What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a term that refers to a variety of cloud-based services. These are delivered over the Internet by cloud service providers. Cloud computing refers to the resources and tools that are available on-demand (servers (storage, networking), middleware (OS, runtime), as well as ready-made applications (analytics).
Cloud-based software development allows you to develop your software without having to install or maintain any physical infrastructure. Third-party vendors can provide the necessary technology and computing power.
Cloud Computing Features
Cloud solutions have several distinct characteristics:
- Cloud servers are housed in data centers located at a distance.
- Cloud infrastructure maintenance and management is the responsibility of the cloud provider.
- Cloud services are typically priced on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- Cloud services are available to users at any time, anywhere, and on any device.
- Cloud computing can be scaled up or down depending on the client's needs. You don't need to buy additional storage infrastructure or pay for unneeded resources when you're not using them.
- Cloud software does not need to be downloaded and installed on your device.
On-Premise vs. Cloud Solutions
Cloud hosting is a great alternative to traditional IT infrastructure, where there are usually on-premises servers within the company. Consider the following factors when choosing between them:
- Initial Costs for In-House Infrastructure are High: Cloud hosting is much cheaper.
- Technical Staff Required: For on-premises solutions, a technical team must be dedicated to monitoring and supporting the solution. The provider is responsible for maintaining cloud-based solutions.
- Scalability and Flexibility are Required: As your business grows, you can increase the cloud storage capacity. It isn't easy to scale up your on-premises infrastructure because it requires you to purchase and install additional servers. On-premise infrastructure is a great option if your project will not scale up or out.
- Control Level: You should own your infrastructure if you want full control of hardware and software. Cloud hosting is a service where you do not have full access to the hardware or some of its operations.
- Security is Needed: Your data will be better protected if everything in your business is stored within the company. Data storage and processing in the cloud do not guarantee complete protection. There can be data breaches or leaks, which is a problem that most often affects public clouds. Private cloud providers have taken significant measures to improve data security.
Cloud-Based Apps Vs. Web-Based Applications
Cloud and web solutions are similar, although they're not used correctly. Web and cloud solutions are similar because web apps have been upgraded to become cloud-based apps:
- To access both types of services, you will need an Internet connection.
- You can access them 24/7 from any device and on any operating system.
- Cloud applications can be web-based, but they are not always cloud-based.
Cloud and web solutions have some key differences:
- Cloud apps are not dependent on browsers. They can be accessed via mobile or web devices.
- A continuous connection to the Internet is required for web-based solutions. Cloud-based services can be used offline because the data is cached locally.
- Cloud solutions use multiple remote data centers; web apps utilize a single remote data center.
- Cloud apps can easily be scaled up in terms of features and functionality. Web apps, however, are limited.
- Cloud apps provide a great deal of flexibility to both users and developers. Web apps do not offer a high level of customization.
The cloud computing trend is on the rise in today's business world. According to several industry reports, the growth of mobile business applications has led to storage and performance issues in over 70% of digital workspaces. Cloud computing is the best way to tackle such challenges.
Data collection is made easier for companies by cloud-based applications. Security and management are also simplified. Cloud-based app development allows businesses to develop productivity applications that enhance customer satisfaction and revenue. Cloud-based software solutions allow companies to also invest in low-code app development. This is a cost-efficient and time-saving process.
Cloud solutions that offer multi-experiences are a great addition to any business. App development will be multi-experienced, especially with the use of technologies like Cloud Computing, IoT, and AI/ML. Cloud computing provides a seamless and conversational experience for mobile apps.
The benefits listed above are what is driving the popularity of cloud apps among businesses and the growth projected for the cloud-based application market, which will grow from $133.6 Billion in 2020 to $168.6 Billion by 2025.
Cloud applications are growing in popularity and posing many questions to businesses, especially how they can be developed. Find out the answers to these questions today. This article will discuss various cloud-based applications for your business. We'll also talk about how they can benefit you and how to create the best cloud application.
Here are the fundamentals.
What is a Cloud Application?
Cloud-based apps are internet programs that have components that store, drive and execute online. Some or all of the processes can be executed in the cloud. To understand it in more detail, let's say that in cloud-based apps, the user is interacting through a mobile or web browser. Data processing is done on a remote server and managed by an API.
The cloud app uses the user's mobile device only to input data. It does not affect the main process. Cloud-based apps are different from web-based applications. To understand the peculiarities of cloud application development, you should look at some characteristics.
Characteristics of a Cloud Application
- Cloud application development services involves the data of the app being stored on the cloud infrastructure. It could also be partially cached in the device. There are minimal requirements to be able to run an application.
- Cloud infrastructure allows users to temporarily store data on their devices so that they can access them while offline. The cloud app updates once the user returns online and uploads all the data generated while offline.
- As a user, you can create backup schedules and perform data compression, optimization, and encryption in the way that suits your needs.
- Cloud applications can be accessed from any device connected to the Internet, such as desktops, tablets, or mobile phones. The user can become independent from browser capabilities.
- Cloud-based apps also provide access to cloud computing services from third parties by integrating APIs. They can be customized more easily than web applications.
