What Makes an App "Real-Time?"

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Real-time apps give users information as it changes. With real-time apps, users don’t have to refresh the app to see the latest information. Instead, the new data arrives in real time — as it changes or becomes available — so users see the correct details almost instantly. As with other app categories, real-time apps are growing in popularity and usage. However, not everyone understands what makes an app real-time or how such software can be useful and engaging for users. Real-Time Apps functionality is growing within different industries like healthcare, retail, and manufacturing due to its ability to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes and optimize resources in an organization.

What Is Real-Time Data?

Real-time data is information that is current and up-to-date. Real-time data is usually current within seconds of an event taking place. For example, if a business owner sees an increase in sales on a particular product, he or she can see that information reflected in their inventory system almost immediately. The inventory system is keeping track of sales and availability in real time — as the data is collected and reported. Real-time data can be useful in many different business situations. For example, the website of a healthcare provider might show visitors the wait time at each of the provider’s facilities. The website could update this information every few minutes — showing patients the wait time at the time they are viewing the information.

Why Build Real-Time Apps?

Real-time apps deliver relevant data and content when users need it. When it comes to business, real-time apps keep you ahead of the competition by delivering the most current information to users. Real-time apps are designed to deliver data and content as soon as it becomes available. This means users get the latest information as soon as it’s entered. For example, if you’re monitoring inventory levels in a warehouse, the app could notify users as soon as stock is low. When data changes, real-time apps notify users. In some cases, the app may even automatically update the information. For instance, a weather app might display a current forecast as soon as the data is entered. Or a sports app might show the most recent score as soon as the game ends.

Real-Time App Strategies

There are a few strategies for developing real-time apps. These include: - Client-side Events - With client-side events, users trigger events on their device. Data is then sent to the server for storage. - Server-side Events - Server-side events respond to actions on a company’s server. These actions could include a new customer record. - Streaming Data - Streaming data is information that is constantly updated. Streaming data comes in real time and can be used in many different ways. - Publish/Subscribe - In this strategy, publishers push out data, while subscribers receive the data in real time.

Types of Real-Time Apps

Real-time apps have exploded in popularity since companies realized the benefits of always having the most current data available to users. Some of these apps are built on top of an existing platform. Real-time apps can also be built from scratch. - Sports Apps - Sports apps provide real-time information related to a specific sport. Data could include score, player statistics, and team standings. Sports apps are designed to keep users up to date with current events and allow them to engage in fantasy sports. - Stock Monitoring Apps - Stock monitoring apps provide real-time information about the stock market. These apps usually display a graph showing the current value of a specific stock. Stock monitoring apps let people know when to buy or sell a stock based on current market trends.

Bottom Line

Real-time apps are particularly useful in situations where timeliness is key. For example, a real-time weather app lets you know the forecast for your area at the moment you check it. Real-time apps can bring efficiency to every part of your business. With real-time data, you can see what customers are looking at or what product is trending and respond accordingly. Real-time apps are a great way to engage your customers and keep them coming back.

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