In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Global
The App Association | "The App Association (...) advocates for an environment that inspires and rewards innovation while providing resources to help its members leverage their intellectual assets to raise capital, create jobs, and continue innovating."
Wireless Industry Partnership Connector Inc. (WIP): WIP is an organization that connects and supports developers and coders from around the world through events and educational resources.
Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) | The MMA is an organization of mobile marketers working together to develop standards for advertising on apps and other forms of wireless communication.
Local
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) | “ICTC is a not-for-profit national centre of expertise for the digital economy.” Check out their industry studies and statistics.
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) |The CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada.
The Digital Media and Wireless Association of BC (DigiBC) |"DigiBC's mission is to promote, support and accelerate the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of BC's digital media and wireless industry."
- Check out their BC Digital Media + Wireless Industry Survey - 2010 (PDF - 20 pages).
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
App Developer Magazine | This monthly publication focuses on app developers and the industry at large across platforms and countries.
Application Development Trends (ADT) | "ADT provides the latest enterprise application news, trends and best practices to help readers tackle the broad range of issues that enterprises must cope with every day."
Blogs
Application Development & Delivery Professionals Blog | This blog is based on the Forrester consulting firm's site, and it is aimed at professionals working in the app development field, with many posts focusing on marketing and User Interface (UI).
Android Developers Blog | This is the official blog of the Android company created to help and support Android app developers.
Swift Blog | This blog focuses on Apple's new coding system for iOS platforms including app development.
Flurry | "Flurry Analytics is the industry standard in mobile, and provides more than 170,000 developers the business data they need to understand their audience, usage and performance.”
MaRS helps Canada’s most promising founders build successful companies. Explore advice, lessons, and tips from its community of entrepreneurs and operators.
Discussion Forums
An active discussion forum covering all things Android apps, from creating your first app to troubleshooting.
The official Apple app development forum, includes information and discussion on topics ranging from User Interface (UI) to distribution on the Apple App Store.
Review Sites
This site put together a list of 160 sites for iOS iPhone and iPad App reviews.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.