Table of content
The business world is abuzz with cloud computing, as it offers numerous advantages for modern enterprises.
Industry reports indicate that as business mobile applications expand, over 70% of digital workspaces face challenges in storage capacity and performance. Cloud application development emerges as the ideal solution to address these issues.
Cloud application development enables easier data collection for businesses while simplifying security and management. These applications empower businesses to create productivity-focused apps that enhance customer experience and revenue. Cloud application development also supports low-code app development, a time- and cost-efficient process.
The future of app development lies in multi-experience solutions, especially when integrated with technologies like cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning). Cloud application development enables conversational and seamless experiences with mobile apps.
The global cloud-based app market is projected to grow from $133.6 billion in 2020 to $168.6 billion by 2025, reflecting the increasing popularity of cloud applications among organizations.
This growth prompts businesses to seek answers on how to develop cloud-based apps effectively.
In this article, we discuss various cloud application development solutions for your business, their potential benefits, and best practices for creating a cloud application.
Starting with the basics:
What is a cloud-based application?
A cloud-based application is an internet-driven program with components stored and processed online, while some or all processes are executed on the cloud. Users interact with cloud-based applications through web or mobile browsers, with data processing occurring on remote servers and managed by APIs. User devices serve only as input devices without interfering with primary processes.
Cloud application development differs from web-based application development in several ways:
Characteristics of a cloud-based application
- In cloud application development, app data is stored in the cloud infrastructure and may be partially cached on a user’s device, resulting in minimal device requirements.
- Cloud infrastructure can temporarily store information on a user’s device, allowing offline access. When the user reconnects, the cloud app updates and uploads the generated offline data to cloud storage.
- Users can customize backup schedules and data optimization, compression, and encryption as desired.
- Cloud applications are accessible from any internet-connected device, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, providing independence from browser limitations.
- Cloud application development offers easy access to third-party cloud computing services through API integration and is more customizable than web apps.
With a clear understanding of cloud-based applications, let’s explore the various cloud solutions available for digital businesses and enterprises.
Types of Cloud-based solutions for enterprises
Cloud computing technologies encompass various services and resources, such as databases, data servers, and storage, managed by third parties. These third parties provide computing resources and infrastructure on a free or paid basis, allowing you to access services, resources, and space without worrying about infrastructure maintenance.
Cloud deployment
There are four prevalent types of cloud deployment for businesses:
- Private cloud – This functions as a private web system, offering a secure space for applications, web, and data. Private cloud service is used by a single company without public access.
- Public cloud – Data in the public cloud resource is accessible only through authorized devices. Public clouds typically offer optimal pricing and flexibility in data processing.
- Hybrid cloud – Hybrid cloud application development combines both public and private clouds. This allows data distribution among on-device services and third-party apps, along with additional deployment and optimization options.
- Community cloud – Community cloud deployment is similar to private cloud but shares data between multiple organizations. For example, a government’s various departments may require the same infrastructure and resources, making community cloud a suitable solution.
These cloud deployment solutions can be utilized for various application services.
Similar to deployment services, there are several cloud application development solutions available for enterprises. The three primary cloud-based app development solutions are:
Cloud application development solutions
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS involves creating cloud applications accessible through web browsers and mobile apps. SaaS enables customers to access applications online without having to configure or install them on their devices.
SaaS cloud application development can be used for:
- Managing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and client databases
- Automating service and product sign-ups
- Providing auditing features and email tools
- Sharing agendas and calendars across the organization for planning future events
- Managing documents for file sharing and collaboration
Tech giants investing in SaaS cloud app development include AWS, Salesforce, Google Apps, and Zendesk.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS allows you to rent all resources and services needed to develop an application, relying on cloud providers for infrastructure, operating systems, and development tools. This means you’ll be using an entire cloud application platform (software and hardware) as a service for developing cloud applications.
PaaS cloud applications development can be used for:
- Operating systems
- Database running infrastructure
- Development tools
- Middleware
Common PaaS cloud platforms include Openshift, Windows Azure, and Heroku.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In IaaS cloud services, your cloud provider manages your entire business infrastructure, including network, server, storage, and virtualization. This infrastructure can be managed by a private or public cloud. In addition to controlling resources, IaaS cloud services offer numerous supplementary services for cloud-based app development, such as:
- Detailed invoicing
- Tracking
- Resiliency tools (backup recovery and replication)
- Log access
- Security instruments (PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption protocols)
- Load balancing
- Clustering
To utilize IaaS cloud services, you can use an admin panel or API for better control. Additionally, you can manage your programs and operating systems while your cloud service provider handles resources for cloud app development.
