An Ultimate Guide To Cloud-Based Mobile App Development

What is Cloud-Based Mobile App Development?

Before diving into cloud-based mobile app development, let us tell you a bit about cloud-based apps. These apps are simply software solutions that run the data storage and processing logic unit between client-side and server-side.

Let me explain it in simple terms. The client-side of the app is the part that the user interacts with and the server-side of the app is the part where the features, functions and data is processed, hidden from the user.

Usually, in traditional mobile apps, a processor (inside a smartphone or computer) processes data and business logic. These duties are handled by a distant server in the case of cloud-based mobile apps.

Because the majority of data is stored on a remote server, cloud-based mobile app development is profitable.

Cloud-based mobile apps include the following characteristics:

• The data from the app is stored in a cloud infrastructure. As a result, there are minimal device requirements for the program to run.
• For offline usage, the data can be stored on the device. It enables the program to function while not on an active internet connection. However, once the device is back online, the app will get an immediate refresh. As a consequence, all data will be transferred to the cloud.
• Customers may access the app from any internet-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and personal computers. All data is saved in the cloud, allowing the user to continue working on the same data from any device.

What are The Types of Cloud-Based Mobile Apps?

There are three types of cloud-based mobile apps. These are IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Let’s know about each:

1. SaaS or Software-as-a-Service

SaaS is a cloud solution that is accessible via web browsers and mobile applications. This service enables users to use the app without installing and configuring it on their devices. SaaS solutions are available to access worldwide on any device with an active internet connection.

The development of Saas software is popular among various tech giants. Many companies use Slack for communication and office software like GSuite. However, many people consider using Dropbox for non-work-related or personal tasks.

Want to know more about outsourcing SaaS development? Click here!

2. PaaS or Platform-as-a-Service

PaaS software solutions allow users to get everything they need to develop a mobile application. It helps in choosing the right cloud provider for development, operating systems and infrastructure. Vendors who use the PaaS cloud model offer hardware and software tools to make the cloud-based mobile app development process simple.

Various examples of software using the PaaS cloud model are Heroku, Windows Azure and OpenShift.

3. IaaS or Infrastructure-as-a-Service

Infrastructure as a service is the model where another service provider manages the infrastructure of your business – network, servers, storage and visualization. This is done using a public or private cloud.

If you are a business owner, you will be able to access the infrastructure using the admin panel or an API. You can manage the applications and operating systems with IaaS cloud models like DigitalOcean, AWS, etc. This will offer servers, storage, hardware, networking, and so on.

Also, read – Which is the best cloud platform for your business – AWS vs Azure?

3 Top Trends of Cloud-Based Mobile App Development

The cloud-based mobile app development technologies are advancing gradually. If you hire Apptunix to make your cloud-based app, we ensure to offer highly skilled developers who will build and deploy the best cloud-based app for your business.

Here are three of the most game-changing technological advances that are presently transforming cloud based mobile app development:

#01 Low-code Frameworks

Although most cloud based app developers choose Java, Python, or one of the other dozen or so most popular programming languages, the reality is that there are hundreds of potential programming language options to pick from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

The most important thing we need to understand is how to use a particular language for cloud-based mobile app development. If the app development company you choose is using low-code platforms then there is nothing to worry about.

Check out which tech stack or framework would suit your business!

Low-code platforms give cloud application development tools to non-technical users that perform all of the heavy coding on their own. Templates, point-and-click choices, and drag-and-drop tools provide users with graphics-based building blocks for reliable cloud-based mobile app development solutions.

#02 Data Integration

The most common difficulty that many business app developers face is – how to store large amounts of data in the cloud applications securely? The implementation of the right customer and business data can be difficult when it comes to considering the compatibility and security of so much data.

One potential solution to this problem is by leveraging development tools that allow your app builders to interface with multiple databases, ERP, the Internet of Things, and CRM using point-and-click capabilities. Your app will have direct access to the resources it requires to offer the solutions you built it for thanks to data integration.

#03 Regular Updates

One of the eminent advantages of cloud-based mobile app development is that it reduces maintenance costs and infrastructure. It also improves compatibility with other systems and processes, and user accessibility.

Out of all this, the major advantage it offers is that the solutions are updated regularly. The update is due to configuration, security and new advancements like machine learning and automation tools. This will help you increase the number of clients for your business.

