MobiFlex, headquartered in Wellesley, MA is a web-based mobile app builder that allows you to build inexpensive apps online.  Think of it as the Squarespace for mobile applications.  You don’t need to know how to code, and the company provides a simple design with a drag and drop wizard, letting you build an application in just a couple hours for iPhone and Android platforms.  Now Mobiflex is extending their product to work in conjunction with Google Docs Spreadsheets using a simple graphical tool.

This new data interface will enable fast implementations of native mobile apps needing real time data to access for mobile workers or customers.  MobifFlex can now select, insert, update, and delete data, while you watch your spreadsheets changing on the web in real-time.  “Support for Google spreadsheets avoids any new learning of database interfaces and any additional database server costs.” said Michael Kuperstein, CTO of MobiFlex. “This demonstrates our commitment to making MobiFlex the easiest and quickest way to create native mobile apps without the help of a developer.

According to Google, “over 2 million business have adopted Google Apps over the last three years.” In times of economic recession more and more companies are trying to do more with less.  One strategy many are finding to save money is to adopt cloud based solutions such as Google Apps in replacement of the traditional Microsoft Office Suite.  This saves companies the hassle of purchasing, installing, and maintaining hardware and software themselves.  Along with this trend companies are beginning to realize that simply having a website is not sufficient, and there needs to be a mobile strategy in place.  MobiFlex can help take some of the weight off the development team and let a start-up company boost right into having a mobile presence.

Real world examples of how Google spreadsheets can be used in MobiFlex apps include:

• Mall operators and other retailers can easily set up and update “Today’s Specials” to push to their users in real time.
• Car inspectors can photograph an accident scene and upload a report for claims servicing
• Music artists can keep their fans up to date with new release and concert schedules.
• Local real estate offices can update their mobile agents of new market changes in real time.
• Pickup or delivery schedules can be updated in real time based on the GPS locations of drivers.
• Business travelers can access the latest inventory, prices, contracts or user manuals while meeting with customers.
• Plumbing firms can update the price and availability of a part for their plumbers at customer’s homes.
• Organizations can inform members about events, new programs, and new members.

What do you think of MobiFlex? Could your company utilize their service to save money on developing mobile applications?