A Comprehensive Guide To Cloud Application Development

The number of mobile applications migrating to the cloud is increasing rapidly. Cloud-based software is extremely helpful for businesses. It out-turns in lower equipment and performance costs. The business processes are also easily expandable on the cloud, giving enterprises more room to grow.

The industry of cloud application development is competitive and skyrocketing. Let’s check the statistics that back up these claims.

According to reports, 60% of firms use cloud technology to store sensitive information. 77% of businesses have one application, or at least a portion is on the cloud. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the primary cloud platform for 80% of businesses, while Microsoft Azure is utilized by 67% of firms. All in all, the market for cloud-based apps is expected to grow from $133.6 billion in 2020 to $168.6 billion by 2025.

What is Cloud Application Development?

Let’s examine the specifics of cloud native application development in greater depth to understand its popularity better.

A cloud computing technology includes delivering different resources and services online, such as servers, databases, data storage, etc. It implies that there is an IT infrastructure managed by a third party that delivers computing resources (free or paid basis). In other words, cloud service providers enable organizations to utilize the necessary tools, services, and storage space without managing the infrastructure themselves.

Now, let’s know about what cloud-based apps are. These software programs distribute the processing logic and data storage on a device between the client side (which users see and interact with) and the server side (which is in charge of data processing).

Characteristics of Cloud-Based Apps:

• The data for the application is stored on a cloud infrastructure. Thus, there are minimal requirements for the hardware to run the app.
• It is viable to store the data on the device. It allows the application to be automatically updated while operating offline when the device is back online.
• Customers may utilize the application on any device with an internet connection. Since all the data is stored in the cloud, users can continue working wherever necessary.

Types of Cloud Deployment Models Available For Businesses

There are four common types of cloud deployment models available for companies:

1. Private Cloud –

This serves as a private web system with a secure location for apps, web, and other online resources. One company uses a private cloud service that is not accessible to the public.

2. Public Cloud –

Only permitted devices can access the data in public cloud resources. Public clouds often provide the best combination of cost and data processing flexibility.

3. Hybrid Cloud –

Hybrid cloud is utilized for public and private cloud app development. Here, you may distribute the data among third-party applications and on-demand services and choose from various deployment and optimization options.

4. Community Cloud –

The implementation of a community cloud is similar to that of a private cloud, except that two (or more) organizations share data here. For example, a country’s government may have numerous internal departments that require the same infrastructure and resources. In such cases, the community cloud is useful.

Companies can utilize the aforementioned cloud deployment solutions for various application development services.

What Are The Types of Cloud Based Application Development?

Numerous cloud-based software development solutions are accessible, similar to deployment services. There are three main cloud based app development options:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS refers to developing cloud applications through mobile apps and web browsers. Building SaaS applications enables users to access the app online without actually configuring or installing the software on a device.

SaaS software development can be utilized for:

• Handling client databases and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.
• Delivering auditing features, email tools, etc.
• Automating product and service sign-ups.
• Organizing documents for collaboration and file-sharing.
• Sharing agendas and calendars with the whole organization to plan for upcoming events.

Salesforce, AWS, Google Apps, Zendesk, and other tech behemoths have invested in SaaS development services.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS lets you rent any service and resource you require for cloud application development. It depends on cloud providers for infrastructure, OS, and development tools. It suggests that to create cloud apps, you will be using a complete cloud application platform (software and hardware).

PaaS cloud app development can be utilized for:

• Developing tools
• Middleware
• Database running infrastructure
• Operating Systems

OpenShift and Windows Azure are two popular PaaS cloud computing platforms.

3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

An IaaS service provider uses a public or private cloud to manage your company’s infrastructure’s servers, networks, visualization, and storage components. IaaS providers offer a range of services in addition to the infrastructure components. They include:

• Tools for resilience (such as backup, replication, and recovery)
• Comprehensive invoicing
• Load balancing
• Tracking
• Log accessing
• Clustering
• Security instruments (like PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption standards, etc.)

As a business owner, you can use an admin panel or an API to access cloud native development infrastructure services. Moreover, you may manage operating systems apps while providers like Microsoft Azure and DigitalOcean provide resources for cloud development.

