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10 Top Desktop Application Development Companies [2024]

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Last updated on
March 7, 2024

A QUICK SUMMARY – FOR THE BUSY ONES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 Top Desktop Application Development Companies [2024]

What are the top 10 desktop app development companies?

  1. Brainhub
  2. Taazaa
  3. Cheesecake Labs
  4. TXI
  5. Future Processing
  6. Tapptitude
  7. STRV
  8. Miquido
  9. Netguru
  10. 10Pearls

The companies offering desktop development services are sorted based on their ability to make a quick impact on your project.

To learn more about each vendor’s offer, scroll down.

Top desktop application development companies - offers’ comparison

Brainhub

Range of services of Brainhub - a top desktop application development company

Brainhub is a leading software outsourcing service provider, because of their outstanding technological competence. The team focuses on providing digital acceleration and team augmentation services. They cooperate with scale-ups, startups and enterprises.

Brainhub uses quick iterations and extensive testing to deliver business value by high-quality software.

REWARDS: FT 1000 Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies, Rising Star Awards from Deloitte: 50 Technology Fast Central Europe, Top .NET Developers 2023, Top 100 Sustained Growth Companies, Top 1000 Global Companies by Clutch

OFFER: custom software development, web application development, mobile development, app development, desktop development, cloud consulting, staff augmentation, digital transformation, legacy modernization, UX/UI design, product design, IT outsourcing services, infrastructure services, software testing

TALENTS: software engineers, QA engineers, solution architects, business analysts, UX/UI designers, project managers

TECH STACK: JavaScript, .NET, Node.js, React.js, TypeScript, Electron.js, React Native

SKILLS: web applications, API development, backend development, frontend development, cloud implementation, app modernization, hybrid mobile app development, native mobile app development, PWAs, UX design, UI design, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, business operations, cognitive computing

PREVIOUS CLIENTS:  National Geographic, Paradox Interactive, TC Global, Beam, Collegial, Heist Studios, Venture Harbour, Medicover GO, Jackbox Games, Screencloud

AVERAGE REVIEW RATING: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 40 reviews

APPRECIATED FOR: technical knowledge, excellent code quality, a proactive attitude, project management abilities, transparency, involvement, and commitment

CULTURE & VALUES: technical excellence, strong sense of ownership, informed decision-making, teamwork, high engagement, responsibility, continuous growth, knowledge sharing, learning.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 100+

LOCATION: Poland

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: fintech, gaming, edtech, medtech

<span class="colorbox1" fs-test-element="box1"><p>Contact Brainhub</p></span>


<h3 id="taazaa">Taazaa</h3>

Taazaa is a desktop appdevelopment firm based in India and the United States. They concentrate on assisting businesses with the creation of digital solutions. From validation through development and maintenance, the team handles every facet of a software development project. They provide DevOps services, flexible product development teams, and product modernisation. They work with hundreds of clients, including Fortune 500 firms, SMBs, and startups.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, desktop app development, mobile app development, product consulting, product transformation, UI/UX development, web development, quality assurance, DevOps services, research and innovation, enterprise software development, enterprise app modernization, legacy system modernization

SKILLS: cross-platform mobile apps, native mobile apps, Progressive Web Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, NLP, IoT, Cloud, UX and UI design, legacy apps, DevOps, custom software, desktop apps

TALENTS: software engineers, QA engineers, tech architects, business analysts, UX designers

TECH STACK: React Native, JavaScript, Node.js, .NET, MongoDB, Express.js, Swift, Objective-C, Java, Kotlin, Xamarin, Flutter, React, Angular, Vue

PORTFOLIO: PulseBox, Caring24, Lachina, Open i Networks, Vorrei, Wright Partners, Malley’s Chocolates

REVIEWS: 5.0 stars on Clutch from 27 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: commitment, a strong work ethic, openness to feedback, easy communication, a hard-working team, awareness of clients' needs

CULTURE & VALUES: putting people first, prioritizing relationships over transactions, loving to learn and seek new approaches, always being open to new ideas, focusing on long-term goals, caring about the highest quality, empathy, humility.