We have now seen the properties that define a cloud application. Let's move on to what cloud solutions exist for digital enterprises and businesses.
Types of Cloud Solutions Available for Enterprises
Cloud computing is a collection of services, such as data storage, servers, and databases, that are managed by third parties. Third parties authorize the use of computer resources and infrastructure, either for free or on a paid basis. You can use the resources and services without having to worry about maintaining infrastructure.
Four types of cloud computing are available to businesses:
- Private Cloud: The private cloud is a web-based system that provides a safe space to store applications, data, and web pages. A private cloud is a service that's only accessible to one organization.
- Public Cloud: Data on the cloud is accessible only through authorized devices. Data processing in public clouds is usually flexible and at a low cost.
- Cloud Hybrid: The cloud is both private and public. You can share data between on-device apps and third-party applications, along with other variants of deployment and optimization.
- Community Cloud: A community cloud is a cloud that is deployed by two or more organizations. Community cloud is useful when, for example, the government has multiple departments that require the same resources and infrastructure.
The above solutions can be used to deploy various applications. There are also different cloud-based application solutions for businesses. There are three major solutions for cloud-based application development:
Software as a Service
SaaS is a cloud application that can be created using mobile applications and web browsers. SaaS allows customers to access applications without having them installed or configured on their devices.
SaaS Cloud Application Development can be used to:
- Manage CRM systems (Customer Relationship Management) and client databases
- Signing up for services and products automatically
- Email tools, auditing functions, and other features are available.
- Share agendas and schedules with the whole organization to plan future events
- Manage documents to share and collaborate on files.
Platform as a Service
PaaS lets you rent all the resources and services you require to build an application, utilizing cloud-based infrastructures, operating systems, and tools for development. You will receive an entire platform for cloud-based applications (software and hardware).
PaaS can be used to develop cloud-based applications:
- Operating Systems
- Running Database Infrastructure.
- Development tools
- Middleware
Openshift, Windows Azure, and Heroku are some of the most common PaaS cloud platforms.
Infrastructure as a Service
IaaS services are cloud-based cloud management solutions that allow your cloud service provider to manage your business's entire infrastructure, including your network, servers, storage, and visualization. The infrastructure is managed either by a public or private cloud. IaaS services provide a variety of services to cloud-based application development, including:
- Detail invoice
- Tracking
- Tools for resilience (backup, recovery, and replication).
- Log access
- Data encryption and PCI compliance are two examples of security instruments.
- Balance the load
- Clustering
You can also use the API to get better instructions on how to utilize IaaS. You can manage both your programs and your operating system. At the same time, the cloud provider takes care of resources to develop cloud apps.
Zoom, PayPal, and others are some of the most popular examples of cloud-based application development that use the models mentioned above. Our next section will help you understand the benefits of cloud-based app development. We'll see how cloud apps can help your app business model.
Benefits of Using Cloud Applications
Cloud application development can be beneficial to any business or enterprise, as the majority of data processing and storage issues are handled by remote servers. Cloud software or cloud applications have several benefits that we will briefly mention.
Cost-Saving
Cloud services charge only for the space in the cloud and features that are required by your development model. The pay-as-you-go model applies to all cloud deployment services that offer lower costs and better results.
Security
Cloud hosts are responsible for monitoring data security, which is a much more effective system than the traditional in-house one. Cloud software development makes it easy to meet government security standards. Cloud computing also automates data recovery and updates.
Flexibility
Cloud applications offer more flexibility than hosting locally. Cloud services can meet your bandwidth needs instantly rather than undergoing a lengthy upgrade of infrastructure.
Sustainability and Competitive Edge
Chatbots, assistants, and other cloud services that integrate AI technologies also provide a superior customer experience. Cyber Infrastructure Inc., for example, developed an AI analytics platform in the cloud to improve a global bank's CRM system. The bank reduced its manpower costs by 20% with the conversational AI developed on the cloud. It is an important competitive edge for businesses today, and it also helps them achieve their sustainability goals.
Mobility and Insight
Cloud application platforms allow you to access your information from any location, device, team, or company. Cloud-based services are a great way to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
The cloud-native development of applications can also help with personalizing customer data insights, which will improve data access and user experience. Cyber Infrastructure Inc., for example, created a cloud-based customer data analytics platform for a major telecom company. Cloud analytic platforms have led to better data access, management, and optimization.
A Varied Range of Solutions
Cloud-based services contribute to an organization's overall success by expanding the number of resources and services available. Cloud computing platforms manage everything, from CRM solutions to ERP.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc., for example, created an ERP system on the cloud to serve the largest furniture retailer in the world, IKEA. We helped IKEA with its data access and customer onboarding by creating private IP addresses, developing a web application in the cloud, or even creating an entire app.
Cloud computing applications help with data recovery, disaster recovery, and data loss. Cloud-based applications can boost your business to new heights. Let's show you how to create a cloud-based application.
How to Develop a Cloud Application?
Cloud app development includes mobile application development, web development, and other services. Choose the best approach for your project before you start. When working on cloud-based development, it's important also to have an investment mindset. It's important to realize that your resources will commit to and scale up your business over time.