The models mentioned above, and techniques are used for application development in cloud computing. Some well-known examples of cloud apps are Slack, Zoom, PayPal, etc.

Benefits of Using Cloud Software Development Solutions

Cloud based mobile app development is lucrative because most data is stored on remote servers. It provides multiple benefits that aid businesses in successfully achieving their intended goals, which are mentioned below:

1. Cost-Saving

Businesses around the world are concerned about wise fund distribution. With cloud app development services, you will save the resources needed for a cloud-based app launch and have instant access to all necessary information.

Furthermore, as most cloud services can be paid for only as they are used, you won’t have to pay for extra features or storage space.

2. Data Coherence

Your business will never experience uneven reports or subpar quality if you use cloud services. With cloud-based technologies, business owners may keep all their data in a standardized location and format.

In this manner, everyone using the specific cloud space would have access to all the update modes. It assists them to avoid human error and maintain information coherence.

3. Flexibility

Cloud gives businesses more flexibility than hosting on a local server. Moreover, a cloud-based service vendor can provide you with greater bandwidth immediately. This increased independence and flexibility can drastically impact the entire capacity of your organization.

Cloud Application Development Process: How To Create a Cloud App

Cloud application development differs from web development services to mobile development services. It is preferable to select the strategy that best fits your project idea in advance is preferable.

Before developing, determine your target audience, pain points, and app demand. Then, research how your product can address these issues. After finishing your research, follow the steps below to build a cloud-based application.

1. Hire a Cloud Development Company

A reputable cloud app development agency can provide you with a business model analysis, an app development cost estimate, and a comprehensive project planning report.

Your cloud application developers will collaborate with you to develop an app workflow, determine the app’s MVP features, and design the app idea.

2. Choose The Architecture And Features

It’s important to consider factors like service models, application architecture, and cloud migration for effective cloud based app development. These choices directly impact the performance of your application.

You can create apps and use cloud solutions thanks to a streamlined cloud architecture. Expert cloud application developers advise using modern cloud architecture based on microservices. Any cloud deployment services mentioned above (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS) may be used for the service model.

3. Determine The Tech Stack

You may consider the needs, capabilities, and app-appropriate design while selecting tools for building cloud applications. Also, consider the scalability factor when selecting the tech stack. We have provided a common tech stack for creating basic and cutting-edge cloud-based applications.

For Data and App	Cloudant Akamai ClearDB
For DevOps	Jenkins DataDog Cloud9 IDE New Relic Bitbucket
For Business Tools	Jira G-Suite InVision Balsamiq DocuSign

4. Select The App Monetization Model

You can forecast what your users will pay for now that you know their needs. Let’s look at the app monetization model below:

• Freemium
• Paid
• In-app purchase
• Advertising

5. App Development and Testing

Agile and Scrum development approaches are used to create cloud applications. Generally, the development process is divided into sprints, each lasting ten working days. When developing such solutions, it is crucial to use cloud native application development since they follow more customization and hassle-free operations.

The product must undergo rigorous quality assurance procedures before its release. Outsourcing development companies provide design development, testing, and management services. It results in higher-quality products.

6. Application Launch and Maintenance

You can launch your cloud application on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Google Play deploys automated testing to expedite the app approval procedure. Though, Google doesn’t specify in the outcome why your application was disapproved.

The App Store assigns the app approval process to real individuals. If the approver rejects your app, they will request that you make certain adjustments before they approve it. You must pay $299 annually to join the Apple Developer Enterprise Program for the app store release.

Additionally, remember that app development may need more development and modification costs. In that vein, it’s time to disclose the estimated cloud application development cost.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Cloud App?

The cost of creating a cloud platform or app depends on the below-mentioned factors:

• Design of the product
• Features and functionalities of the product
• The geographical location of your cloud app development company
• Project scope, size, and complexity
• Technology stack
• Timeframe

For an average cloud app development cost estimate:

• Typically, AWS development services or SaaS cloud development services costs range from $500 to $500,000. Mostly, it depends on the type of project you are working on.
• Depending on the team structure, a simple cloud application might take between 200 and 600 hours to build, costing roughly $15,000.
• A medium-to-complex cloud application requires around 800+ hours of development time. It will cost you around $25,000 to $49,999.

