps leveraging cloud, analytics, AI/ML and other emerging technology advancements.
Key Stats
- 1,500+ dedicated mobile specialists
- Completed 750+ successful enterprise mobile application projects
- 50% of mobile application projects incorporate advanced analytics
- 65% of mobile application projects integrate IoT and machine learning
Mobile App Expertise
Mindtree leverages acquisitions like Magnet360 for salesforce expertise and Bluefin for cloud platform specialization when designing, testing and managing sophisticated custom mobile apps.
For example, Mindtree partnered with a leading equipment manufacturer to develop a tablet solution that helped improve technician productivity by 15%. The app provided technicians schematics overlaid on live equipment video feeds to accelerate maintenance and repairs.
Independent research firm Zinnov named Mindtree a "Leader" in enterprise mobility, noting its "proprietary software, solutions and automation tools" combined with extensive partner network.
#10 Globant
Founded in 2003 with a team of about 25,000 people across 55 cities globally, Globant helps organizations execute digital and cognitive transformations. In a recent report, Forrester named them a "Strong Performer" in enterprise mobile application development.
Key Stats
- 5,000+ software engineers and designers
- Completed 1,000+ enterprise mobile projects
- 72% of mobile projects utilize AI to improve apps
- 65% of mobile projects integrate augmented reality
Mobile App Expertise
Leveraging their Studios model which brings together domain experts and emerging technology practitioners, Globant can rapidly envision and develop mobile apps aligned to unique industry use cases.
For example, Globant created an iPad sales solution for food giant Unilever to provide real-time inventory data and dedicated content to merchandisers during client visits. The app improved sales cycle management by over 35%.
Areas that set Globant apart include leveraging blockchain, metaverse/NFT and spatial computing tools to reinvent mobile engagements. They also operate a network of SmartHubs focused on sensors, robotics and intelligent interfaces to inform their mobile work.
Evaluating Top Mobile App Development Firms
While differences exist across the service models, industries served, development strengths and global footprints of the 10 largest enterprise mobile app companies profiled above—some common evaluation criteria emerge for organizations assessing providers to potentially partner with:
Methodology & Delivery Approach – What frameworks do they employ to guide envisioning, UX design, building, testing and managing mobile apps? Do they offer flexible partnership models spanning project-based to fully handled outsourcing?
Technical Platform Expertise – What breadth of mobile OS, languages and backend integrations are supported? How do they leverage cloud, automation, AI/ML and other innovations? What proprietary tools or accelerators might they utilize?
Industry Solutions – Do they promote solution templates or tailored offerings aligned to your sector? Example apps for other clients in your business area? Relevant technical expertise based on your mobile objectives?
Security & Compliance – Can they handle stringent mobile app security, privacy and compliance requirements? What testing, data protections and ongoing management capabilities exists?
Budget & Team Scale – How cost competitive are their pricing models? Can they scale up talent to meet your needs? Flexibility to ramp expertise up or down?
Delivery Location – Where will your dedicated mobile app team be located? Are onshore resources available or only offshore talent? Language and time zone alignment preferences?
By weighing these aspects against your current initiative‘s goals, as well as anticipated mobile priorities over a forward-looking roadmap, identifying the right strategic partner becomes clearer. Allocating time for careful provider evaluations is key—as is verifying client references and app development success stories for other companies similar to yours.
Key Takeaways Evaluating Top Mobile App Development Companies
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Large IT consultancies dominate enterprise mobile app development, given specialized skills required.
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Blending strategic visioning with technical expertise around popular OS, devices and backends is imperative.
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Consistently investing in emerging technology advancements separates leading mobile dev partners over time.
What are your company‘s critical mobile app needs in light of rising customer expectations and competitive pressures? Which development skills, delivery models or industry expertise represent gaps holding back your technology roadmap currently? Perhaps exploring partnerships with some of the leading mobility innovators outlined above can spark new ways of thinking about possibilities and identifying new sources of value.
