7 Must Have Modules in an Ideal Property Management System

The real estate industry is getting more ‘n’ more complicated with each passing day. It requires a lot of paperwork, which consumes a vast area of storage. As the industry grows more paperwork will start to increase the number of files needed to manage it. To overcome such issue, it has become imperative for the people associated with the real estate to invest in web-based software or property management portals that has the ability to store a huge data while helping them streamline entire property management related activities on the go.

A good property management won’t cost you, but it will help you make more money on behalf of your real estate business. No matter who you’re, whether you’re a property owner, fee manager or developer, you can leverage from a whole host of benefits from the effective property management portal or real estate management system. It lets the real estate owners manage their day-to-day tasks, enable tracking of multiple accounts, minimize security risks, save costs and offer a lot more benefits on the go.

However, when it comes to choose the real estate or property management system or application, many people forget to consider a few very important modules or features. Are you looking for an ideal property management portal or a system? Ensure you consider all the important software modules discussed below in this article:

1. Does it offer Lot management module?

Lot module helps the real estate agent or property dealer to define categorize buildings in terms of lots and numbers. Such modules would enable developers with ease of segregation and grouping of the properties. It becomes very handy when you’ve multiple properties to deal with.

2. Unit management matters a lot!

Units serves a critical role in the property management portal. It is very important for the developer or a property dealer define units appropriately and fill up the details accurately. An ideal property management portal should offer efficient unit management, which will help property dealers or developers to define units and fill up the details, such as unit number, type, entitlement, lot number, building number, floor area, car parking and so on.

3. What about owner management?

It is one of the most important feature that every real estate management system should provide to the user. An ideal property management portal or system should easily display the information about current owner, their email address, unit owned by the specific owner, position, property related documents and other details related to the owner.

4. Should provide effective tenant management

If someone has assigned his/her property to the tenants, it becomes crucial for the real estate agents or even for the property dealers to keep the up to date details about it. An ideal property management portal or system should provide ample details about the existing as well as past tenants. Moreover, it should provide details related to the lease, such as start date, expiration date, related contracts and more.

5. Efficient service charge management is crucial

While dealing with the properties, dealers or developers should be aware about the service charge that is going to be taken from the users as well as manage them smoothly. It involves a service charge defined for the specific property for the financial year selected and create invoices respectively. It should clearly state whether the service charge conducted is normal, special or includes any other charges along with other details.

6. Well-managed discount and penalty details

The real estate management system should also offer efficient and well-managed discount and penalty details, which includes specific discounts and penalty for non-payment and prepayment of funds in consort with the ability to provide due date and grace period. It will greatly simplify the way property dealers manage such critical details.

7. Contract and agreement is crucial!

While dealing with the properties, it is important to keep track record of the contractors who have assigned services to be provided from their end. An ideal system should offer a means of managing such crucial details. A system should offer developers or dealers to define different types of contractors who are assigned special tasks to be accomplished to the property and their agreement with the property.

Apart from all these, one should also consider other features and modules like the ease of collaborating documents online, customizable analytics and reports that will help you take better decisions, instant access to the key properties, budget and forecasting, lease tracking, repair and maintenance, expense management and more.

Here’s an example of an ideal property management system developed for a Dubai-based real estate operator. This system was developed in Java technology using Grails framework. Check out how it helps in managing property related issues 

Do you want to develop a real estate management system or a property management portal? Get in touch with us. 

Cygnet Infotech is now a Samsung Partner

Cygnet Infotech on 2^nd September, 2013 acquired partnership with Samsung under Samsung Enterprise Alliance Program (SEAP).

SEAP is an affiliate program that provides technical, marketing and sales support to companies in developing enterprise mobile solutions. The program aims to improve the potentials of mobile business by extending support and expertise to partners for solution development as well as marketing and distribution activities.

