Unlike fleeting consumer apps, enterprise mobile applications for a business are transformative. Forward-thinking organizations are eager to take advantage of increased mobility to empower their workforce and give them access to enterprise data. But before jumping into development, many considerations must be taken into account to be sure an enterprise is ready to deploy an app.

Like any project, whether it be software development or construction, preparation is key in ensuring its success. When building a deck or patio, preparing a solid foundation will make sure the resulting structure will stand for years. In mobile development, understanding the environment within which an enterprise is working will accelerate implementation and yield a smooth deployment process.

What follows is a list of items that should be considered before embarking on a mobile project. Whether the app is created in-house, or by a third party vendor, going through this checklist will prepare an enterprise for the successful development of its application. Each item is grouped into one of five steps: Audience, Data, Infrastructure, Deployment, and Support (ADIDS).