Challenges Faced in Cloud-Based Mobile App Development Process

Most cloud-based mobile app development companies find cloud app development complex due to its complexity, but not Apptunix! As you may know by now the three types of cloud solutions are SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. 

If you choose one of these models for your business, this simply means that you either want to be a provider or get a cloud-based mobile app developed on third-party platforms. There are several challenges faced in the development process of such apps, the most important among which are:

1.Security

Cloud-based solutions handle and store a large amount of sensitive data. As a result, security concerns become critical for every company that employs such technologies. You must ensure the data privacy of your clients.

Cloud-based application development necessitates many API interfaces, which might jeopardise security. To improve the security of your cloud-based app, utilise robust data encryption and SSL.

2.Reliability

You must select a dependable cloud framework for your cloud service. Customers expect the service to be available without interruptions or faults. For cloud-based mobile app development, it is customary to use AWS services. AWS secures entire data and provides developers with a plethora of additional tech tools to work with.

3.Performance

The more data centres the supplier has, the better the performance of your app. Global providers, for example, position their servers to give consumers the same page loading speed regardless of their location. It is also advisable to utilise content delivery networks (CDN) to accelerate content delivery. They are frequently used in cloud app infrastructure.

4.Scalability

It is preferable to ensure the product’s scalability with the server of choice. Cloud app development needs a high level of scalability. Even if you can scale your solution, it will fail due to unexpected traffic surges.

Scalability enables the management of more users regularly. It results in increased profits for your firm. The performance of the app is critical for a positive user experience. You will lose conversion if your solution takes more than 3 seconds to load.

Cloud-Based Mobile App Development Fundamentals - Your Role

Cloud application development is not the same as web or mobile app development. Your team should create cloud solutions that rely on the service provider you’ve picked. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now the finest and most dependable option in the market. It provides a plethora of excellent tools and capabilities for cloud-based mobile app development.

To create any digital product, you must be willing to commit both time and money. Cloud-based solutions are no different. Before you begin the development process, you must first better understand your customers: identify their problems and work out how to address them with your product. That is the only way to compete successfully in the market.

1) Market Research

To get users, conduct market research and understand the pain points of your customers. It will enable you to build a robust solution that provides value to consumers. Your target market must comprehend why they should select your product above hundreds of others on the market.

2) Hire The Best Mobile App Development Company

The creation of cloud-based applications necessitates the use of an experienced and competent team. As a result, the topic of where to employ cloud app developers emerges.

There are three common ways to employ software engineers: work with freelance developers, form an in-house team, or find a reputable vendor.

3) Architecture & Features Considerations

To ensure the success of your app, you must consider two factors: architecture and service model. These choices influence how well your app performs. As a result, it is preferable to speak with professionals who can advise you.

Cloud-Based Mobile App Development Fundamentals - Our Role

After we have taken all your suggestions and remarks into consideration, we will be set for the cloud based mobile app development process. The processes we take responsibility for are:

1.Define The Technology Stack

You should contact professionals while selecting tools for cloud-based application development. They will examine your needs, features, and design to determine the best technology stack for your product.

You should also consider the app’s scalability. It helps you to keep your solution up to date.

2.Testing

To avoid problems, your development team must test the product prior to its release. At this step, you confirm that your application functions properly and provides the desired user experience.

It is preferable to work with full-cycle development firms. These companies provide development, design, testing, and management services. In this situation, the team collaborates on your project and communication is simple. The product quality improves as a result.

3.Launch And Maintenance

The ultimate stage is to let go.

You must make the software available on the App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android).

To expedite the process, Play Store employs automated testing. However, it might be difficult to understand why the app was declined.

The App Store delegated app testing to actual humans. If there are any bugs, they will request that they be fixed.

Conclusion

The development of cloud applications will be a major subject this year and in the future. The cloud provides several important benefits to businesses, including lower development costs (as there is no need for hardware, servers, or even certain software), increased accessibility of the finished product, a new degree of standardisation, and scalability potential.

At the same time, cloud-based mobile app development is more difficult than web or desktop development since it includes additional components to manage, such as many API connections, data architecture design, and data decoupling. But with Apptunix, nothing is difficult.

Furthermore, you cannot always be certain about your cloud service vendor (its ability to manage traffic surges, adherence to security standard upgrades, and bandwidth limits). As a result, we recommend that you pick a provider carefully and rely on organisations with a solid reputation.