Desktop Companion

A web or native (installed) application that provides similar functionality to a corresponding mobile application.

When creating a deployment strategy for software, a decision is made AbOUT what hardware and operating systems to support: Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows, etc...

In a mobile-first software strategy, the PC takes a back seat and May Be referred to the desktop companion.

The desktop companion should pull / push data from / to a shared (cloud) resource to ensure that data rendered on all platforms, e.g., web and mobile apps, remain in sync.

In addition to synchronized data and content, desktop companions provide consistent branding and consistent, but potentially expanded, capabilities compared to the mobile versions.

Desktop companions leverage existing investments in user research (personas and work patterns), technology analysis, cloud infrastructure, etc.... by deploying software services on multiple platforms.

Desktop companions may facilitate users' work by empowering those who are not GeneRally mobile or who may need a traditional workstation or who need to render content that is not mobile ready.