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 200

LOCATION: USA, India

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE EXPERIENCED WITH: healthcare, transportation, and logistics, proptech, real estate, edtech

<h3 id="cheesecake_labs">CheesecakeLabs</h3>

Range of services of Cheesecake abs, which is in this ranking of the best desktop app development companies

CheesecakeLabs, a design and engineering firm based in Brazil, specialising in web and mobile development. They provide a variety of teams that can handle different projects' requirements. In 2021, Clutch identified them as the 5th best React Native development company and the 10th best global mobile app development company overall. Additionally, they were featured on the prestigious Great Place to Work list.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, mobile application development, web app development, website development, UX/UI design, strategy and risk management, product definition

TECH STACK: JavaScript, React Native, Flutter, React, Python, Node.js

TEAM: software engineers, QA engineers, mobile engineers, designers, project managers, product owners

SKILLS: native mobile apps, cross-platform mobile apps, iOS development, Android development, quality assurance, testing, project management, UX, UI, Progressive Web App, IoT, Connected Hardware, Voice Assistants, Blockchain, wearables, MVP development, information architecture, visual design, prototyping, backend engineering

PORTFOLIO: Singularity University, Tapcart, AES, Lockitron, Cargill/Agriness, Skyroam

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 48 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: meeting deadlines, excellent product management, responsiveness, professionalism, proactive communication, coming up with creative solutions, high output, and transparency

CULTURE & VALUES: quality, adaptability, taking responsibility, open dialogue, respect, information sharing, and tight cooperation

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 100+

LOCATION: Brazil, USA

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE EXPERIENCED WITH: media, leisure, retail, ecommerce, energy and natural resources, fintech, hospitality, supply chain, logistics and transport

<h3 id="txi">TXI</h3>

Range of services of TXI, which is in this tanking of top desktop application development companies

TXI is a specialized software development firm that was established in 2002. Their clientele is diverse, including Fortune 100 companies as well as small firms. They take pride in being able to help clients in a range of industries, showcasing their adaptability and industry-neutral approach. They were listed among the top Chicago developers and Ruby on Rails developers, and Clutch recognized them as industry leaders for their exceptional software development abilities.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, mobile apps development, digital strategy, project management, product design, UX design, workshops

TECH STACK: React Native, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails

SKILLS: IoT, DevOps, user research, UX design, branding, business strategy, project management, maintenance, hosting, native app development, cross-platform app development, user testing, user research

PORTFOLIO: Northwestern University, Dept. of Medicine, Journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA), AKARA, Abbvie, Tyson Foods, Outcome Health

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 48 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: great communication skills, top-notch development process, high expertise, flexibility, creativity, collaboration, proactivity, willingness to learn

CULTURE & VALUES: technical knowledge, close collaboration, trust, constantly learning, growth, diversity, inclusivity

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 80+

LOCATION: USA (Chicago)

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE EXPERIENCED WITH: education, healthcare, manufacturing & IoT, retail & e-commerce, media

<h3 id="future_processing">Future Processing</h3>

Range of services of Future Processing, which is in this ranking of top desktop application development companies

Software development and consultancy firm Future Processing is based in Poland. They offer software development services with an emphasis on digital transformation using Machine Learning, Cloud computing, and Data solutions. The company assists in the project's discovery phase and provides advisory services as well. They have been a Microsoft partner since 2007 and have received Strategic Sourcing Awards in 2021. They were listed by Clutch as one of the Top Developers from Poland in 2022.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, software design, support & maintenance, digital transformation, cloud managed services provider, legacy modernization

TECH STACK: .NET, Java, Angular, C++, PHP, Python, Node.js, React, React Native, MongoDB

SKILLS: business intelligence, data science, Machine Learning, cloud solutions, data solutions, AWS, Azure, PoC development, IoT, AI, Big Data, DevOps, business analysis, testing, Quality Assurance, software architecture, quality audits, security audits, usability and accessibility audits, software audits, strategy workshop, discovery workshop, design sprint workshop

TALENTS: software engineers, architects, DevOps engineers, Big Data architects, QA engineers, business analysts, scrum masters, delivery managers, UX/UI designers, graphic designers

PORTFOLIO: Allocate, Demica, 4 finance, Euromoney, Feedback Medical, FareShare, iSite, ista, KMD, Lenso, Coconet, Algomi, Crédit Agricole Bank, Marston Holdings