Cygnet Infotech became Silver Partner of Samsung under the ISV (Independent Software Vendor) Program. With this, we now belong to the network that has access to the extended library of the Samsung Enterprise SDK for developing more secure and powerful solutions for Samsung mobiles. This partnership also enables our programmers and developers to utilize more than 300 functions of Samsung’s Android devices for developing high-end mobile solutions. Besides these, being a Silver Partner of Samsung, Cygnet gets following benefits:

• Access to UX Guide for mobile application development and design
• Access to Technical Support Site for troubleshooting solutions development
• Access to Samsung’s network that includes channel partners, customers and carriers for marketing and promoting solutions
• Chance to participate in showcases and conferences hosted by Samsung

With these benefits, Samsung partnership positions us to cater to the demands of today's mobile market and optimize solutions for Samsung devices by integrating security, application, and hardware management thereby enhancing our overall IT enterprise solutions competence.

5 Essential Qualities of a Good Java Developer

One of the burning question every business owner or IT manger faces today is how to find the best man for his job. It’s important that he chooses the right developer for the job as it ensures better development and results. There has always been a shortage of high-caliber Java developers over the last few years. While there are many people who know a bit of Java programming, there are just a handful of skilled Java developers who possess a deep understanding the platform and the development process.

If you are looking for an expert java developer, the ideal 5 qualities you should look for are listed below:

1. Impressive Technical Background

One of the fundamental thing every manager looks for is the Java developer’s technical background. A developer with sound technical background with a degree in Engineering in Computer Science or Master in Computer Science is sought by most companies.

A look at the projects he did in his college can serve as windows to the real interest of the developer. Java or J2EE certification is also a good sign of his well-developed technical skill. While there are a handful of genius developers who are self-taught, most people hiring Java developers first look for educational qualifications or certifications.

2. Projects Handled

Next thing that recruiters and tech leaders look into is the experience of the candidate – the kind of projects he has handled. Usually, the requirement for an expert developer is for a new project that requires talented developer, or for an ongoing project where an existing developer is leaving in the hopes of greener pastures.

So, the Java team leader try to find out if the developer has worked with similar technologies and projects before. For example, if you are looking to develop a project on Grails then it’s better to have an adequate developer who already has hands-on experience on Grails rather than having a rock-star Java developer who will work on Grails for the first time.

3. Communication Skill

A large part of development relates to understanding the requirements of a project clearly. It also has a lot to do with sharing your ideas regarding development. So, one valuable skill companies and team leaders respect in a developer is the ability to share his or her idea easily. Most companies look for a good communication skills in the developer. A developer with mix of good technical skills and communication skill can succeed tremendously.

4. Passion

Companies look for developers who are passionate about Java programming language and who believe that it the #1 programming language. It may sound crazy – surely there are several other languages out there that can do the job as well. But a developer needs to be crazy about java – such a quality will drive him to find solutions of complex problems if he is stuck.

Also, if he is passionate, he won’t feel shy in offering new and creative solutions for development. It will also ensure high quality of Java Application Development. Developers who have their own blog or who contribute to blogs and enter into debates regarding Java have a good chance of impressing the interviewers.  

5. Flexibility

After the developer passes all the above tests and has proven that he has the qualities that make a great Java developers, the battle is mostly won. But there is one more thing that separates the good from the best. Developers are human and they would like to work 40 hours a week like everyone else. But a good developer is flexible in terms of time – he or she is ready to work extra hours when the project requires it. Also, a developer who can remove or add features and make a dozens of changes (that have to be made because of someone else’s errors) and work hard without grumbling is an asset to any team.

These are some of the ingredients that go into making a great Java developer – according to some of the Java leaders that I talked with. What do you feel? What qualities would you look for in a Java developer who was joining your team?

Microsoft to Buy Nokia’s Mobile Unit: Emergence of a Third Player in the Mobile Market?

While the Windows Phone is at the number two position (behind Android) in some markets that Apple has not cared to target aggressively, Microsoft has not tasted big success in the mobile market. Tech pundits have given good reviews about Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system, but it has always seemed that Bill Gates came to the smart mobile party a little too late. As Apple and Android dominate the global mobile market with over 90% of market share, the chances of a third player entering the field and competing with these two mobile giants have gotten slimmer and slimmer.

A Quick Glance at Nokia & Microsoft’s Relationship

When Nokia threw its lot with Microsoft and started manufacturing smartphones that run the Windows 7 and 8, many felt that it was a suicidal move. Samsung, one of Nokia’s biggest competitors in the mobile manufacturing, choose Android OS to run its best mobiles and emerged as one of the biggest forces in the mobile market. Nokia was unable to accomplish similar goals using Windows operating system: it dumped Symbian and used Windows 7 operating system for all its top-tier handsets, but was unable to compete with the iPhone or Android devices.

