Summary: As we approach 2017, let’s take a look back at the most popular articles published on this blog over the last year. Learn about important dashboard mistakes, principles of modern web application development, ways to reduce Shadow IT security risks, and much more.

As 2016 draws to a close, let’s take a look back at the last year. Over the last 12 months, I’ve covered topics surrounding a few common themes: Business data and business technology. Specifically, how can you get the most out of your data, and use technology to your advantage? We’ve looked at ways to:

• Create effective dashboards,
• mobilize your business applications,
• reduce Shadow IT security risks,
• improve your development efficiency,
• and much more.

Today, I’d like to take a look back at some of the most popular articles and share them with you. In case you missed any of them, here are the most popular posts published on this blog over the last year, as determined by the readers of this blog. I hope you find them interesting:

5 big enterprise application development trends of 2016
As web application development evolves, old development methods will not address the needs of the modern business. In the near future, those who keep up with changing development trends will have an advantage over those who don’t. So, where is enterprise application development headed in the coming year? Learn more in this article.

The Mobile App Comparison Chart: Hybrid vs. Native vs. Mobile Web
As mobile apps grow in the business world, companies face a problem: Misconceptions still surround mobile app development. Many businesses venture into mobile app development without truly understanding the difference between each approach. Others enter the mobile app world with false beliefs about the pros and cons of each method…that could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars. To help clear up confusion, we’ve created a handy comparison chart to help you understand which mobile app approach is right for you.

4 essential questions to ask before building a mobile business app (part 1)
As businesses rush to build mobile apps, they often dive into the project without proper planning, or without an adequate understanding of their mobile app options. As you might imagine, this causes problems. It produces the wrong type of mobile app, or mobile apps that the company doesn’t really need–wasting time and money in the process. Learn the questions you should ask to avoid these problems.

5 big challenges facing CIOs and IT leaders in 2017
As business technology goes through a fundamental shift, the role of the CIO is changing. In the coming years, CIOs will face new challenges and take on new roles. The most successful CIOs are those that recognize and adapt to these changes. In this article, we explore 5 such challenges that CIOs must face in the near future.

7 principles of modern web application development
Driven in part by recent trends, web application development has changed over the past few years. Development principles that applied in the past no longer make sense, while new ones have sprung up. In this article, we explore the principles that modern web developers must follow when building successful applications.

5 important IT trends of 2016 (and beyond)
Evolving technology and growing data volumes bring major changes to the IT department. In this era, the IT department moves from a back-office function to a true business partner. What trends are driving this change, and how must your IT department adapt? In this article, we examine 5 such trends to watch in the near future.

5 (more) important IT trends of 2016 and beyond
Evolving technology and growing data volumes bring major changes to the IT department. In this era, the IT department moves from a “keep-the-lights-on” mentality into a true business driver. What trends are driving this change, and how must your IT department adapt? In the second part of our two-part article on IT trends, we examine 5 more trends to watch in the near future.

7 harmful business dashboard mistakes
When used correctly, business dashboards will help you make sense of your data and drive your business. However, not all dashboards are created equal. Many businesses make key mistakes with their dashboards, which can limit their effectiveness and kill the project altogether. In this article, we explore a few of the most common mistakes, and how to avoid them.

6 ways to reduce Shadow IT security risks
A rapidly growing trend, “Shadow IT” is the use of unapproved IT systems and solutions within organizations. End users are increasingly bypassing IT in favor of third party solutions and services. In this article, we explore the security risks of Shadow IT, and a few ways to reduce these risks.

6 facts you must understand about Shadow IT
A growing trend, “Shadow IT” is a term used to describe IT solutions and systems created and applied inside companies without their authorization. But, while it impacts nearly every organization, not every business leader fully understands the topic. In this article, we uncover the important facts that every business leader should understand about Shadow IT.

Summary

So there you have it. These are the ten most popular articles from this blog over the past year, as determined by readers. Thank you once again for taking the time to read this blog over the past year. I hope you’ve found the articles helpful. As always, feel free to reach out and let me know if there are any topics you would like to see me cover on this blog.