Benefits, development process, and costs of cloud-based app development - explained.

Table of Content:

Cloud computing is all the rage in today's business world.
What exactly is a cloud application?
For businesses, there are four common types of cloud deployment:
solutions for cloud application development
-Software as a Service (SaaS) 
-Platform as a Service (PaaS) 
-Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) 
The Advantages of Using Cloud-Based Applications
How do you create a cloud-based application?
What is the cost of developing a cloud-based application?
Cloud based app development presents technological challenges
Syoft can assist you with Cloud app development

Cloud computing is all the rage in today's business world.

According to several industrial reports, with the expansion of business mobile applications, storage capacity, and performance are significant issues for more than 70% of digital workspaces. Cloud computing is the most effective way to address such challenges.

Data collection is made easier for businesses thanks to cloud-based application development solutions. Furthermore, security and management are simplified to a greater degree. Cloud app development enables modern businesses and enterprises to develop productivity-based applications that improve both the customer experience and revenue. Furthermore, Cloud software development solutions enable businesses to invest in low-code app development, which saves time and money.

Not to mention the variety of experiences that cloud solutions bring to the business. The future of app development is multi-experience, especially when combined with technologies such as cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI/ML (Artificial intelligence/ Machine Learning). With mobile apps, cloud computing provides a conversational and seamless experience.

All of the aforementioned advantages are driving the growing popularity of cloud applications among businesses, as well as the projected growth of the global cloud-based app market – from $133.6 billion in 2020 to $168.6 billion by 2025.

Cloud application growth and popularity raise a slew of questions for businesses and enterprises, particularly how to develop cloud-based apps correctly.

Let's look for those answers today! In this article, we will discuss various cloud-based application solutions for your business, how these solutions may benefit you, and how to properly create a cloud application.

Let's start with the fundamentals.

What exactly is a cloud application?

A cloud-based app is a program that runs on the internet and has components that store and drive data online, with some or all processes running on the cloud. Take it this way to understand it in depth: A web or mobile browser is used to interact with cloud-based applications. The data processing here is done on The remote server bae and is managed through an API. A user's device is only used as an input device in the cloud app and has no effect on the main process.

A cloud-based app is distinct from a web-based app. To comprehend its peculiarities, it is necessary to examine a few characteristics that define cloud app development.

Cloud-based application characteristics

• The app's data is stored in the cloud infrastructure and may be partially cached on a user's device during cloud application development. This means that devices must meet certain minimum requirements in order to run the application.

• The cloud infrastructure can temporarily store information on a user's device so that it can be accessed while the user is offline. When the user reconnects to the internet, the cloud app is updated and the generated data from offline is uploaded to the cloud storage location.

• As a user, you have complete control over backup schedules, data optimization, compression, and encryption.

• Any internet-connected device, including desktop, tablet, and mobile, can access a cloud application. This assists the user in becoming independent of browser capabilities.

• Cloud-based applications are also more customizable than web apps and provide access to third-party cloud computing services via API integration.

Now that we've seen what characteristics define a cloud-based application, we can look at the various cloud solutions available to digital businesses and enterprises.

Cloud-based solutions for businesses come in a variety of flavors.

Cloud computing technologies include a variety of services. and third-party resources such as databases, data servers, storage, and so on. The third-party authorizes the computer reserves and infrastructure, either for free or for a fee. In short, you can use the services, resources, and space without having to worry about infrastructure upkeep.

cloud computing

For businesses, there are four common types of cloud deployment:

1. Private Cloud 

This is a private web system that provides a secure space for applications, the web, and data. A private cloud service is used by a single company with no public access.

2. Public cloud

 Data in the public cloud resource can only be accessed by authorized devices. Public clouds typically provide the best value and flexibility in the data processing.

3. Hybrid cloud

 A hybrid cloud is used for cloud app development. Hybrid is used for both public and private cloud app development. You can distribute data among on-device services and third-party apps, as well as deploy and optimize additional variants.

4. Community cloud

 Community cloud deployment is similar to private cloud deployment, except that data is shared between two (or more) organizations. For example, a country's government may have multiple departments that require the same infrastructure and resources, which is where the community cloud comes in.

You can use the cloud deployment solutions listed above for a variety of application services.

Cloud application development solutions, like deployment services, are available for enterprises. There are three major cloud-based app development solutions:

solutions for cloud application development

Software as a Service (SaaS) 

SaaS stands for software-as-a-service. SaaS stands for cloud application development using web browsers and mobile apps. Customers can use SasS to access applications online without having to configure or install them on the device.

SaaS cloud application development can be used for the following purposes:

• Managing CRM (Customer relationship management) systems and client databases

• Signing up for services and products can now be done automatically.