Just a few years back Nokia was respected as the most powerful mobile manufacturer; today, it is not even one of the top three mobile manufactures. Microsoft too suffered from the fact that none of the mobile manufacturers using its operating system could come up with a series of successful handsets. Technology experts and bloggers have expressed one idea since a long time: Microsoft and Nokia are a good fit and by closely partnering with each other, they can emerge as a force to reckon with. By preparing to buy Nokia’s mobile unit, Microsoft has done what many hoped that it would.

Has Microsoft found the Missing Piece of the Mobile Puzzle?

In a purchase that is set to complete by 2014, Microsoft has agreed to buy Nokia’s mobile unit, and it will also buy Nokia’s patents and mapping services in a non-exclusive agreement. The company will pay $ 7.2 billion in cash. The deal is a lifesaver for Nokia, a company that is steadily falling behind its competitors Samsung and Apple. It can also help rejuvenate Microsoft’s mobile image and help the company manufacture flagship mobile handsets that are specifically created for Windows 8.

While Apple has the iPhone and Android has Samsung’s popular devices that can showcase the best features of the mobile operating system and attract customers, Microsoft doesn’t yet have such a hit device for Windows 7 or 8. While people have not dumped PCs or Windows, Microsoft needs to find its way in a world where people are spending less time on PCs and more time on tablets and smartphones. With this deal, Microsoft doesn’t just get the capability to manufacture mobile, but also gets the skills and patents to create a slew of innovative devices that can help its mobile operating system find its feet in a competitive market.

Through the deal with Nokia, Microsoft has all the ingredients that go on into the making of a powerful and effective smartphone ecosystem: a well-conceptualized mobile operating system, devices that are specifically made for the operating system and an app store. Only time will tell if Microsoft has found the missing piece of the puzzle, but if you are a mobile app owner or a developer, the possibility of a third player giving competition to the existing market leaders is exciting.

Impact on Mobile App Development

Microsoft is the only company that has the wherewithal and background to compete with Apple and Android. Nokia still has a huge fan-following in emerging smartphone markets like India, and this will empower Windows 7 and 8 phones to conquer huge chunks of such markets. Just as Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility patents enabled the search giant to manufacture its own devices and safeguarded the future of its operating system, Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s mobile unit will help the company compete more aggressively in the mobile market.

It is notoriously difficult to foretell future in the dynamic mobile market, but the news indicate that Microsoft is going to do all it can to thrive in the world of smart mobiles. We can expect to see a surge in the number of developers building mobile apps for Windows. Also, if the Windows Phone OS gets a bigger market share over the next two years (and it is likely that we will see at least some rise), developers who build apps only for Apple and Android will start building apps for Microsoft as well.

Ready for a Resurgent Windows Phone Operating System?

In the current scenario, most businesses and developers are either building only Apple apps, or they build app for Android and Apple. If Microsoft succeeds in becoming the third player in the mobile market, apps that are already popular on its app store will be the biggest winners. By creating an innovative application Windows Phone OS now, or by creating a Windows Phone version of your existing app, you can profit from a world that has three major mobile operating systems.

Would you like to explore this idea further? Get in touch with us and tell us about your mobile app idea. We would love to discuss it with you! 

Do’s and Don’ts of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

The usage of mobile phones in the last 5 years has increased to a huge extent. With this leap, several mobile applications have been introduced which are available in various app stores such as Play Store, iStore, etc. In these scenarios, standing out from 5,00,000 plus mobile apps is a challenge, especially when the market is estimated to be worth $25 billion by 2015. Chances of getting to the top in the niche market is already saturated and hence the discoverability and possibility of reaching to the right target audience quickly is no rocket science. In these conditions, mobile app marketing via social media is the best option especially when you are on a tight budget.

We all know that the importance of social media in today’s time has grown by leaps and bounds. It has become more a necessity than an option to survive in the global marketplace and achieve success. Several companies have developed their presence on social media just to promote their brands and services on different platforms and websites. From product advertising to announcements to services promotion, social media is the one that provides quick and efficient results.