REVIEWS: 4.7 stars on Clutch from 39 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: project management skills, predictability, expertise, quality of work, being goal-oriented, focus on people and building relationships

CULTURE & VALUES: focus on quality, passion to software development , engagement, expanding knowledge and skills, openness, trust, positive atmosphere, team spirit

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 1000+

LOCATION: Poland, Switzerland, UK, Germany, Ukraine

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE ESPECIALLY EXPERIENCED WITH: fintech, healthcare, logistics & transport, manufacturing, real estate

<h3 id="tapptitude">Tapptitude</h3>

Tapptitude - range of services

Tapptitude, a product studio based in Romania, was launched in 2013. Their main area of expertise is developing mobile apps, and they like collaborating with both up-and-coming companies and well-known enterprises. They take great pride in the fact that they have successfully delivered more than 100 apps so far.

OFFER DETAILS: AI development, custom software development, product strategy, product definition, UX/UI design, mobile and web development, product growth

TECH STACK: React Native, Flutter, React, Angular, Vue, Node.js, PHP, Golang

TEAM: software developers, designers, product managers, QA engineers

SKILLS: desktop apps, AI, machine learning and data science, native iOS app development, native Android app development, manual testing, automated testing, data analytics and AI strategy, data mining, Data visualisation, machine learning, Natural language processing, deep learning, MVP, product scaling, product maintenance, product strategy, product definition, competition research, product design

PORTFOLIO: Tenor, Glorify, Wellory, Speaken, Olly, Shebah, SAP, Turk Telekom, ETH Zurich, Discogs, Imobiliare, Telenav, Honda, Ontapp, OxWash

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 52 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: understanding the client’s needs, great communication, honesty, good project management skills, passion, commitment, supportive nature

CULTURE & VALUES: efficiency, friendship, expertise, growth, passion for software development

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 60+

LOCATION: Romana

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE EXPERIENCED WITH: IoT, healthcare, proptech, fintech, marketplaces, retail, social platforms, arts, entertainment & culture, automotive

<h3 id="vincit">Vincit</h3>

Vincit - range of services

California-based Vincit, a reputable desktop app development company, was founded in 2007. They were named by Fast Company as the best place to work for innovators, and they also earned spots on Clutch's lists of the Best and Brightest B2B Firms and Top B2B Companies from California. Notably, Vincit won the Great Place to Work award for Best Workplace three times in Finland and once in the European region.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, mobile app development, mobile app design, web app development, web app design, branding, UX/UI design, Shopify development

TECH STACK: Swift, Objective-C, Java, Kotlin, React Native, React, Angular, Node.js, C/C++

TEAM: software engineers, data engineers, architects, data scientists, UX/UI designers, visual designers, cloud architects, DevOps engineers, project managers, business analysts

SKILLS: native mobile apps, hybrid mobile apps, iOS development, Android development, strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data science, advanced analytics, brand identity, strategy and digital roadmap, DevOps, Cloud, architecture, app modernization, cloud transformation, continuous services, product design, agile transformation, agile coaching, Google Cloud, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Gatsby, Shopify, TensorFlow, PyTorch

PORTFOLIO: Stich & Tie, Roadtrip Nation, GE Healthcare, Logitech, Nokia, Yamaha, Tapatio Hot Sauce, Sharp, Superoperator, United Armor Gear, KCRW, Metso, Sigora, Fastems, Kelloggs

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 22 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: professionalism, being collaborative, excellent-quality work, reliability, great project management skills, good communication skills

CULTURE & VALUES: employee happiness, client happiness, a strong sense of community, treasuring the spirit of ingenuity, duty-driven role, personal growth

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 600+

LOCATION: Finland, USA

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE EXPERIENCED WITH: automotive, consumer products, transportation, advertising & marketing, business services, media

