In my business, I'm working on developing mobile versions of the core applications we use. Our vision is to build off of the platform, just as we can offer software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, but we do not know what to use. Should we build our own mobile development platform or go buy it?
On the cost-benefit analysis of this issue. Before I develop, I usually look for what I can use. Not only does this help me determine if a direct solution is available, but also help me determine the other capabilities that I might need to build my application. If possible, if you develop the core application yourself and someone is doing what you do, you do not need to build it yourself.
The big question is what value you give your customers, and if your value is technology, it may be to build your own apps to ensure your uniqueness and competitive features make mobile apps a reality. However, if your value is content, you may be better off looking for other platforms, outsourcing the entire mobile application or buying off the shelf and adjusting to your specific needs. Typically, if you provide a SaaS application, you need to be able to use the API, which should be used on mobile applications.
The other solution is not usually thought of as building your own platform and buying or outsourcing. In some cases, buying a platform is relatively easy and quick to enter the multi-target market. This will help you to be famous, and then you can determine which device is best for your application sharing. Once you know what platform is the goal, you can do it yourself, and better application versions target specific platforms.
The important thing to point out is that many existing platforms use only HTML5 technology. It's also a way of getting a good prototype application, and unless you're doing something very basic, you might not be suitable for your client.