Cloud computing has permeated the present-day business world. According to a survey, over 50% of all corporate data is stored in the cloud. Due to the importance of data management, there is an increase in the demand for cloud solutions. Cloud applications have transformed business methods beyond traditional means.
Cloud application development services are an innovative way to collect and store data. It updates operations and enhances productivity.
In this article, we will discuss the top benefits businesses can avail from cloud app development.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing delivers computing services over the internet. Cloud services usually work as third parties that manage all the infrastructure of those services in return for a fee. This allows businesses to hire computing power without owning or maintaining physical data centers.
Cloud computing provides flexibility and reduces the need for extensive equipment. Modern cloud-based solutions work as fast as native applications. It transfers data quickly and allows real-time application response.
Cloud solutions are usually offered in three service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS offers virtual versions of computing resources over the internet. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are examples of IaaS.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provides developers an entire platform for building and deployment without managing the underlying infrastructure. Heroku is a prominent PaaS cloud service provider
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software applications online on a subscription basis. A common example of SaaS cloud services is Salesforce.
What is Cloud Application Development?
Cloud application development is the process of creating applications that utilize cloud computing technologies. It involves different development stages and uses cloud-based infrastructure and platforms.
Cloud-based applications operate in a cloud environment. Cloud applications rely on remote servers for processing power and data storage.
This definition is theoretically correct; however, it is not sufficient. Nowadays, many native applications do use some extent of cloud services as well. The primary distinction between cloud apps and native apps lies in which functions they rely on cloud services to run.
These core features of cloud app development are:
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Data Storage
- Cloud apps store most or all of their data on cloud servers, which is retrievable from any device through the internet.
- Native apps primarily store data locally on the user’s device. Cloud storage is optional or minimal.
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Processing Power
- Cloud apps rely on remote servers to perform core computations and data processing. Without cloud services, they can experience downtime or complete failure.
- Native apps perform most of the processing locally on the device, while cloud processing is usually used to augment performance.
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Internet Dependence
- Cloud apps require consistent internet connectivity to function properly and access remote resources. Offline functions are limited or unavailable.
- Native apps work perfectly fine offline as their features are installed locally. Online data sync is occasional and unnecessary.
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Platform Dependence
- Cloud apps are not integrated with any specific device or operating system. They are primarily accessed through web browsers from any device.
- Native apps are designed for specific operating systems or devices and integrated with the hardware and software capabilities of that platform.
Benefits of Cloud Application Development
The development of cloud applications has become a priority for many businesses due to its significant advantages. Below are the top benefits of cloud application development for businesses:
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Cost Savings
Developing native applications can be expensive, as businesses need to pay for on-site hardware and infrastructure. Cloud applications are cheaper and don’t require a significant upfront investment.
This aspect of cloud apps is very effective for small businesses. They can better allocate budgets with a subscription model or pay when the service is used.
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Competitive Edge
The modern business environment is very competitive. Even long-established brands can fall behind if they don’t adapt quickly.
Cloud apps allow businesses to quickly deploy new features and spend more time on strategic goals rather than IT management.
This ensures a business responds to market changes and advancements without delays.
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Drives Innovation
Innovation drives business growth. Native applications often hamper a business’s potential to adopt innovative solutions due to their legacy technologies.
Cloud application development offers flexibility to integrate cutting-edge technologies. This capability allows businesses to develop smarter applications that drive innovation.
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Scalability
Cloud applications can scale up or down based on demand. Businesses can add or remove resources for peak usage periods and high-traffic times.
There is no need to invest in physical infrastructure as scalable cloud solutions adjust for optimal performance.
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Global Accessibility
Modern businesses operate across distributed locations. With IT outsourcing services, employees work from different parts of the world. Cloud apps enable teams to access tools and data from anywhere.
This collaboration improves productivity, which is especially valuable for large enterprises that usually operate across multiple regions and time zones.
Conclusion
Cloud application development has redefined how businesses operate by adopting cloud technologies. As the demand for digital transformation grows, cloud applications will play an even more vital role in driving business growth.
In this article, we explored how custom app development can provide the foundation for a more efficient business future.