<h3 id="miquido">Miquido</h3>

Miquido - Range of services

A desktop app development company called Miquido was established in 2011. Among their IT outsourcing services it's the company that offers a wide range of professional services and delivers successful projects. In 2016, Deloitte Technology Fast 50 recognized them as the Central and Eastern European mobile development company with the quickest growth, which helped them gain notoriety. Miquido is a Google Certified Agency and has been highlighted in prestigious publications like Time and Forbes. They have also been acknowledged as the UK's top mobile app development company.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, desktop app development, product design, web development, mobile applications development, Artificial Intelligence, product strategy, digital transformation initiatives, legacy modernization, UX/UI design, UX workshops, UX audit, Cloud deployment, dedicated team

TECH STACK: JavaScript, Angular, React, Node.js, Golang, Java, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin, TypeScript, Kubernetes

TEAM: designers, software developers, project managers

SKILLS: desktop apps development, native apps development, cross-platform apps development, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Computer Vision, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Proof of Concept, cloud development, cloud deployment, UX design, UI design, Business Intelligence, product strategy, workshop, NLP, market research, prototyping, cloud computing, managed infrastructure

PORTFOLIO:  Skyscanner, Abbey Road Studios, Herbalife, Play, TUI, Empik, Onkyo Music, HelloFresh, Pando, BNP Paribas, Santander Bank, Klassik Radio, HID, Nestle

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 43 reviews

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: reliability, flexibility, quick turnaround time, ability to onboard rapidly, expertise, transparency, communication, commitment, work ethic

CULTURE & VALUES: transparency, honesty, putting people first, personal growth, business growth, skills development, satisfaction

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 200+

LOCATION: Poland

INDUSTRIES THEY'RE EXPERIENCED WITH: banking, insurance, e-commerce, MedTech, entertainment

<h3 id="netguru">Netguru</h3>

Netguru - Range of services

Netguru is a  well-known, one of the biggest outsourcing companies, with a global reach, founded in 2008. They won distinction as a Great Place to Work® in 2021, were named "Impact Stars" by Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe, and were listed in Poland's Gazelles of Business, which highlights open and rapidly growing Small and Medium Businesses. The Netguru team thrives on challenges and is motivated by initiatives with the potential to transform everyday experiences. They offer IT outsourcing services for various industries.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, desktop app development, web app development, mobile development, product design, UX/UI design, digital transformation, workshops, software services, outsourced services, software solutions, cloud services

TECH STACK: Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, Python, React Native, Flutter

TEAM: software engineers, designers, QA engineers, Agile coaches, Project Managers

SKILLS: web app development, mobile applications development, quality assurance, agile project management, native mobile app development, product management consulting, machine learning, scalable solutions, it based business initiatives

REVIEWS: 4.8 stars on Clutch from 49 reviews

PORTFOLIO:  Volkswagen, OLX, Keller Williams, Solarisbank, Moonfare, Damac, Finstreet

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE: adaptability, dedication, engagement, willingness to learn, and high quality

CULTURE & VALUES: never accept "good enough", responsibility, trying new things, learning from both wins and disappointments, collaboration, ongoing growth

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 700+

LOCATION: Poland

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE EXPERIENCED WITH: finance, banking, retail, eCommerce, healthcare, education

<h3 id="10pearls">10Pearls</h3>

Range ofservices of 10Pearls, which is in this ranking of best desktop application development companies

Desktop product development, technology acceleration, and product design are among the services offered by 10Pearls, a software development and consulting company. Company focuses on enterprise and midmarket clients as they lead firms through the strategy phase, development, and towards digital acceleration. The business has received recognition from Clutch, Gartner, and Forrester, and according to the Financial Times, by 2022 it will rank among the top 10 fastest-growing enterprises in the nation.

OFFER DETAILS: custom software development, custom solutions, desktop apps development, web app development, enterprise mobility, digital transformation, UX and UI design, QA services, Cloud solutions, DevOps solutions, outsourced teams

TECH STACK: JavaScript, Node.js, React Native, .NET, C#, Java, R, Objective-C, PHP, Angular.js, React, Meteor, Xamarin, Python, Golang, Swift

TEAM: software developers, QA engineers, DevOps engineers, data scientists, UX/UI designers, graphic designers, project managers, business analysts, delivery managers

PORTFOLIO: AmWell, Docker, Johnson & Johnson, PayPal, CocaCola, Hobsons, HughesNet, Intuit, Stripe, AARP, Telmate, Homeland Security

