Cross Platform SDK

10 Ways a Cross-Platform eBook SDK Can Help Publishers

In today’s highly disruptive and constantly evolving mobile app development world, publishers try to take advantage of being present on multiple platforms, including Windows, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.

SDK or a Software Development Kit plays a significant role in publishers’ efforts to monetize content. A well-implemented SDK can help create a powerful in-app ad experience by boosting the value of mobile app inventory.

However, budgeting remains a serious concern for publishers if they go for native apps. This is why cross-platform SDK has emerged as the unanimous choice for publishers looking to build a presence on multiple platforms.

What is a cross-platform SDK?

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is primarily a set of software development tools that help publishers build ebook apps for a specified software platform, such as iOS or Android. An SDK may contain technical documentation, sample code, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and other similar tools.

Cross-platform SDK, in particular, is used to develop mobile applications that are compatible with multiple operating systems such as iOS, Windows and Android. It gives the ability to write the code just once and then run it anywhere for other platforms. This enables the release of software faster and with better quality.

Also Read: 9 Best Cross-Platform eBook Readers

How can publishers use SDKs for mobile advertising?

Since most apps do not have browser-like capabilities, publishers can essentially use an SDK for targeted mobile advertising and serve ads in an app on either an Apple or Android device.

SDKs also allow publishers to-

  • Serve notable ad impressions in their apps
  • Powerful in-app advertising to render the various types of ads such as rich media 
  • Gather critical app data such as location or device type, which can help to boost the value of mobile ad inventory

Top 10 Uses of a Cross-platform SDK for All Publishers -

1. Cost optimization

Unlike the earlier times when publishers had to spend heavily on different tools and technologies, cross-platform SDK allows them to invest just once to develop their eBook app.

Furthermore, they no longer require spending on developing apps for every individual platform as the same team can work on diverse platforms.

2. Support any platform

With a cross-platform SDK, publishers can create an ebook app that can be accessed on multiple operating systems. Further, with the right set of cross-platform SDK tools, one single team can develop applications across platforms. 

In addition to this, it helps publishers to address various day-to-day challenges, such as acquiring considerable skills on numerous development tools that are needed to support every mobile device or writing natively for each operating system.

3. Uniformity in approach

Customers usually find an eBook app cumbersome and inefficient if they need to use various strategies to access the same app across different mobile devices. Instead, they would try to find a solution that looks uniform across devices.

Cross-platform SDK helps publishers achieve this by ensuring that the app’s overall look remains the same across all platforms. This is simply because the same set of codes are being utilized for all platforms in cross-platform development.

4. Faster development time

In most cases, mobile app development is much faster when a single script is deployed. Increased development speed results in the product reaching the market much sooner than before. Publishers can use this saved time on various other strategic areas of business.

5. Easy access to plug-ins

One of the benefits of cross-platform SDK is that it offers easy access to the plug-ins, thus, simplifying the entire development process. What this also means is that publishers can use common links to API for two different platforms.

For instance, if a publisher wants to have an app with a certain feature and wants to implement it on iOS and Android, they can use a centralized code-set to interface both platforms. It is not only simple but can also be implemented in less time.

6. Seamless deployment and maintenance

With cross-platform SDK, it is much easier to maintain and deploy code as there’s only one developed app that runs across all platforms.

In addition to this, all the updates can be easily and promptly synced across platforms and devices, thus enabling publishers to save both time and money.

7. Simpler cloud integration

The cross-platform SDK and mobile applications are fully compatible and can leverage the benefit of different plugins integrated with the given cloud settings. It allows the single source code to be easily coordinated with various plugins and extensions that would enable a publisher to enhance the scalability and functionality.

8. Easier modification

With the ever-growing competition, it is important to update the business app regularly. Owing to the complex code and extensive testing process, the modification of native applications is complicated and time-consuming.

The cross-platform applications, on the contrary, are developed using a single code that makes the entire process of modification easier and quicker. This offers publishers a distinct competitive edge as their users can have the app on their devices for a much longer time.

9. Convenience

Cross-platform SDK can save publishers from the hassle of learning different programming languages and offering them one single substitute for all of these other technologies.

Besides, the tool allows them to easily write their code once they export the eBook app to multiple operating systems and platforms without creating a dedicated app for every single platform.

10. Broader market reach

Cross-platform SDK allows publishers to use their app on multiple platforms and broaden their market reach.

Apart from multiplying the revenue opportunities, a cross-platform application also helps to improve brand engagement, strengthen the overall market presence, and boost the business’ bottom line.

In conclusion

Cross-platform SDKs offer a great solution for publishers working on various operating systems and devices. It’s a cost-effective way for digital publishers to ensure that their content can be made available on multiple platforms, thereby increasing their audience reach.

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Mike Harman

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman