Basics

What is Red Foundry?

Red Foundry is the most powerful, simple and cost-effective way to build a high-quality native application for the iPhone or iPad. Before Red Foundry, there were only two ways to build an iPhone app: 1) Spend months learning the how to program for mobile devices, or 2) Pay someone else up to $50,000 or more to build it for you. Red Foundry enables anyone to build a high quality iPhone app at a fraction of the cost with nothing more than a web browser.

Why do I need an iPhone or iPad App?

People are using their mobile phones to replace the things they once did on their computers. The future of computing is mobile and the iPhone is the undisputed king of mobile computing. In the near future, having a mobile application will be just as important as having a website, so don’t let someone else claim your mobile territory!

What about Android?

Android support is in active development and is on track for release in February 2012.

Why shouldn’t I just have a mobile web site?

Mobile web sites are great, but they’re just not the same as an app. People don’t “buy” web sites the way they buy apps, and there’s no real web equivalent to in-app purchases. Apps offer a better user experience because they’re more responsive, easier to access, and can have richer features and hardware integration. In the end, consumers treat apps differently, and that’s good for app publishers. Some day mobile web sites may be as important as native mobile apps, but that day won’t be soon—if it ever arrives.

How will I know if Red Foundry is right for me?

The best way to find out is to try it! We won’t charge you a red cent to build and test your app, so play and experiment as much as you’d like!

How did you guys come up with this idea?

It all began when we started building iPhone apps for fun, and a few of them became big hits. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we quit our day jobs and began making apps for other people like Pearl Jam and Kodak. After working in the trenches for a while we realized that building a great mobile app was too expensive, time consuming, and complex for all but a privileged few. We often found ourselves wondering… isn’t there a better way? That’s why we started Red Foundry -– to take our years of experience in building successful mobile apps and package it into technology that anyone can use to lower the cost, complexity and risk of building killer mobile apps.

I’m from outside the US. Can I still use Red Foundry?

Yes, you sure can. You can build and deploy apps from anywhere in the world, provided you have Internet access and a credit card to pay with.

Creating native mobile apps

Who can use Red Foundry? Do I need to be a programmer?

Anyone can use Red Foundry, and you don’t need to know anything about programming. If you have a web browser and fingers to click a mouse, then you already have everything you’ll need to build an iPhone app with Red Foundry.

Do you seriously mean I don’t have to be able to program at all?

Yes.

Will my app be a native iPhone app?

Your app will be a 100% native iPhone app and NOT a web browser based app. Your app will be available in the official Apple App Store just like any other iPhone app on the market.

What kind of equipment or operating system do I need to use Red Foundry?

All you need is an Internet connection and any operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux etc.) that supports a modern web browser such as Firefox, Google Chrome, or Internet Explorer (recent versions). Please note, a MAC and a valid Apple iOS Developer Account is required for building and submitting and iOS app to the Apple App Store.

I’m not a designer. Can I make my apps look beautiful?

Absolutely. Red Foundry apps are beautiful right out of the box. Check it out yourself—make an app for free right now. Of course, if you’re a great designer or have very specific needs, you can completely redesign and restyle Red Foundry apps. It’s all up to you.

What kind of iPhone apps can I develop on Red Foundry?

If you can think of it, you can probably make it with Red Foundry. Out of the box, our module library has over 100 core modules that you can configure and customize to meet your particular needs. Available modules include music, video, blog feeds, photos, web pages, maps, photo customizers, Facebook and Twitter integration, and more. Even if the core modules don’t have what you need, it’s easy to build your own. The best way to see what’s possible is to go ahead. Building apps is entirely free—just pay if you decide to release to the App Store.

Can I build apps for the iPad, too?

Definitely. All Red Foundry modules automatically support iPad as well as iPhone. Just upload some graphics, click a button, and there you go.

Can I make games with Red Foundry?

Red Foundry is suitable for some types of games, such as trivia, and other games with simple graphical requirements. However, if you’re planning to build complex game mechanics and interactive graphics, that’s probably outside the scope of our platform. You can still leverage Red Foundry for that, but you’ll have to build the actual game mechanics / graphics separately.

Can I make business apps with Red Foundry?

Absolutely. Red Foundry was architected with the needs of enterprise in mind. To learn more, check out our solutions for enterprise click here.

Can I integrate my corporate data and content?

Yes. Red Foundry was built from the ground up for easy and powerful integration with remote data sources. If your data is available in XML or JSON format (by far the most common formats), you can easily integrate with Red Foundry. Even if your data is in other formats, chances are integration will be easy. Learn more about integration capabilities here.

