Everything You Need to Know about Mobile Cloud Applications
Mobile apps development has become ubiquitous in this mobile-driven world. The domain is thriving at a rapid pace with the advent of emerging technologies like AI, AR, and IoT. But, the introduction of cloud technology is the icing on the cake. The cloud mobile app development or cloud-based mobile app development is gaining ground swiftly in the corporate sector.
Globally, entrepreneurs have started embracing cloud technology for their business processes. Cisco’s Global Cloud Index has estimated that cloud data centers will process over 94% of workload and computing processes by the year 2021. Also, Gartner has predicted that the total revenue of the cloud market will reach $257.9 billion in 2020.
In such a scenario, read on if you want to dig deep into cloud mobile app development. Let’s start from scratch and go through the definition of a mobile cloud app.
Mobile Cloud App- Brief Introduction
A mobile cloud app is an app based on the cloud and designed to be accessed by various computing devices. Let’s understand how the mobile cloud app works by taking an example. Traditionally, when you want to install a new program on your PC or laptop, you need to purchase a disk. After installation, you can use the program. Contrary to this, a mobile cloud application can be accessed from multiple computers and smartphones using the Internet. It can enhance productivity through increased accessibility.
Types of Cloud Services
Mobile app developers can build cloud-based mobile apps based on any of the three different cloud categories. These cloud categories are popularly known as SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS as per the difference of architecture.
SaaS or Software as a Service
It is the largest and most developed model of cloud services. Most cloud mobile apps are based on the SaaS model and run seamlessly across various third-party hardware placed at remote locations. These apps enable users to get rid of spending money on buying licenses or giving space on their personal hard drives for storing the app. Users can readily download the software and access it from anywhere.
IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service
Here, a third-party offers infrastructure and necessary support. The cloud mobile app development company can also provide apps, in-app support, and middleware, the software that can connect the app and the operating system. Middleware can be used for simplifying programming and providing additional features to the OS. AWS, Google Compute Engine, and Microsoft Azure are some of the known examples of the IaaS solution.
PaaS or Platform as a Service
This model is designed to eliminate the need to oversee all the tasks related to software maintenance and equipment procurement. It enables modern businesses to outsource these tasks so that mobile app developers can focus on application support. An example of the PaaS solution is Google App Engine. As a cloud-based solution, it only needs an application code from the user’s side.
Also Read- Web App vs Cloud App: How Can You Choose the Right Technology?
Though mobile cloud apps are highly beneficial for enterprises to increase productivity, the software development company needs to consider some challenges of cloud mobile app development. Before going through these challenges, let’s compare mobile cloud apps and native apps.
Comparison between Mobile Cloud Apps and Native Apps
Android app development and iOS app development are two types of native app development. Native apps are device-specific and they are based on the latest technology introduced by the specific operating system. A big drawback of developing a native app is developers have to build multiple versions of the same application especially when they want to run on different OS.
The cloud mobile apps are not downloaded on the mobile device, and therefore, app developers can write a single code to enable users to access the app in any device using the Internet.
Top Challenges of Cloud Mobile App Development
The software development solution providers have to deal with issues related to hardware and data processing logic while developing cloud-based software. If the app development company build an app on a third-party cloud solution, it is necessary to consider the factors like scalability, integration, and choosing the right service provider.
Security– This is the biggest challenge in the way of cloud mobile app development. Though there are many security protocols and standards are in place, it is necessary to follow them while integrating user authentication and access into the app.
Performance– Another challenge is related to the app performance and user experience. The custom UI of the mobile cloud app should ideally be loaded within 3 seconds to achieve an optimal conversion rate.
The software development company uses various robust tools including AWS (Amazon Web Service) and Google Cloud Service to build user-friendly and future-ready mobile apps based on the cloud.
Concluding Lines
Mobile cloud apps facilitate users to access various features and functionality using a computing device. All they need is an Internet connection. When it comes to the combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency, cloud mobile apps can assist enterprises to scale new heights and grab opportunities.
Semaphore is a renowned software development solutions provider. We provide future-ready, cloud-based services including multi-cloud programming, As-a-service development, cloud app development, integrated cloud solutions, and cloud migration services. With increased scalability and rapid implementation, we assist you to enhance business value with our robust cloud services.
Simply send us an email at info@semaphore-software.com to know more about our offshore software development, mobile app development, web, and CMS development. Our consultants will get back to you soon.
