By now we all know how important it is to have a mobile presence, yet this task is still easier said than done.
However, that does not have to be the case - especially for content publishers who leverage the DIY app-publishing platform MAZ.
MAZ is a New-York based startup that enables content publishers to roll out iPad apps in as little as 15 minutes. The company's core platform, MagAppZine, is targeted toward magazine publishers, but the company also has two new platforms that are currently in beta - BookApps and CatalogApps.
Publishers can upload PDF files into MAZ to create content for their app. MAZ apps include in-app web browsing, Twitter access and built-in social sharing buttons, as well as come with a built-in web browser and media player so that publishers can add an unlimited number of links and multimedia items into their apps. Users also have the ability to preview apps on their iPad before they are published.
All MAZ apps take advantage of iOS 5 features, including the ability for users to add in-app purchasing, in-app subscriptions, Newsstand integration, push notifications, background downloading and automatic issue metadata updates to their apps. Once an application is created, users simply hit submit and MAZ takes care of the rest, including dealing with platform providers like Apple, to get the app launched. Furthermore, MAZ users have the ability to add advertisements within their apps, and are also fully equipped with analytics and reporting so that they can monitor their app's metrics.
Publishers can try the platform for free, however plans to create one app normally cost $299 a month. This package offers users the ability to upload an unlimited amount of issues, make an unlimited amount of changes to their app, add as many links and multimedia items as desired, and offers unlimited access to MAZStatz.
