Apple iOS still the leading platform for developers

Apple's iOS still has stronger backing from developers than Google's Android, according to research from IDC and development platform provider Appcelerator.

Some 91 per cent of 2,700 developers surveyed are 'very interested' in creating content for the iPhone, and 84 per cent said the same about developing for the iPad, according to the Appcelerator/IDC Mobile Developer Report April 2011.

In contrast, developer interest in Android dipped during the past quarter after a lukewarm reception for Android tablets such as the Motorola Xoom and growing concerns over the platform's fragmentation.

Interest in Android smartphones dropped by two percentage points to 85 per cent, and interest in development for Android tablets was down fractionally to 71 per cent.

Some 63 per cent of respondents said that device fragmentation in Android is the biggest problem for the operating system.

The report described fragementation as a "critical issue" that Google needs to address and one that competitors such as Microsoft, HP, Nokia and RIM can exploit along with Android's security issues.

A third of developers also voiced concerns about tepid Android tablet sales, and 28 per cent were worried about the effect that Android app stores will have on the distribution of software.

"Android remains an exceptionally strong OS but the cumulative effect of unresolved issues with the ecosystem are taking a toll on developers," said report co-author Scott Ellison, vice president of mobile and connected consumer platforms at IDC.

"The challenge for Google will be to better align app developer momentum with the momentum of Android device shipment numbers, and therein lies a competitive opportunity for Microsoft, Nokia and RIM."

Microsoft's Windows Phone platform, meanwhile, was in third place ahead of RIM's BlackBerry ecosystem. However, 62 per cent of respondents said that it will be impossible for anyone to catch up with Apple and Google.

The report went on to note the continued importance of cloud computing in the business environment. Some 84 per cent of respondents use at least one cloud-enabled or cloud-based service in their applications.

Services such as Facebook and Twitter will continue to be prominent in 2011 together with commerce and behind-the-firewall services provided by the likes of Oracle and SAP.

"The imperative for any business now is to determine a mobile strategy that is flexible enough to withstand the complexities and rapid changes coming from the mobile platform and cloud perspectives," the report concluded.