REVIEWS: 4.9 stars on Clutch from 32 reviews

SKILLS: AI, IoT, chatbots, AR/VR, blockchain, metaverse, voice & language processing, data & analytics, security, quality assurance, DevOps, CloudOps, AWS, Azure, GCP, containerization, market research, Docker, cybersecurity, data science, UX desing, UI, prototyping, wireframing, customer experience, IOS and Android platforms, strategic partnerships, MongoDB, MySQL

WHAT CUSTOMERS VALUE: being adaptable, being attentive to the demands of the client, engagement, support, adhering to a schedule, transparency

CULTURE & VALUES: being human-centered, value learning and growth, charitable endeavors

METHODOLOGY: Agile methodology

COMPANY SIZE: 1500+

LOCATION: USA, UK, Costa Rica, Colombia, UAE, Peru, Pakistan

INDUSTRIES THEY’RE EXPERIENCED WITH: finance, energy & natural resources, medtech, education, telecommunications

How to choose the best desktop application development company?

To select the ideal desktop app development firm for your case, we recommend you considering 6 key aspects: rapid iteration, comprehensive testing, quick time to impact, following DevOps practices, active engagement, and ability to form a collaborative relationshi. This will bring you closer to chosing a collaborator who can deliver top-notch software solutions tailored to your business requirements.

Rapid iteration:

  • Seek firms that adopt Agile methodologies to leverage from their focus on quick cycles, adaptability, and openness to change.
  • Ask the potential partner about their cycle lengths for sprints and how they integrate feedback throughout the development stages.
  • Review their track record for delivering software in short cycles, which allows teams for continuous improvement and adaptation.

Comprehensive testing:

  • Explore the firm's strategy for quality assurance (QA) and testing. Make sure they have an extensive testing framework that covers unit, integration, system, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
  • Check their use of automated testing tools and techniques to boost testing thoroughness and efficiency.
  • Ask about their procedures for identifying and fixing bugs or issues during the testing stages.

Quick time to impact:

  • Assess how the chosen company guarantees the swift delivery of software solutions that begin adding value to your business immediately.
  • Discuss their project management approach and how they prioritize features to secure early advantages and rapid value realization.
  • Look at their case studies or references to check their capacity to deliver projects promptly, while helping to achieve business goals.

Strong DevOps practices:

  • Determine if the desktop app development company cultivates a DevOps culture. It's a mean to better collaboration, enhanced efficiency, and faster delivery.
  • Ask about their continuous integration (CI) and continuous deployment (CD) tools and methodologies, essential for a robust DevOps strategy.
  • Find out how they monitor and optimize the performance of deployed applications to ensure reliability and expedite issue resolution.

Active engagement:

  • Top desktop app development firms deeply understand their client's business, culture, and challenges by engaging closely.
  • Prefer firms that provide dedicated project or engagement managers to maintain clear communication and alignment with your project objectives.
  • Assess their readiness to involve you and your team in the development process through regular updates, reviews, and feedback sessions.

Collaborative relationship:

  • Opt for a development team that sees the relationship as a collaborative partnership rather than a mere vendor-client interaction. That kind of company would cultivate collaboration, trust, and mutual respect.
  • Evaluate their interest in comprehending your long-term goals and how the projecy integrates with your broader business strategy.
  • Consider their ongoing support and maintenance services post-deployment, and strategic advice and suggestions for future improvements.

By focusing on these aspects, you can choose a desktop app development company that not only has the necessary technical skills and experience but also aligns with your organization's culture and values. That's a promise of a fruitful partnership and a superior software solution as a result.

How was this ranking created? [no secrets here]

This ranking was created by analyzing the following criteria among the 193 vendors worldwide. Each company that appears on this toplist, needs to meet the following criteria:

  • reviews from at least 40 clients (across various platforms),
  • at least 4.8 Clutch rating,
  • no entirely negative reviews found,
  • 5+ years of experience in software development,
  • strong tech skills and experience,
  • ability to create scalable applications,
  • high level of engagement,
  • proactive behavior,
  • ownership-taking and problem-solving approach,
  • agile working culture,
  • ability to create high-quality applications that meet business and user’s needs and goals,
  • cross-functional teams of professionals with skilled tech experts on board,
  • focus on the business success of created software.

