Cloud-Based Application Development: An Ultimate Guide

Application development is the present and will be the future, but cloud-based application development is going to dominate the world! Want proofs? According to the survey, 90% of companies in the world use some type of cloud service, and 83% of enterprise workloads are going to be on the cloud on a primary basis! It makes digital processes more organized and gives tremendous flexibility than desktop and web applications. So why not switch to cloud-based solutions right now?

But what to consider and what to avoid when developing cloud solutions? Keep reading to learn everything in detail.

What is a Cloud-Based Application?

Cloud-Based Application is a software solution that runs the computational processing logic and data storage for two separate structures like client-side and server-side.

Want to make it simpler? As you know every app has a client-side and server-side, so it is processed by the remote server in cloud-based solutions as opposed to mobile applications that are performed by smartphones, local machines, and computer processors. Since the app’s data is stored in cloud infrastructure, the remote server makes cloud applications more profitable.

Types of Cloud Application

Before you begin with application development, you have to determine what sort of cloud application development the company wants. So, we’ve mentioned specifics for each form. Take a peek.

1. SaaS – Software as Service

   This is a widely used and popular cloud application form. It provides customers with a mobile application, including all of the corresponding IT technologies and services via a third-party over the internet. SaaS is operated from a single location so that organizations do not have to think about holding it on their own.

   • Ideal for short-term ventures.
   • Example – Google Drive

2. IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service

   This is a form of product that needs middleware and app support from the client. The owner of IaaS offers a complex infrastructure and more assistance to its client, and the client needs to build application programming interfaces between the cloud framework and its operating system.

   • Ideal for small to medium-sized organizations looking for a cost-effective IT solution.
   • Example – Microsoft Azure

3. PaaS – Platform as a Service

   Usually, such cloud technologies development needs only the application code on the client’s side. PaaS providers make it easy for clients to use their hardware (including storage) and applications for simple software development.

   • Ideal for several developers working on a single project.
   • Example – Google App Engine

How Do Cloud Applications Work?

A cloud application is a cloud server where cloud-based and local elements operate together. Data is stored and machine cycles are created in a remote data center that is usually run by a third-party business. A back end guarantees uptime, security, integration, and supports different methods of entry.

Cloud applications have fast responsiveness and do not have to remain on the local computer indefinitely. They can work offline, but online they can be changed. The cloud application often avoids using computing storage space on a server or networking system while they are under continuous supervision. Given a reasonably quick internet connection, a well-written cloud application, along with the portability of a web application, has all the interactivity of a desktop application.

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Still in a doubt? Read below cloud-based development benefits for your business needs.

7 Benefits of Cloud-Based Software Development

1. Low Cost

   Naturally, switching to a cloud network minimizes IT machine servicing and administration. By just sourcing specifications from service providers, you can save the expense of running costly hardware.

   For instance, unlike on-site networks or remote data centers, which require a large initial investment, the cloud does not need any upfront investment. Instead, the cloud lowers the running costs of infrastructure security measures, applications, and hardware investments.

2. Elevated Scalability

   In contrast to conventional server hosting, there is no doubt that applications deployed in the cloud will scale to an unparalleled degree. In the conventional system, you first have to decide the hardware on which the machine is going to operate. You would also require load-balancing, database clustering, and data sources while hosting highly accessible applications.

   This means more cost and planning!

   But when you select cloud platforms, it is now possible to rapidly scale any portion of the program. For example, by increasing the hardware capacity or adding more application servers, the program can easily be scaled up.

3. Great Security Over Information

   Concerning the cyber threats that raise problems related to data and information degradation, one would imagine that network operations might pose a vulnerability to malicious attacks. Don’t be scared! Cloud networking enables you to build private networks of your own. Plus, the cloud provider is now known for his/her ability to handle the confidentiality of the information and associated resources. So, an increasing tendency towards providers of cloud services can be observed.

4. Flexible At Work

   The virtual office allows people to view their essential data conveniently from anywhere at any time. Your physical location need not be a serious problem for the organization, because the data is stored electronically and business operations are carried out across the network. Hence, great flexibility at work!

5. Different Models

   Another strength of the cloud is that it makes it simpler for companies to select from many different models. You will never be forced to pick a one-size-fits-all solution that requires multiple options that you will never use. Providers have many different options for setting up a cloud environment so that it satisfies the unique demands of companies.

6. Business Consistency

   This is a key benefit offered by cloud computing. All sensitive information that you think is vulnerable to unexpected incidents or device errors can be stored in the cloud. Just hold them and operate them on the cloud, and get them back after they have been recovered. This way, you ensure business stability in the face of unexpected barriers.

7. Portable Apps

   You can conveniently switch your applications cloud to the standard infrastructure and take them back if possible – just like you switch your mobile sim cards. This way, the cloud provides enterprise consistency for efficient application and data processing.

How to Build Cloud-Based Applications?

You might want to know that if cloud-based apps and mobile-based apps are developed by the same process, then no! The tech team members develop cloud applications that depend on the cloud services infrastructure provider. Follow the below steps for developing a cloud based application.

Tools to Build Cloud-Based Apps

When developing a cloud solution, the tech stack is a crucial question you need to address. But our all-time recommendation is to select one of the industry leaders for a cloud service provider. So let’s discuss the best industry leader for each type of cloud application development.

1. CircleCI For SaaS

   Although CircleCI provides an on-premise option, no dedicated server is required for this cloud-based operation. CircleCI is most commonly used by both small and open source projects that require quick and fast deployment. CircleCI comes with support for Docker and iOS applications as you ship applications in containers or to mobile devices.