• Including auditing features and email tools, among other things.

• To plan future events, agendas, and calendars are shared throughout the organization.

• Document management for file sharing and collaboration.

AWS, Salesforce, Google Apps, Zendesk, and other tech titans have invested in SaaS cloud app development.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) 

PaaS enables you to rent every resource and service required to develop an application, with infrastructure and operating systems provided by cloud providers.

This means you will be renting an entire cloud application platform (software and hardware) to develop cloud applications.

PaaS cloud application development can be used for a variety of purposes.

• Database infrastructure running on operating systems development tools

• Middleware

Openshift, Windows Azure, and Heroku are some popular PaaS cloud platforms.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) 

Your cloud provider manages your entire business infrastructure, including network, server, storage, and visualization, when you use IaaS cloud services. A private or public cloud can manage this infrastructure. Furthermore, in addition to resource management, IaaS cloud services provide a plethora of additional services for cloud-based app development, such as:

• Invoice with specifics

• Tracking

• Tools for resiliency (backup recovery and replication)

• Logging access

• Instruments of security ( PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption protocols)

• Balanced load

• Clustering

For more information on how to use IaaS cloud services, consult an admin panel or API. You can also manage your own programs and operating systems while your cloud service provider manages cloud app development resources.

Zoom, PayPal, Slack, and other popular cloud application development examples that used the aforementioned models and services are listed below.

Investigate our cloud services.

If you are still hesitant to commit to cloud solutions, our next section will educate you on the advantages of cloud app development.

Let's take a look at how creating cloud applications can help your business app model in the long run.

The Advantages of Using Cloud-Based Applications

Cloud application development benefits every enterprise and business because the majority of data storage and processing issues are addressed.

Furthermore, cloud software development or cloud application development has a number of undeniable advantages, which are briefly discussed here.

The Advantages of Using Cloud-Based Applications

Cost-saving

Cloud services only charge for cloud space and feature sets that are required for your application development model. This pay-as-you-go model applies to any cloud deployment service that prioritizes lower costs and higher outcomes.

Security

The full-time job of a cloud host is to monitor data security, which is far more efficient than a traditional in-house system. Cloud software development also simplifies compliance with government security standards. Furthermore, the cloud responds to updates and data recoveries automatically.

Flexibility

Developing cloud applications provides more overall flexibility than hosting on a local server. If you require additional bandwidth, cloud services can provide it immediately rather than requiring a lengthy update to improve infrastructure.

Competitive advantage and long-term viability

Cloud services integrated with AI technology, such as chatbots and assistants, also improve the audience's customer experience. For example, Syoft created a cloud-based AI-based analytics platform for a leading global bank to improve its CRM system and customer retention.

The bank was able to handle 50% of customer requests with the help of the developed conversational AI on the cloud, resulting in a 20% reduction in manpower costs. This provides a significant competitive advantage for modern businesses, as well as long-term sustainability goals.

Mobility and perception

You can access information from multiple sources using cloud application platforms.

. It's not surprising that organizations that invest in cloud-sharing services have higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction than local hosting companies.

Cloud-native application development also aids in personalized customer data insights, which increases data access speed and experience. Syoft, for example, created a cloud-based customer-centric data analytic platform for a major telecommunications company. The insights provided by the cloud analytic platform resulted in an increase of 85 percent in data accessibility, and improved customer data management, and optimization.

A wide range of options

Cloud-based solutions maximize organizational success by expanding the range of services and resources available to the business model. The cloud computing platform manages everything from CRM to ERP solutions.

Syoft, for example, developed a cloud-based ERP solution. We assisted IKEA in improving customer onboarding and data accessibility by creating a private IP address and developing an entire web application on the cloud.

Additionally, cloud computing application development maintains data quality and aids in disaster recovery and data loss. These benefits demonstrate how developing cloud-based solutions can help your company reach new heights. If you're still not convinced, let us walk you through the steps to creating a successful cloud application.

How do you create a cloud-based application?

Cloud application development services range from mobile development to web development. It is preferable to select the best approach for your project idea ahead of time. When working with cloud development, it's also important to have an investment mindset. You must recognize that the resources you invest in will commit to and scale your business in the long run.

How to Create a Cloud Application

Before you begin, determine your target audience, pain points, and app demand. Then consider how your product can overcome its challenges. When you've finished analyzing, the steps to creating a cloud-based application the right way are as follows:

Hire a cloud development company.

When you outsource cloud development services, you increase your chances of creating a successful app. A trustworthy cloud app development company can provide you with a quick business model analysis, app development cost estimation, and project planning report.

Before beginning the actual development process, your cloud application developers will assist you in creating an app workflow, selecting the MVP app features, and designing the app concept.