Image credit: www.appsgeyser.com

Mobile application marketing through social media can help you reach the widest and sharply targeted audience in no time. Mobile apps are being used by people of all age groups for recreational, informational and many other purposes. And this is why no other platform on the Internet could give your apps the exposure as good as social media. However, when you set out to market your apps on social media, you need to keep your eyes and mind open as marketing on social media can either make or shake your strategy. Hence, you should have a planned mobile application marketing strategy on social media which requires appropriate research before you dive into this deep ocean.

There are several Do’s and Don’ts of mobile app marketing via social media as highlighted in the following paragraphs that can really help you hit the right audience and help your increase mobile app download rates.

Do’s of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

1. Use Promoted Tweets – Create a buzz about your app on Twitter with Promoted Tweets. Promoted Tweets are a great way to capture the attention of customers.
2. Connect with prospects via LinkedIn & Facebook – Users who frequently use LinkedIn and Facebook can become your possible customers. Just connect with them and promote about your application which would be displayed on their notification bars or news feed.
3. Promote on YouTube - Create a video to demonstrate the working of your app and promote it on YouTube.
4. App Reviews - Submit your application reviews on relevant blogs, websites and press releases
5. Use QR Codes – Create QR codes and publish them on different social media platforms from where customers can scan the code and download the app.
6. Answer Every Comment – People like it when they get reply for what they say instead of getting avoided. Be sure to answer every comment and specially be constructive when their comments are negative.
7. Delete Negative Comments – Be alert and quick to delete negative comments before they can ruin your app marketing strategy.
8. Be Active - Be always active in putting useful, informative and interesting updates which can drive customer engagement and keep them updated.
9. Be Participative & Polite - Post and comment everywhere that is relevant to your mobile app but in a polite manner.

With these Do’s come several Don’ts which you should avoid while promoting your apps on social media which are as mentioned below:

Don’ts of Mobile App Marketing via Social Media

1. Don’t be a Marketer, Be a Friend – While promoting your application on social media, avoid being a marketer who pushes the product. Instead be a friend and develop a healthy conversation which can really convince your prospect.
2. Don’t Make Mistakes – Avoid mistakes in typing and publishing things as even a small mistake is enough to portray your negative image.
3. Don’t Make False Statement – Just for the sake of increasing downloads of your app, do not make false statements and claims. Say what your app can really do.
4. Don’t Use the Same Strategy - Do not use the same strategy for every social media platform you are promoting your app on. Do remember each social media platform has different dynamics and needs to be utilized accordingly.

Now when you know that social media can be utilized in many way, it's up to you to decide what strategy will be more effective and how you exactly want it to work. Be creative while promoting your apps to create the curiosity among the users and make sure that you make it about them, not about you. In short, always publish from their perspective. On the other hand, make sure that your app is powerful enough that it can be recommended to others. Social media makes it undoubtedly popular but like I said before that your app must be substantial and worth recommending to others.

Conclusion

At the end, what you can get out of the social media promotion is what your customers want. The primary reason is that you can connect with your users better and find such more potential customers. Social media is essential to make your mobile applications popular. So make the most of it with planned strategy and research.

Grails vs Ruby on Rails vs Play Framework

When it comes to developing web applications, the leading opensource technologies that comes to one’s mind are Ruby on Rails, Play framework and Grails. However, many a times it happens that the team faces a lot of challenges while choosing among these technologies.

Are you at a point where you are not able to decide which opensource framework would best suit your rapid application development requirements? Here is a good comparison chart of Grails vs Ruby on Rails vs Play framework that one of our open source technology experts has shared. Let’s take a look at it.

In the above comparison chart, one can see that Grails stands at par with Ruby on Rails while it exceeds the Play framework in many ways. Grails also surpasses Ruby on Rails in some factors such as programming language support, design patterns, ease of use, etc. Looking at the above comparison, it is clear that Grails is one of the best open source technologies of today’s time and should be opted over Ruby on Rails and Play framework for all your rapid web application development requirements.

 

Download our Free Whitepaper on Grails: Accelerating J2EE Application Development