Popular cloud application development examples that used the aforementioned models and services include Zoom, PayPal, and Slack.
Explore our cloud services
If you’re still unsure about embracing cloud solutions, our next section will acquaint you with the numerous advantages of cloud app development.
Let’s examine how cloud application development can benefit your business app model in the long run.
Advantages of utilizing Cloud-based applications
Cloud application development is beneficial to all enterprises and businesses, as most data storage and processing challenges are handled by remote servers. Additionally, cloud software development or cloud application development offers a wide range of undeniable benefits, as briefly discussed below.
Benefits of using Cloud-based applications
Cost-saving
Cloud services only charge for the necessary cloud space and feature sets required for your application development model. This pay-as-you-go system applies to every cloud deployment service, resulting in lower costs and higher returns.
Security
Monitoring data security is a cloud host’s full-time responsibility, making it significantly more efficient than a traditional in-house system. Cloud application development also simplifies compliance with government security standards. Additionally, the cloud provides automated responses to updates and data recoveries.
Flexibility
Cloud application development offers greater flexibility compared to local server hosting. If additional bandwidth is needed, cloud services can instantly fulfill that demand without requiring a time-consuming infrastructure update.
Competitive edge and sustainability
Cloud services integrated with AI technology, such as chatbots and assistants, provide a superior customer experience. For example, CodeBright developed an AI-based analytics platform on the cloud for a leading global bank to improve its CRM system and customer retention.
By employing conversational AI on the cloud, the bank managed to handle 50% of customer requests, reducing manpower costs by 20%. This represents a significant competitive advantage for modern enterprises and contributes to long-term sustainability goals.
Mobility and insight
Cloud application platforms allow access to information across devices, teams, and companies, ensuring constant updates. Organizations investing in cloud sharing services report better employee engagement and satisfaction than those using local hosting companies.
Cloud-native application development also aids in generating personalized customer data insights, boosting data access speed and experience. For instance, CodeBright created a customer-centric data analytics platform on the cloud for a leading telecom company. The cloud analytics platform’s insights led to an 85% improvement in data accessibility, better customer data management, and optimization.
A diverse range of solutions
Cloud-based solutions significantly contribute to an organization’s success by expanding the range of services and resources available for the business model. Cloud computing platforms manage everything from CRM to ERP solutions.
For example, CodeBright developed an ERP solution on the cloud for the world’s largest furniture retailer, IKEA. From creating a private IP address to developing a complete web application on the cloud, we assisted IKEA in enhancing its customer onboarding and data accessibility.
Consult our cloud experts
Additionally, cloud computing application development maintains data quality and aids in disaster recovery and data loss prevention. These advantages demonstrate how developing cloud-based solutions can help your business reach new heights. If you’re convinced, let’s explore the steps needed to develop a successful cloud application.
How to develop a cloud-based application?
Cloud application development spans mobile development services and web development services. It’s best to choose the most suitable approach beforehand that aligns well with your project idea. When working with cloud development, it’s essential to have an investing mindset, understanding that the resources you invest in will commit to scaling your business in the long run.
First, identify your target audience, pain points, and demand for the required app. Then, analyze how your product can address these challenges. Once you’ve completed the analysis, follow the steps below to create a cloud-based application the right way:
Hire a cloud development team
You’re more likely to build a successful app when you outsource cloud development services. A trustworthy cloud app development company can provide you with a quick business model analysis, app development cost estimation, and project planning report.
Before diving into the actual development process, your cloud application developers will help you create an app workflow, select the MVP features of the app, and design the app concept.
The architecture and features
For efficient cloud-based app development, you need to consider aspects such as service model, app architecture, and cloud migration. These decisions directly affect your app’s performance. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss with your outsourced team what’s best.
You can safely develop apps and deploy cloud solutions easily due to simplified cloud architecture. Experienced cloud app developers recommend using advanced cloud architecture built on microservices. You can choose any kind of cloud deployment service discussed above (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS) for the service model.
Additionally, you can transfer your company’s data to the cloud server for better accessibility and processing using cloud migration.
Defining the tech stack
When selecting tools for creating cloud applications, you must analyze the requirements, features, and design that fit your app. Also, keep in mind the scalability factor while choosing the tech stack. Below is a common tech stack for creating simple and advanced cloud-based applications.
