It’s an idea that tech publications and blogs have been discussing for at least the past two to three years, as desktop PC sales slumped and mobile device sales soared.

And just recently, CIO.com published an article declaring mobile to be the new desktop and explained the benefits for the enterprise. The reason for that declaration?

“Android surpassed Microsoft's Windows in March to become the most popular operating system on the internet, according to figures compiled by GlobalStats, the research arm of web analytics company StatCounter,” the article noted. “GlobalStats found that, worldwide, Android had a 37.93 percent internet usage market share, just ahead of Windows at 37.91 percent.”

Just five years ago, the Android OS had a mere 2.4 percent of global internet usage share.

The growing use of mobile devices in the enterprise should shock no one. Your organization may have adopted a BYOD strategy or is currently deploying mobile devices to end users along with, or instead of, desktops. Either way, you’re probably seeing the shift from the desktop to the tablet or smartphone.

And that means you have to design your enterprise software for the mobile world.

The CIO.com article takes a close look at the challenges involved in developing corporate applications that are equally usable on both platforms. We understand the difficulties involved in mobile app development, because we’ve recruited mobile talent for clients.

Here are just two examples.

Client 1: Phase in the best

This client needed to staff two development teams to enhance an app for both Android and iOS. The teams would work with the company’s Product Owner and UX Designer and would need a mix of client and server side developers. To make sure the teams had the best talent, the client was comfortable with the idea of a phased approach to staff this project.

We recruited and provided a team comprising an Android developer, an iOS developer, four Java developers, and two Quality Assurance consultants. Team members were on-boarded as they were sourced instead of on-boarding as a team.

Client 2: Create a team fast

This client needed a team to sunset the existing version of a mobile connectivity app while a newer version was being developed in house. They needed quick delivery of development talent, including front end, UX, and API developers. No time was available for training, so the client required experienced developers.

We quickly recruited and on-boarded a team consisting of a Front End developer, a UX developer, three API developers, and one Quality Assurance consultant. The team was productive immediately.

Going forward

You don’t really have to be a psychic to foresee even more users moving to mobile as their main platform. The demand for mobile development skills will only grow, so be on the lookout for mobile talent.