Can I leverage social media and web APIs?

Yep. Red Foundry can connect to almost any XML or JSON data source with ease. Easily connect to Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and thousands of other useful APIs. Learn more about integration capabilities here.

Can I build apps in languages besides English?

Red Foundry was built to support multiple languages, but at this time the only thoroughly tested language is English. We’ve had users successfully build apps in other languages, so you’ll probably be fine. However, we recommend building a test app (it’s free) to make sure it works for you. We’re working to ensure reliable support for additional languages.

Customizing your apps

Can I make my apps look however I want?

Yes. You can start by customizing colors, fonts, and other basic settings. It’s also easy to change layouts or even create entirely new designs using RFML (think HTML, but easier).

Can I customize it with my own code?

The easiest (and best) way to add uniquely custom functionality to Red Foundry apps is to use custom web APIs. For example, if you wanted to build a home finder recommendation engine, you could build it in a web API and access it from your Red Foundry app. In the rare cases where that won’t suffice, certain pricing levels offer access to the software development kit (SDK) that enables you to build entirely custom Objective-C functionality on top of Red Foundry.

I’d like to offer some functionality in my app that isn’t available in Red Foundry. Can you customize it for me?

We’re not in the business of custom development, but we do have several options available for you. Our IGNITE program is designed to get your organization up and running with its first stunning mobile app built on the Red Foundry Mobile Platform. The process only takes a few days, and the result is a comprehensive mobile app prototype ready to show off, and a team ready to hit the ground running. If you are looking to have an app developed from start to finish, we have relationships with great developers who can leverage our platform to create amazing solutions. Drop us a line at info@redfoundry.com, and we’ll be happy to introduce you to them.

Testing and deployment

How can I test my app before I publish it?

Red Foundry has built a one-of-a-kind system that allows you to test your app on any iPhone or iPod device before you publish it to Apple. Simply download Red Foundry VIZ, install it on your device, and enter your unique app code. Your app will be downloaded and will run on the device just like it will once it’s published. You can even view your changes in real-time just by shaking your phone to reload your app!

How can I involve stakeholders in development?

Red Foundry makes it easy. Just have all stakeholders download Red Foundry VIZ. When you give them a unique 6-digit app code (provided in the Red Foundry app builder), they can immediately try out the latest version of your app live on their iOS device.

What devices do you support?

We currently support all iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch). We’re adding other platforms such as Android, Blackberry and Windows Mobile very soon.

How long will it take to get my app in the App Store?

All apps on the iPhone must be approved by Apple before they can become available on the App Store. This approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and is completely out of our control. During this process, Apple may reject your app if it contains objectionable or copyrighted content.

Pricing and monetization

How much does it cost? Are there any commitments?

Red Foundry is completely FREE to build and test your iPhone app. We only charge you when you submit it to Apple. After that, Red Foundry costs about the same as hosting a website, and there are no setup costs or long-term commitments. Click here for more pricing details.

Can I update the content in my application at anytime?

YES! We realize that an app is only as relevant as the content inside of it, so we built Red Foundry from the ground up to display content as soon as it becomes available. Whether you are connecting to your own data feeds, or using RF Base & our internal Content Management System to store your content — changes you make to your content like photos, videos, music, blog posts, or products will immediately become available to anyone who has installed your application without having to update your application from the appstore.

Do I have to choose a pricing level before I build my app?

No. You do not have to choose a pricing level until the moment when you actually submit your app.

Can I choose different pricing for different apps?

Yes. You can choose any pricing model for any app you make. Mix and match until your heart’s content.

Can I switch an app from one payment level to another?

Yes.  You may switch your app pricing model at any time.

How long will the beta pricing last?

We haven’t decided yet. Take advantage of beta pricing while you can!

What happens to my pricing when the beta ends?

Any active apps you have at the time of the price change will retain the beta pricing. Any new apps released after the end of the beta will be charged at the new rates.

How much can I expect to make by selling my app?

Apps on the App Store can make as little as nothing to $20,000 or more in 1 day! We don’t have a magic 8 ball, so it’s hard to say how much you’ll make, but there are apps built on the Red Foundry platform that make well over $100,000 per year.

Do I have to keep paying a monthly fee if I pull my app from the store?

No. Once you pull your app from the store, we will cease billing you for your monthly fees after the end of the current month.

Great! How do I get started?

We just knew you wouldn’t be able to resist. Click the “Start Now” button at the top of the page to start building now!