   • Languages Supported: Go, Haskell, Java, Node.js, Ruby, Python, and PHP
   • Developers Tools: Docker, Sauce Labs, and Jira

   Visit Website

2. AWS CodeDeploy For PaaS

   If you’re a cloud user of Amazon Web Services (AWS services), AWS CodeDeploy is a deployment service that lets you simplify deployments of your application, whether you’re deploying your software with a single AWS Lambda feature or over thousands of instances of Amazon EC2.

   With CodeDeploy, using the Amazon Web Services Management Console, DevOps, or the AWS CLI, you can handle your deployments from one location. DevOps will help to increase the speed of your cloud development.

   • Languages Supported: Any
   • Developers Tools: Atlassian, GitHub, Jenkins, and HashiCorp

   Visit Website

3. Google App Engine For IaaS

   Google app engine is part of the Google Cloud Platform that helps you to use your chosen language or system to create and deploy an app. The software engine offers a completely controlled cloud app infrastructure framework, so you just need to think about the app you are creating and not their settings for the host.

   • Languages Supported: Node.js, Go, Python, Java, C#, PHP, and Ruby
   • Developers Tools: Cloud Tools for IntelliJ, Firebase Test Lab, and Kubernetes

   Visit Website

Cloud-Based Apps Architecture

The creation of cloud applications needs advanced knowledge of the architecture of data. First, a set of integrated services (APIs) which is the first distinction between standard web creation and cloud software architecture. So by linking them, you need to think of how to get the most out of cloud providers and be mindful of what kind of components you have. API integrations with each other can also be facilitated by these programs.

Data organization will be the second thing that you ought to be mindful of. The app architecture can include guidance for cloud servers for how the data should be decoupled. Separate app elements and as a result, you can store them on public or private servers anywhere you choose.

Then, follow the processing logic of communication and scaling opportunities between your app’s data and services. Develop an operating architecture that can work even under exceptional situations, support back-end modules, and storage server clients.

Finally, security algorithms are the last challenge. To construct a solid data security level and introduce a public cloud identity and access infrastructure management strategy, to keep the product stable and cost-effective, review them. And learn about possible vulnerabilities in your software solutions.

Cloud-Based Application Development Challenges to Avoid

The greater the benefit, the greater the challenges to keeping it on track! Cloud application development is complex. All credits go to the technical sophistication.

1. Interoperability

   One of the most critical aspects of cloud migration is the ability of networks to communicate with each other. So, you must adopt the necessary principles of cloud storage to ensure interoperability. Because the more open data is, the more software is interoperable!

2. Performance

   You just can’t estimate the time it will take to make the files, user interfaces, style sheets, and anything else that requires your amazing app experience if you do not know where your data centers are.

   So how will you overcome it?

   • Do necessary homework on your business service and automation
   • Ask detailed questions for customer relationship management
   • Determine which software can be migrated to the cloud technology securely and which can not be transferred
   • Test early and often

3. Loosely Coupled Design

   You just can’t afford a loosely coupled design, especially in a customer-centric world where needs keep changing. So, make sure the tech stack staff understands the various procedures and takes responsibility for the actions of the coordinated program. As more knowledge, training, case studies, and examples of effective and reliable service design are required.

4. Reliability

   Cloud services often neglect service around the clock, which contributes to repeated shutdowns. Therefore, tracking the services delivered using internal or third-party software is essential. Just follow the below menu points.

   • Track the usage, SLAs, app performance, robustness, and business logic of amazon web service
   • Ensure cloud technology connectivity around-the-clock
   • Verify the level of protection that you get from your provider of c-storage

5. Security

   We know that security on the client-side is improving but remains a concern primarily due to web browser status; thus, operating systems need to ensure that sensitive security is carried out beyond web browsers. Just follow the checklist:

   • Ensure that the information is encrypted using solid data encryption
   • Have reverse proxy to fix security issues
   • Use SSL and other industry standards to address the security policies of big corporations

5 Tips to Ease Cloud Application Development

Ready to develop a cloud-based app but need more tips? Herein, we have listed five tips to consider.

1. Focus On Performance: Performance concerns can undermine device creation and new obstacles are posed by the system. Data will spread through many centers across the globe. So, it is important to architect applications such that ample wide-area network services are available during each phase of the journey.
2. Never Avoid Ripple Effects: Businesses are gradually working more closely with associates and consumers, which suggests applying implementations to the networks of outsiders. As opposed to traditional systems, the cloud helps organizations to broaden their cloud infrastructure and exchange data and processes, but developers must consider the consequences of opening up these systems to others.
3. Think Before Integration: An app can be made up of tens of thousands of small components (integrations) that connect with one another. Sadly, they may have restricted access to all the connections. This means customers will have to make an extra effort to define products. So, make sure your integrations are effective for all users.
4. Do Not Miss Security Aspects: A central feature of all modern software is security. So, don’t leave the initiative to build a security plan at the end of the implementation period for each service and your overall application.
5. Watch Out Your Resource Wastage: The development of systems is complex, and device implementations are continuously in flux. So, you may be wasting money on private cloud storage payments unknowingly. Thus, companies need to understand the structural differences. And take the measures required to minimize these potential downsides to be as productive as possible.

Cloud App vs. Web App: Defining the Difference

Whether to choose cloud or web applications, it’s a never-ending debate. So from the below table, you can easily find the difference.

Conclusion

Now, you know that the cloud approach provides organizations with some valuable advantages, such as cost savings, higher-end product quality, a new standardization level, and scaling efficiency. However, it’s complicated at the same time, since it’s extremely versatile.

But, asking for maintenance is quite fair enough, as it gives more, right? So want to hire dedicated app developers for your business? Contact us now for your business needs and proposals. We are excited to listen to your ideas, to give them life.