Before starting, you should identify the audience that your app is intended for, their pain points, and what they want. Analyze how your product will solve the challenges. After you have completed your analysis, here are some steps to follow to build a cloud application correctly:
Hire a Cloud Development Team
Outsourcing cloud development will increase your chances of building a successful application. You can receive a quick app cost estimate, business model evaluation, and project plan from a reliable cloud development company. Your cloud-based application developer will assist you in creating an app workflow and choosing the MVP features for the app before diving into actual development.
Architecture and Features
Cloud migration, service model, and app architecture are all important aspects to consider when developing a cloud-based application. The performance of your app is directly affected by these decisions. It's, therefore, important to talk with your team about what they think is best.
Cloud architecture simplifies the process of developing apps and deploying cloud solutions. Cloud app developers with experience recommend using an advanced architecture based on microservices. For the cloud service model, you can select any of the services mentioned above (IaaS/SaaS/PaaS). Cloud migration allows you to move data from your business's server into the cloud for easier access and faster processing.
Definition of the Technology Stack
You must consider the features and requirements of your application when choosing tools to create cloud-based applications. When choosing a tech stack, also consider the factor of scalability. Here is an example of a tech stack that can be used to create simple or advanced cloud applications.
Data and App:
- ClearDB
- Cloudy
for DevOps:
- DataDog
- Jenkins
- Relic
- Sauce Labs
- Bitbucket
- Cloud9 IDE
Business Tools:
- G Suite
- Jira
- DocuSign
- UXPin
- Balsamiq
- InVision
Choosing an App Monetization Model
You can now predict the price your customers will pay by knowing what they need. You can select from four different app monetization methods:
- Paying
- In-app purchase
- Enjoy Freemium
- Advertisement
Testing and Development
Scrum and Agile methods are used to develop cloud solutions. The construction process is typically divided into sprints (1 sprint equals ten days of work). When building these solutions, it is important to use cloud-native application development because they allow for greater customization and hassle-free processes.
Before releasing a product, it is necessary to test the product with various quality assurance procedures. If your cloud app provides the desired user experience, this conforms. Full-cycle outsourcing companies provide design, development, and testing services, which result in a higher-quality product.
Launch and Maintenance of Apps
Your cloud application can be released on Google Play for Android or App Store for iOS. Google Play uses automated testing to accelerate the approval of apps. Google does not mention the reason for rejecting your app in its result. Google Play does not also charge an equivalent fee.
App validation is delegated to actual people by the App Store. Validators who reject your app will request that you make specific modifications to get it approved. Apple Developer Enterprise Program costs $299 per year. Remember that the app's deployment can take time and may require extra development and modification costs. It's now time to find out the average cost of cloud app development.
What is the Cost of Building a Cloud Application?
The costs of developing cloud-based software platforms or applications depend on factors such as:
- Product design
- Products
- Your outsourced team's location and the rate they charge.
- The size of the project and its complexity.
- Technology stack
- Time Frame
To get a general idea of the cost of developing a cloud-based app:
- SaaS cloud services are usually priced between $500 and $500,000, depending on the type of product you want to create.
- The team's input may determine the cost of a basic cloud app. It could be anywhere between 200 and 600 hours.
- Costs for a medium-to-complex cloud application range from $25,000 to $50,000.
Cloud hosting costs are not included in the above price range. Choose from AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP Cloud Hosting. Cloud app cost estimates can be provided by your cloud service provider, taking into account all factors.
Cloud app development is the best because you won't need to worry about server costs, data storage problems, or hardware issues. Cloud-based solutions are not easy to develop, as there is always a new challenge.
Cloud-Based App Development: Tech Challenges
The development of cloud-based products is a challenging and technically complex process. You must be familiar with common cloud development pitfalls, along with desired benefits. Here are a few of the biggest challenges that you will face.
Service Design
In a world that is centered on the customer, it's important to have cloud apps tightly integrated with implementations and service logic. Cloud app development can be difficult, even though the infrastructure and principles are simple. This is because it's hard to create flexible components and adhere them to services.
Security of Applications
Users have always had concerns about application security outside of authorization. Your cloud app must ensure critical security outside of the browser due to browser limitations. To address security concerns, you can implement reverse proxy or strong data encryption.
Portability and Interoperability
Interoperability in the cloud framework is defined as the ability to create code that is compatible with different cloud platforms. The most pressing problem is to communicate across multiple platforms using a single code structure. Cloud app developers need to adhere to standardized and strict operating protocols.
Scalability is sometimes a problem. However, hybrid cloud architecture can provide maximum scalability. Instead of applying for predefined software with quick scaling features, we recommend that you discuss an effective solution with the cloud app development firm.
Conclusion
Cyber Infrastructure Inc., a mobile app developer, is an expert in cloud computing, AI/ML, and AR/VR. We also have expertise in data analytics. Our experts will help you choose the right cloud model for your needs (IaaS PaaS SaaS) as part of our custom software development services. Our cloud consultants deliver the best-in-class consulting for any business need, whether it's an on-premises data center or third-party hosting. Cloud consulting services, cloud machine learning, cloud native development, and flexible cloud management are available.