NOTE: The cost of cloud hosting is separate from the above mentioned range.

You can select any hosting platform from AWS to Microsoft Azure to Google Cloud Platform for hosting.

The best aspect of cloud app development services is that you won’t have to worry about server costs, hardware challenges, or data storage problems. However, managing the development of cloud-based solutions is challenging because new obstacles are constantly to overcome.

What Are The Tech Challenges In Building Cloud Applications?

Cloud-based product development is undoubtedly challenging and technically demanding. In addition to the desired benefits, you must be aware of typical dangers in the cloud development process. Some of the most regularly faced obstacles are listed below:

1. Security

Cloud-based solutions handle and store many private data. Because of this, every company using such technology is exposed to cloud security risks. Therefore, businesses must address security concerns so that customer data is secure.

You should utilize SSL protocols and other encryption standards like Data Encryption Standard (DES), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) to safeguard the stored information to increase the security of your cloud-based software.

2. Reliability

You must choose a reliable cloud framework for your cloud app to function seamlessly and without errors. To do this, you must consider a top-tier cloud app developer with exceptional security standards and ensure they meet your business objectives.

AWS mobile app development services are commonly utilized for cloud application development as a significant cloud framework. AWS provides cloud application developers access to a wide range of tech features. It also enables them to back up the data safely.

3. Performance

The app’s performance is crucial for a satisfying user experience. If your solution loads more than three seconds, customer satisfaction will diminish. Content delivery networks (CDN) are frequently used to quicken content distribution.

To ensure that the performance of your cloud apps will remain consistent over time, you need to research the infrastructure of your AWS application development service provider. Check to see if the apps can be safely transferred to the cloud by developers. Moreover, keep an eye on their performance frequently.

4. Scalability

You should consider the technological implementation of scalability before applying it to cloud product development. Only a reliable cloud software development company can deliver it, despite everyone else’s promises to do it without issue.

Assuming your app gains popularity, be sure your backend can manage the increased data traffic. You should use a hybrid cloud architecture to have the scalability you want. A hybrid cloud model may be scaled up or down easily when necessary.

How Can SparxIT Help You With Cloud App Development?

SparxIT is a top cloud application development company with expertise in emerging and cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, AI/ML, AR/VR, Blockchain, mixed reality, data analytics, and more. Our cloud native developers can assist you in choosing appropriate cloud models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) for digital transformation services.

Whether you need an on-site data center or a third-party host, our professionals deliver top-notch cloud consulting services. As a reputed cloud development company, we provide effective cloud consulting, flexible cloud management, and cloud native application development services. Contact us for secure and tech-driven cloud mobile app solutions.

FAQs On Cloud-Based App Development

Q.1 What is the difference between traditional and cloud application development?

A- Traditional application development involves developing software for specific hardware or operating systems. In contrast, cloud application development services focus on developing software that can be assessed and used over the internet via different devices.

Q.2 Which cloud platforms are used for app development?

A- Popular platforms for app development include Amazon Web Services(AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform(GCP), and IBM Cloud.

Q.3 What programming languages and frameworks are best for cloud native application development?

A- Programming languages and frameworks that are commonly considered best for cloud native software development are:

Programming Languages

• Java
• Golang
• Python
• Node.js

Frameworks

• Spring Boot
• Spring Cloud
• Django
• Express.js
• Ruby on Rails

Containerization

• Docker

Orchestration

• Kubernetes

Q.4 What is serverless computing in cloud app development?

A- Serverless computing enables developers to build and run applications without handling underlying infrastructure. Cloud development services providers manage server positioning and scaling based on demand, allowing cloud developers to focus solely on code.

Q.5 What are some best practices for optimizing cloud software development performance?

A- We optimize cloud application performance by leveraging caching, optimizing database queries, using content delivery networks (CDNs), and applying auto-scaling to manage various workloads effectively.

Q.6 What is the role of APIs in cloud based application development?

A- APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a vital role in cloud application development by allowing various software components to communicate and interact with each other seamlessly.