After digital disruption, Cloud adoption is intensifying among enterprises throughout the world. With the development of mobile applications, enterprises encounter problems related to the cost to market and the need for regular updates and maintenance. Moreover, performance and storage capacity are other significant issues with mobile app development.
The best possible method to overcome such challenges is Cloud-based application development. Developing apps on top of Cloud platforms allow enterprises to build productivity-driven solutions that improve user experience as well as boost revenue. Moreover, businesses can deploy multi-experience solutions within their infrastructure by leveraging technologies like AI/ML (Artificial intelligence/ Machine Learning), Blockchain, and IoT (Internet of Things).
Introduction to Cloud Application Development
A Cloud application is an online program that uses an internet connection for a significant part of data storage and processing. For instance, an enterprise app’s client-side interface may be a mobile or a web browser, but its data processing and storage take place on the Cloud platform. With a fast and steady internet connection, a Cloud app will deliver all the experiences and conveniences of a normal app.
Moreover, Cloud-based apps are highly flexible, so enterprises can easily include or remove features as required. This makes it easy to customize applications and meet specific user needs. Around 94% of companies stated that using Cloud applications in their ecosystem makes it easier to meet market requirements with greater compliance.
How do Cloud Applications Work?
As said before, a Cloud app runs on a remote server while the end-user interacts with it via a mobile or web browser. End-users can use their PCs or mobile as input devices, whereas the Cloud platform ensures processing and storage. Cloud-based applications offer faster response times since it eliminates the need to be deployed on every device or machine. Simply put, a Cloud app works like a decentralized network that allows users to access services anywhere anytime. Another benefit of Cloud apps is that, unlike conventional solutions, Cloud apps do not always use up storage space on a mobile or computer device.
3 Types of Cloud App Development
Software as a Service (SaaS) – It is a type of service in which a Cloud platform hosts solutions and makes them available over the internet to the audience. Rather than installing and maintaining software, users can easily access services through the internet, relieving enterprises from complex hardware and software management. Some of the tech giants that adopted this model for providing their services, include SalesForce, Hubspot, Zoom, Zendesk, Shopify, and others. The SaaS model can be used by enterprises for:
- Delivering online auditing and email services
- Automating new products sign-up and services
- Organizing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and client databases
- Sharing calendars to plan future events
- Online document management for sharing and collaboration
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – It is a Cloud computing service in which the Cloud provider offers IT infrastructure to enterprises through the internet. A key benefit of IaaS is that enterprises do not need to maintain a separate data center, storage, network, or servers for hosting applications. Besides, the IaaS Cloud model provides several built-in tools & services for app development such as:
- Backup replication and recovery tools
- Load balancing
- Log management tools
- Clustering
- Security tools (data encryption instruments, PCI-DSS compliance)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Alike IaaS, PaaS Cloud vendors provides infrastructure and platforms that are used to support an application throughout its lifecycle. PaaS service providers offer software and hardware tools that developers can use to build, run, test, and deploy apps. Examples of PaaS Cloud Computing include:
- Google App Engine
- AWS Lambda
- SAP CloudApprenda Cloud Platform
- Microsoft Azure
- Heroku
- Dokku
Benefits of Cloud App Development
Cost-Efficient
Cloud app development is comparatively less expensive than buying and maintaining on-premises hardware. Cloud doesn’t demand any upfront investments from enterprises, in contrast to data centers or on-premise infrastructure, which necessitate a huge initial investment. Cloud-based applications are 50% more cost-efficient for small and medium-sized enterprises than running an in-house system.
Cloud vendors usually charge depending on how much enterprises use their services, which helps save expenses. No costs will be added if organizations decide to scale up or down their operations in the Cloud platform. Moreover, Cloud computing consulting often provides discounts for enterprises with long-term contracts. Therefore, it’s worth looking into if organizations are interested in saving costs on their IT requirements.
Easy Data Management
Cloud-based solutions store & maintain data in the Cloud, enabling business users to access their records or information from anywhere. It means that the workforce can work remotely with ease, which reduces the cost of office utilities and space for enterprises. Cloud-based solutions also allow enterprises to access files from several locations without concern about data loss due to hardware catastrophes or other intrusions. The experts from the right Cloud application service provider can help organizations implement strategic measures to keep the enterprise data highly secure and manageable on the Cloud.
Disaster Recovery
Cloud platforms provide an advanced level of redundancy, which plays a crucial role during data recovery. Without a Cloud-based server, enterprises that want to experience greater disaster recovery need to install a separate data center, resulting in additional costs. Moreover, enterprises need to integrate additional tools with their applications to replicate data or offer adequate backups. This makes application management time-intensive and costly for enterprises.
Whereas, Cloud platforms can offer better disaster recovery options for enterprises. It effectively protects corporate resources and ensures greater business continuity. End-users may experience lower latency when enterprises host their applications on the Cloud rather than from an on-premise server.
Better Competitive Edge
Cloud-based applications allow enterprises to remain more competitive in today’s market. Enterprises can spend less time managing their IT infrastructure and more time focusing on evolving needs. In addition, Cloud vendors are constantly improving their services. Therefore organizations can always have access to modern technology and make significant enhancements to their applications without massive investments.
Wrapping Up
An app established in the Cloud is most likely to be effective for enterprises. The Cloud does offer some architecture and security challenges, but it presents more opportunities to organizations. In addition, Cloud computing services are much more affordable and facilitate better app performance. By hiring developers from recognized service providers, enterprises can develop apps that can take advantage of the complete potential of the Cloud.
Sara Suarez is a professional writer, having a deep understanding of the latest technology. She has been writing insightful content for the last 5 years and contributed many articles to many websites.
