iOS Soars Ahead of Android Development As Apple Quietly Makes Move Into The Enterprise Market

The Apple iOS is surging ahead of the Google Android platform for enterprise development, according to survey results from Appcelerator, the mobile platform development company.

In the largest survey of its kind, Appcelerator developers were asked what operating system is best positioned to win the enterprise market. Developers said iOS over Android by a 53% to 38% margin. Last year, in its second quarter survey, the two companies were in a dead heat for the enterprise market, tied at 44%.

In a surprise of sorts, Windows showed some life as 33% said they would be interested in developing apps on the Windows 8 tablet.

Each quarter, in conjunction with IDC Research, Appcelerator surveys its community of 340,000 developers. It is the largest survey of mobile developers. This quarter, more than 3,600 developers participated in the survey.

Apple’s dramatic push ahead is in part attributed to developers perception about Android. When asked what interests them, developers said the size of the market and the price point of the devices.

“Apple is a consumer centric app in the eyes of developers,” said Appcelerator’s Director of Enterprise Strategy, Michael King.

Apple has also put more emphasis on supporting the enterprise through better security. They have worked closely with mobile device management companies such as Mobile Iron, SAP Afaria and Symantec’s Nukone.

On its Web site, Apple has successfully marketed its iOS products. For example, it markets the ways it is used; the companies that have adopted it; the apps and its security features. It beautifully shows the iPad and the innovative ways it can be used. Its resources page helps people understand how to use, integrate, and support iPad in business environments.

In addition, Apple now has an enterprise associate in every Apple store.

Also reflected in the survey results, is a trend from consumer app development to enterprise apps. Two-thirds of those surveyed are building apps for their company or a business customer.

Enterprise managers are recovering from the bring your own device (BYOD) era. They are now learning how to manage devices and how to use them to innovate.

The interest in Windows is arguably as interesting as Apple’s gains. Could this be the new race between Apple and Microsoft?