Today, technology makes the business world go round. A key component to the success technology affords is selecting the proper solution to best fit needs. Software development and consultation must work together to make the pieces work. Keyhole Software does just that in providing its customers with, as the company notes, “quality solutions through a talented technical team.” A proud member of this team is HTML5 and JavaScript Consultant Zach Gardner. Recently, Gardner talked enterprise, HTML5 and what the future may hold with yours truly.  Our exchange follows.

For you, what has changed in your mobile software development in the last year?

I’ve started using frameworks that help make the process of using Cordova/PhoneGap easier. Ionic is the one that comes to mind first. I’ve also started looking into React Native as a completely different take on mobile software development.

Which is changing faster, the power of the phones or the framework of the phone's software?

I think the power is increasing faster than new frameworks, and I think that it should be that way. For enterprise mobile applications to work, we need to have well defined and well tested tools to build on top of. Cordova/PhoneGap has been around and proven to work. We may put sugar on top of that to make it easier to use, but the underlying technology is still the same. I think what we need now is more power rather than new tech.

We have lots of HTML5 games being made, but the app store still dominates. Will this always be the way?

With WASM (web assembly) coming out and things like asm.js gaining popularity, I think HTML5 games will give native a run for its money. I really don’t have a lot of experience in this realm, so I can’t give a truly well defined opinion.

For Enterprise developers taking advantage of mobility; what are downsides of app vs browser distribution?

Security in the enterprise is the biggest thing they focus on with app deployment. They want things to work in a browser, but always within their domain. I’ve seen a lot of movement towards the idea that if they can have a shell where they view applications, and have it act like a VPN, it would solve their security concerns. See Sencha Space as an example.

What are you looking forward to/hoping to learn at the upcoming DevCon5 conference in New York?

Getting a feel for what frameworks other JavaScript developers are using, and finding out where the community is heading. Hacker News is sometimes a kitschy place where we make a big deal out of the new toys we have. It’s better to talk to people in person and get a feel for their requirements for their day job to base opinions off of than just comments on a HN thread.

Come see Keyhole Software as well as other industry leaders at the upcoming DevCon5—The HTML5 & Mobile App Developer Conference.