Well, it is an era of apps! Everything you need to do is done right away with the help of an app in your device connected to the internet. In this article, we will see details about mobile applications and their benefits for businesses.
I feel, there is no need to mention what a mobile app is? Everyone who uses an internet-connected device knows what an app is? The
mobile cloud application is nothing but a properly functioning code that helps in doing your things as you want. The output you get is with the access of internet on your portable device.
Though,
cloud-based mobile apps and web apps are alike as they are server-run and not device-run. They both save the data externally and are accessed via the internet with the help of a browser. But, here is a catch! All cloud apps are web apps, but not all web apps are cloud-based. As all mobile web apps can’t run in a virtual system; they need to be re-engineered for that.
Why so? Because a web app might be written in such a way to function and store data on a physical server. This server is located in a
data center.
Then what about a cloud app? It will have to be written directly on virtual servers having a multi-tenant and distributed architecture with storage on the cloud.
Now, the apps which we download and use on our mobiles are called native mobile apps. The tiresome job of creating a native mobile app is that the developers will have to develop separate code versions for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Whereas, mobile cloud apps are not downloaded so the developers will have to write only one version of the mobile app and it can be compatible with any internet-connected device with a browser. The challenging part is coding and maintaining the APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which use loosely coupled services of the cloud.
The reason for the increase in the number of mobile apps is very well known. From cab booking to laundry booking and ordering food, there is almost everything the apps can do. There has been a history of creating apps since they were born. Earlier, the mobile apps were built as per the natural base, means for each OS. Therefore, users have to download them on their devices.
As times changed, cloud apps began to become popular for obvious reasons.
If you are planning to build a mobile app on the
cloud environment, which you should, it might confuse you in the beginning. Or, you might have made a native mobile app for your business, but considering the cloud app and you don’t have much idea.
So, if you are on the boundary line and deciding whether it’s the catch; let me tell you the reasons for why it is! You can use these points as a guide so that you will be able to understand why cloud apps are necessary.
Simultaneous Launch on Multiple Platforms
Cloud apps can work on both Android and iOS platforms and hence it eliminates the need to code separately for each one. Naturally, the audience reach becomes, and it helps your business. You will get rid of the dilemma of which OS users to target first.
Low Cost & Less Time, Yes Please!
Well, this is obvious that you will save a lot of cost and time as you are not building two different versions of an app. Be it a start-up or an established organisation, who don’t want a significant number of sales at low cost and less time? Besides, considering the future, even if you save on building two native apps yet you can’t avoid the high and frequent maintenance costs. It is evident that cloud development is not free and ultra-cheap, but, it is definitely beneficial on numerous aspects in the long run. Now, that’s what everyone wants, isn’t it?
No Need for Installation
As mentioned earlier, customers don’t need to go through the ‘download and install’ steps. Anyone can access cloud apps via a mobile browser and experience the engaging interface. This is not the case with native apps. Developers need to consider, not just the OS but also the type of device and make changes accordingly. Cloud apps have direct interaction with the cloud for data transfer, thus, providing a flying experience.
Data Storage Safety
Native apps store the data on user’s devices whereas cloud apps have the data on the cloud. Local data has higher chances of attacks and getting lost than the data on the cloud. Protecting your customers’ information is your prime responsibility to stay trustworthy in the market. Hence, using a cloud for data storage is the best option.
Seamless Database Integration
Database integration is a vital part of development. With native apps, this process can be quite complex, tiresome, and of course, time-consuming. Cloud apps can make this process a lot easier as the cloud server syncs all the information. Hence, developers don’t have to write complex code for assimilating the database.
Easy Scaling
We can never just create a thing and then look no after it, constant improvement is needed. Same is the case for apps as well.
As we saw earlier, this regular maintenance isn’t cheap. But with that said, it’s definitely necessary. Think about why you built your app in the first place. New features shall be there which can roll out over the period of time. Therefore, you have to make changes to give better user experiences as compared to your rivals. Now, updates, bug fixes, and new features are a part of native apps as well, but that is costlier than the cloud apps. Your apps should be scalable, and the cloud provides that power.
Recovering Data and Business Continuity
As we discussed above in the case of storage, local data can get easily destroyed and corrupted. The risk factors should also be taken into consideration while you are running a business. Natural hazards or man-made mistakes can cause local data to get destroyed. But, having the data on the cloud means that you have more back-ups on multiple servers which are accurate.
Concluding the Discussion
All in all, cloud apps are a better choice in today’s world after considering all the points mentioned. Everything has its pros and cons, but when the advantages are more and stronger than the cons, I guess anyone will choose the stronger option.