- Programming languages: Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, Node.js
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra
- Web servers: Apache, Nginx
- Frameworks: Django, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, Express.js
- Cloud services: AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud
These are the general steps and components needed to develop a cloud-based application. By leveraging the benefits of cloud application development and following these steps, you can create a robust, scalable, and successful application that caters to your target audience’s needs and helps your business grow.
Selecting an app monetization model
Understanding your audience’s needs will allow you to predict what they will pay for. Here are four app monetization models to consider:
- Paid
- In-app purchase
- Freemium
- Advertising
Development and testing
Cloud application development typically follows Scrum and Agile methodologies. The building process is divided into sprints (with one sprint equaling 10 working days). Cloud-native application development is essential for creating such solutions, as it offers greater customization and smoother processes.
Testing the product using various quality assurance methods is crucial before launching to ensure the desired user experience. Outsourcing full-cycle development companies offer design, development, testing, and management services that result in higher product quality.
App launch and maintenance
You can release your cloud app on Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Google Play employs automated testing to expedite the app approval process, but it doesn’t provide reasons for app rejections. Conversely, the App Store assigns app validation to real people who will request specific changes if they disapprove your app. Joining the Apple Developer Enterprise Program costs $299 per year.
Keep in mind that app deployment may take time and incur additional development and modification costs. Next, let’s discuss the average cost of cloud application development.
How much does it cost to build a cloud-based application?
The cost of developing a cloud software platform or application depends on several factors:
- Product design
- Product features
- Location and rate of your outsourced development team
- Project size and complexity
- Technology stack
- Timeframe
For a rough estimate of cloud app development costs:
- SaaS cloud development services can range from $500 to $500,000, depending on your project.
- A basic cloud application requires 200 to 600 hours of development time and may cost around $15,000.
- Medium to complex cloud applications take about 800+ hours of development time, costing between $25,000 and $50,000.
These estimates exclude cloud hosting prices, which vary among hosting platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP.
Your cloud development service provider can give an accurate cost estimate, factoring in all relevant aspects.
The best aspect of cloud application development services is that you don’t have to deal with server expenses, hardware complexities, or data storage issues. However, managing cloud-based solution development can be challenging, as obstacles may arise.
Tech challenges in cloud-based app development
Developing cloud-based products can be technically demanding and challenging. In addition to the desired benefits, you should be aware of common pitfalls in the cloud development process. Some frequently faced challenges include:
- Service design – Designing flexible and reusable components that adhere to service features can be difficult for cloud app developers when creating tightly coupled service logic and implementations.
- Application security – Ensuring critical security factors outside of the browser is necessary for cloud apps. Employ reverse proxy and robust data encryption measures to address potential security concerns.
- Interoperability and portability – Working with the cloud framework requires interoperability—the ability to write code compatible with multiple cloud providers simultaneously, despite platform differences. Cloud app developers need strict and standardized operating protocols that are easy to implement.
Scalability can also be an issue, but hybrid cloud architecture offers maximum scalability. Instead of using predefined software with quick scalability features, discuss a reliable solution with your cloud application development company.
How can CodeBrighthelp with cloud app development?
CodeBright is a leading mobile app development company with expertise in technologies such as cloud computing, AI/ML, AR/VR, data analytics, and more.
Our experts can help you select a cloud model (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) that aligns with your business needs. We provide world-class cloud consulting services for various business requirements, whether it’s an on-premise data center or a third-party host. Our offerings include cloud consulting, cloud machine learning, cloud-native development, and flexible cloud management services that yield results.
Get in touch with us for the most scalable and secure cloud mobile app solutions.
FAQs on Cloud application development
- What is the difference between web applications and cloud applications?
The primary difference between web and cloud applications lies in their architecture. A web-based app requires a continuous internet connection to function, while a cloud-based application can temporarily perform processing tasks on a local computer or workstation.
2. What is the most common example of a cloud application?
Google Docs or Office 365 are prime examples of cloud applications. To access these cloud applications, all you need is a device capable of running a web browser and an internet connection. The functionality, interface, and data storage are all delivered from remote servers.
3. Why is cloud computing the future of modern technology?
The future of technology is expected to be highly competitive, requiring agile technologies for long-term sustainability. Cloud computing is one such technology that can save your business money on servers, management services, data storage, and processing. By moving these resources to the cloud at minimal cost, you save time and money while making your operations more efficient.
4. What are some latest cloud computing trends for the year 2023?
Some recent cloud computing trends making waves in the market include:
- Cloud AI
- Quantum Computing
- Kubernetes
- Containerization
- Intelligent SaaS
- Cloud Native applications