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Yes, the end of apps, perhaps as we know them, is just around the corner. This is not a new idea; much has been written about this emerging trend.

On the mobile apps horizon is a consolidation. Apps are going to change in ways few will anticipate. Instead of a continuing a near-vertical climb in numbers, the apps that ,enxterprise workers will become highly dependent upon will actually fall in number.

Why?

Mobile apps and processes will begin to leverage existing frameworks for delivering workplace experiences. And it’s already beginning with iOS 8 notification widgets.

ios8widgets

Imagine your morning news and operational dashboard flowing into your iPad or iPhone through this mechanism.

Apps Without UIs

Imagine using a collabrative app such as Slack to deliver ad-hoc search and automation services to employees. Slack, which recently attracted more than $120 million in funding based on a $1.1 billion valuation, provides an alternative way to blend app functionality without building a comprehensive app user interface. Through carefully designed integrations through Slack’s API, mobile solution developers are able to craft integration services and processes that allow them to escape app development altogether.

Here’s an automation example driven by Google Apps. As data in the web services health changes, critical notifications are pushed directly into view in Slack. Simple, elegant, relevant, and in context. Best of all, no mobile application development required.

slackmonitor

The future of enterprise mobile apps will be about solutions that ride as proxies into the forefront of every user’s mobile experience.