HTML5 facing Pricing Concerns

Dharmendra Tripathi    HTML     facing Pricing Concerns, HTML5, Pricing Concerns

Quite unquestionably, the coming of HTML5 changed the rules of the game yet again. It’s smarter, more secure, much quicker, interactive and most definitely stunning. But has anyone spared of thought over its pricing structure? Lately, it seems that this exclusive mishmash of superior technologies and API’s has come under fire from big conglomerates, raising issues over its costing.

The ‘Cost’ Concerns

In the ‘Open Mobile Summit’ in London, not too long ago, a panel conversation veered towards HTML’s costing issues. Andrey Doronichev, in charge of YouTube for Google, threw some light on the online video sharing site’s reservations about fully implementing HTML5. He stated that out of the very many reasons, the prime factor that remains is of the high price of building applications using HTML5. Adding that, constructing apps using it needs an altogether different skill set; and is even tougher than iOS. He further said that since an app is expected to function across websites on diverse browsers, this very thing is making browser fragmentation a concern.

The ‘Distribution’ Concerns

Next he cited, the trouble of distribution, as HTML5 doesn’t belong to any particular organization or browser. So unlike the existing apps developed for iOS and Android, it’s quite a puzzling task for the users to figure out where should they purchase them from. Therefore, lack of a central resource/location further aggravates the scenario.

HTML5 App Providers

Lately, Facebook had come up with its HTML5 application catalog, Mozilla’s very own HTML5 market is expected to come out in the next half of this year. Google too, provides  HTML5 apps through its Chrome Web Store (which is restricted only to Desktop and Android 4.0).  However till now, there isn’t any multi platform store for HTML5 application available yet.

Current Scenario

YouTube’s Andrey Doronichey also called attention to the prevailing hassle with the payment. As the way it is now, it’s not very clear who would have the majority of the market share in future. But for now it is the App store of Apple who wins the race in terms of market share.

If one goes by the speculations, it’s said that since  the advent of Chrome for Android, its touted that the (mobile) Operating System from Google would play a pivotal part in taking up HTML5’s application. With the widespread Chrome usage, it could very well make it more convenient for the developers.

In fact there’s some more stuff in store for the application developers. As for those who would be new to the space, must think over the freemium model, which in essence offers individuals to use the application without a cost, while buying the remaining functionality from within.

The App store director of Amazon, Aaron Rubenson pointed out that there is a lot more than just the first step, which is of downloading the app. While the pay-up-first version still works for the right kind of application that has some brand value, preference is given to the freemium version. Hence, monetization takes a back seat, the inflow of money doesn’t happen on the day of the download, in fact it doesn’t even happen in the entire week of the download.

Conclusion

All said and done, there is a grave need for setting up a payment system for fresh and experienced developers alike, so that both the freemium and the paid model can work in tandem. The current scenario spells out consumers’ dependence on Amazon  Appstore, Google Play, Apple iTunes and Microsoft Marketplace to find their apps.

Therefore, until a common, centralized store hits the Web, people would have to be content with what the platter currently serves.

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