To compile this toplist, we went through the websites, ranking pages, reviews, client testimonials, and blog/social media of the 193 vendors.

FAQ - Desktop application development services

Is desktop development still on demand?

Desktop development is still in demand, although the tech landscape has changed, since desktop apps remain valuable for specific needs and advantages, like handling resource-intensive tasks, ensuring security, and working offline.

Desktop apps offer a few specific advantages:

  1. Performance: Desktop apps can handle heavy tasks better because they use the computer's full hardware power.
  2. Offline access: They work without the internet, which is crucial for some users and situations.
  3. Security: In fact certain industries prefer desktop apps for their enhanced security and privacy controls.
  4. Specialized needs: Custom desktop apps are often developed for specific business tasks that web or mobile apps can't handle as well.
  5. Local integration: Desktop apps can easily integrate with other software and hardware on the same computer.
  6. Gaming: The PC gaming market is large, with many high-performance games developed for desktops.

What are the disadvantages and risks of building desktop applications from a business perspective?

Building desktop applications comes with several disadvantages and risks from a business perspective, which can affect both the development process and the application's lifecycle.

Let's take a look at some of these challenges:

  1. Platform dependency: Desktop applications often need to be developed and maintained for multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). Especially if you aim to reach a wider audience. This increases the complexity, time, and cost of development and maintenance.
  2. Distribution and updates: Distributing desktop applications and managing updates can be more cumbersome compared to web applications. Mainly, for desktop apps, you typically need to ensure that users actively download and install updates. That can lead to fragmentation and security risks if users are running outdated versions.
  3. Higher initial cost: The initial development cost for a desktop application can be higher due to the need for specialized development skills for different operating systems and potentially more complex deployment mechanisms.
  4. Compatibility issues: Desktop apps can face compatibility issues with different versions of operating systems or with specific hardware configurations. Therefore, they requirere additional testing and development work to ensure broad compatibility.
  5. User acquisition and retention: Acquiring and retaining users can be more challenging for desktop applications. Why? The download and installation process adds extra steps compared to accessing a web application through a browser. This can be a barrier for users accustomed to the immediacy of web apps.
  6. Resource intensity: Desktop software may consume more system resources (such as memory and CPU) compared to web applications, potentially limiting its use on older or less powerful hardware.

What specific desktop app development services do desktop app development companies offer?

Companies that specialize in desktop application development offer a range of services to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. These services typically cover the entire lifecycle of a desktop application, from initial concept to deployment and beyond.

Let's take a look at 10 most common desktop application development services:

  1. Custom desktop app development: Development teams create specialized software tailored to specific business needs, catering to Windows, macOS, or Linux platforms. This may involve crafting entirely new applications or modifying existing ones for improved functionality.
  2. UI/UX design: The focus is on crafting visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. The goal is to ensure ease of navigation, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility, making the desktop application welcoming and usable for all.
  3. Cross-platform development: Teams develop applications that operate across multiple operating systems, such as Windows and Mac, utilizing frameworks like Electron or Qt. This approach eliminates the need for separate codebases for each platform.
  4. Modernizing old apps: Teams are tasked with updating and transforming outdated desktop applications to run on modern platforms. This enhances their performance, security, and compatibility with current operating systems.
  5. Integration services: Desktop applications are integrated with other software, systems, or third-party services, like cloud storage or APIs. This expands their capabilities and interoperability, allowing for a more seamless user experience.
  6. Testing and QA: Comprehensive testing services, including both manual and automated tests, are provided to ensure the application's reliability, security, and performance. The aim is to deliver a bug-free and smooth user experience.
  7. Maintenance and support: Ongoing support and maintenance services are offered to resolve any arising issues, conduct updates, and incorporate new features. This keeps the desktop application relevant and efficient over time.
  8. Desktop application consulting: Experts provide advice on strategy, technology selection, best practices, and optimizations. This guidance is crucial for the successful development and launch of desktop application projects.
  9. Deployment and distribution strategy: Assistance is provided in formulating strategies for the application's deployment and distribution. This includes creating installers, managing digital distribution, and devising update mechanisms.
  10. Security enhancements: Robust security measures are implemented to safeguard the application and user data against threats. This involves encryption, secure communication protocols, and adherence to relevant security standards.