The structure and features

You must consider aspects such as service model, app architecture, and cloud migration when developing a cloud-based app. These choices have a direct impact on the performance of your app. As a result, it's critical to consult with your outsourced team about what's best.

Because of the simplified cloud, you can safely develop apps and easily implement cloud solutions.

Advanced cloud architecture built on microservices is recommended by experienced cloud app developers. For the service model, you can use any of the cloud deployment services discussed above (IaaS, SaaS, or PaaS).

You can also use cloud migration to move your company's data to a cloud server for better access and processing.

Defining the technology stack

When selecting tools for creating cloud applications, you must consider the app's requirements, features, and design. When selecting a technology stack, keep scalability in mind. The following is a common technology stack for developing simple and advanced cloud-based applications.

For data and applications:

• ClearDB

• Cloudant

• Akamai

For DevOps:

• DataDog

• Jenkins

• New Relic

• Sauce Labs

• Bitbucket

• Cloud9 IDE

For Business Tools:

• The G Suite

• Jira

• DocuSign

• UXPin

• Balsamiq

• InVision

Choosing a Model for App Monetization

You can predict what your users will pay for now that you know what they need. Here are four app monetization models to consider:

• In-app purchase (paid)

• Freemium

• Advertising creation and testing

Cloud solutions are created using Scrum and Agile methodologies. The construction process is typically divided into sprints (each sprint lasting 10 working days). When developing such solutions, cloud-native application development is critical because it allows for greater customization and hassle-free processes.

Before releasing a product, it must be tested using various quality assurance processes. This is applicable if your cloud application provides the desired user experience. Full-cycle development outsourcing firms provide design, development, testing, and management services, resulting in higher product quality.

App release as well as upkeep

You can make your cloud app available on Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Google Play is working on automating the app approval process. However, Google does not explain why your app was rejected in the outcome. Google Play does not charge a comparable fee.

App validation is delegated to real people by the App Store. If the validators reject your app, they will request that you make specific changes before they approve it. To participate in the App Store launch, you must join Apple Developer Enterprise Program for $299 per year.

Also, keep in mind that app deployment can take some time and may necessitate additional development and modification costs. In that vein, it's time to reveal the average cost of cloud application development.

What is the cost of developing a cloud-based application?

The cost of developing a cloud software platform or application is determined by the following factors:

• Product development

• Specifications of the product

• Your outsourced development team's location and rate

• Size and complexity of the project

• Stack of technologies

• Timeframe

For a rough estimate of cloud app development costs:

• Depending on what you're trying to build, SaaS cloud development services can range from $500 to $500,000.

• A simple cloud application requires 200 to 600 hours of development time and can cost up to $15,000 depending on team input.

• A medium to complex cloud application requires 800+ hours of development time and costs between $25,000 and $50,000.

The prices for cloud hosting are not included in the range. You can use any hosting platform, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.

Your cloud development service provider can provide an accurate cloud app development cost estimate that takes into account all factors.

The best thing about cloud app development services is that you won't have to worry about server costs, hardware complexities, or data storage issues. However, managing cloud-based solution development is a difficult task because there are always obstacles in the way.

Cloud based app development presents technological challenges

Cloud-based product development is unquestionably technically demanding and difficult. In addition to the desired benefits, you should be aware of the common pitfalls in the cloud development process. Here are some examples:

Design of a service

In a customer-centric world, cloud apps must be tightly coupled with service logic and implementations. While the concept and infrastructure are simple, it can be difficult for cloud app developers to design flexible and reusable components that adhere to service features.

Application safety

Users have always been concerned about application security beyond authorization. Because of the state of browsers, your cloud app must provide a critical security factor that is independent of the browser.

To address potential security concerns, you can use reverse proxy and strong data encryption measures.

Portability and interoperability

When working with the cloud framework, interoperability refers to the ability to write code that is familiar to multiple cloud providers at the same time.

The pressing issue, however, is the communication of multiple platforms via a single code structure. Cloud app developers will need strict and standardized operating protocols that are simple to implement for this.

Scalability can be an issue at times; however, hybrid cloud architecture can provide maximum scalability. Instead of applying for a predefined software with quick scalability features, we recommend discussing a reliable solution with your cloud app development company.

Syoft can assist you with Cloud app development

Syoft is a leading mobile app development company with expertise in cloud computing, AI/ML, AR/VR, data analytics, and other technologies.

Our experts can assist you in selecting a cloud model (IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS) as part of our application and software development services.

Our professionals provide world-class cloud computing services for any business need, whether it's an on-premise data center or a third-party host. We provide results-driven cloud consulting, cloud machine learning, cloud-native development, and flexible cloud management services