Definitions of words are important. They are the foundation of all communication. Unless we share the same definitions we are likely to run into misunderstandings. In 2011, the word “app” is arguably the most important from a business technology perspective. So, what is an app? There are multiple technical definitions, but I won’t bother you with those.

I will tell you, instead, what the man on the street means when referring to an app. A word definition driven from a street perspective is likely to change over time, but that’s just life. It changes.

The street definition of an app relies on five basic premises. An app is an application that:

  1. runs on your phone or tablet (such as the iPad)
  2. is installed from an online app catalogue (such as the App Store or Android Marketplace)
  3. can be free or if not free, easy to buy directly from the phone
  4. typically is targeted to the general public, consumers
  5. is narrowly scoped from a functional perspective

Premise 1 – Mobile
The word “app” was not widely used before Apple’s release of the iPhone and the App Store. It is no coincidence that the word “app” was formally added into the Swedish language in 2010. The context of the word is therefore mobile devices, and primarily mobile phones. We already know that Apple is soon releasing an App Store for their desktop operating system, and Microsoft is rumored to include an app marketplace in Windows 8. This means that the street definition of an app, being related to a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, will be changed in 2011. Apps will be targeted towards PCs in 2011.

Premise 2 – App catalogue
The app is discovered, purchased, downloaded from an online app catalogue. The app catalogue premise also relates to the nature of the target platform. The target platform, such as an iPhone or Android phone, is open and allows developers to write apps for it.

Premise 3 – Free or purchasable from the device
Most apps today are free. If they are not, the app can easily be purchased from the phone itself. The success of the app is closely related to how easy it is for the user to make app purchases directly from the phone. This implies that the user already has a financial agreement in place with the app catalogue provider.

Premise 4 – Targeted towards the general public, consumers
The number of app downloads will surpass ten billion in 2011. This means that the typical app is targeted to consumers. However, as businesses see the benefits of apps for their employees, we will see more and more internal apps in 2011. That said, there are still multiple distinctions between the app and a traditional mobile solution (for example mobile service orders). See all other premises.

Premise 5 – Narrowly scoped
The app is typically very narrowly scoped. The reason is the context of a mobile phone. A mobile phone is used in a on-the-go situation and the app has to be easy to use and navigate. User experience and user interface is designed to get one or two things done quickly. A sitting-down-at-the-desk situation is not as sensitive. Desktop software is therefore often designed with more features and deeper menu systems.

So, there you have it. Until reality changes and the definition needs to change.