What types of desktop apps are there?

Desktop applications come in various types, each serving different purposes and needs.

These are 11 most common types of desktop apps:

  1. Productivity and office applications: These include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools, and database management systems. Examples are Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and Google Workspace (offline mode).
  2. Graphics and design software: Applications used for graphic design, photo editing, vector drawing, and 3D modeling. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Blender are prominent examples.
  3. Development tools: Integrated development environments (IDEs), code editors, database tools, and other software that assists in software development. Examples include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and Sublime Text.
  4. Communication tools: Apps for email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and team collaboration. Microsoft Outlook, Slack desktop app, and Skype are examples.
  5. Media players and editors: Software for playing, editing, and managing audio and video files. VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Audacity are well-known media applications.
  6. Games: Desktop games range from simple puzzles to complex simulations and multiplayer online games. Examples include The Witcher 3, Civilization VI, and Minecraft.
  7. Educational software: Desktop applications designed for learning and education, including language learning tools, tutoring software, and interactive learning platforms like Khan Academy (for offline use).
  8. Financial and business applications: Software used for accounting, financial analysis, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM). QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, and Salesforce Desktop App are examples.
  9. Utility software: Tools that perform specific tasks to help manage, optimize, and protect the computer. This includes antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, and backup software like Norton Antivirus, CCleaner, and Acronis True Image.
  10. Browser and internet tools: While primarily web-focused, some tools like web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) offer offline functionalities and features that enhance the browsing experience.
  11. Scientific and engineering software: Specialized tools used in scientific research, engineering design, and simulations. MATLAB, AutoCAD, and SPSS are notable examples.

What is an example of desktop application development?

Desktop application development means creating software applications that run locally on a user's computer, rather than over the internet or in a web browser. These applications are designed to take full advantage of the hardware and operating system features of the computer they're installed on.

Let's take a closer look a a specific example of a desktop application. In this case, it will be a note-taking software.

Example: Note-taking application

Let's consider the development of a simple note-taking application for Windows operating systems, using a popular programming language and framework combination, such as C# with .NET Framework. The application would offer features such as:

  • Creating, editing, and deleting notes: Users can write notes, edit them as needed, and delete them when they are no longer needed.
  • Organizing notes into folders: To help users keep their notes organized, the application would allow them to create folders and subfolders to categorize notes.
  • Search functionality: Users can quickly find notes by searching for keywords within their content.
  • Rich text editing: The application supports rich text formatting, allowing users to change font styles, sizes, colors, and include bullet points or numbered lists.
  • Data persistence: Notes and their organization into folders are saved locally on the user's computer, ensuring that they are available across sessions.

Development considerations:

  • User Interface design: The application would need a user-friendly interface, designed using the .NET Framework's Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) or Windows Forms for creating visually appealing and intuitive layouts.
  • Local storage: Considering the application is for desktop, it might use local storage options like SQLite or XML files to store the notes and their organizational structure.
  • Performance: The application should be optimized for speed and memory usage, ensuring that it runs smoothly on a wide range of computer hardware.
  • Accessibility: Features to enhance accessibility, such as support for screen readers or high-contrast themes, might be considered to make the application usable by as many people as possible.

This example encapsulates the typical process and considerations involved in desktop application development, highlighting the focus on local resources, user interface, and performance optimization. Different applications will have varying requirements and technologies depending on their specific use cases and target platforms (e.g., macOS or Linux instead of Windows, or using Java with Swing for cross-platform compatibility).

Choose top desktop app development services with ease

Although cost is an important consideration, it's equally important to focus on the expertise, track record, and reputation of the app development company.

Your chances of success will rise, and a mobile app created by a reliable and experienced app development company will be in accordance with the goals of your business.

Now, contact the software development companies that caught your attention right away. Be careful to look through their portfolio and contact any previous clients. Think about the two-way communication you have with the seller and the way your strengths compliment one another. Once you've picked a choice, confirm that you'll control the source code and establish precise working conditions.

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Authors

Olga Gierszal
github
Software Engineering Editor

Software development enthusiast with 6 years of professional experience in the tech industry.

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