The global cloud application market is overgrowing. According to the PR Newswire report, the global cloud computing market is expected to reach 519 billion US dollars by 2027. Previously, enterprise-level companies were the main drivers of cloud application development. But today, this trend is shifting due to the attention of small and medium-sized businesses.
What is cloud application development? What is so special about it, and how can you move your organization to the cloud? You will find the answers in today’s article.
What is the “cloud” in cloud application development?
In information technology, the “cloud” is the Internet. More precisely, it is a data center where you will find a set of servers that perform a specific service. As a user, you access these servers (and the software that runs on those servers) via the Internet. So whenever you hear something is “in the cloud” or “running in the cloud,” it’s stored online (on remote servers), not locally.
So what is a cloud application?
Any application consists of data and processing logic (code). Specifically, a cloud application runs partly on local components (code) and cloud components (data). Therefore, to get the most out of such software, users need to have access to the Internet. In addition, since the data (logic) for cloud applications is stored on remote servers, this model ensures the application’s integrity, security, and uptime.
Cloud apps don’t reside on the device’s hardware—they can, but they’re usually accessed through a web browser. However, they can work offline, although the Internet is still needed to update the application, data, and progress.
How about developing cloud applications?
Cloud application development falls within the scope of cloud computing services. Specifically, it is the process of building cloud applications. With this software development technology, you can store large amounts of data on third-party servers. The product of cloud app development services is cloud applications that enterprises can use, even if the application data is not stored locally but on external servers.
Cloud application characteristics
Based on the above definition, we can highlight the following features of a cloud application:
- The data storage is shared between the client and server. One part of the application data and processing logic is stored in the cloud, while the other is stored on the user’s device. This cloud app development model is user-friendly because it reduces the minimum requirements to run an app on devices.
- Completely cloud data. It is possible to develop a cloud application that will take up almost no space on the user’s device.
- Access via browser or API. Users can access the cloud application through a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. In other words, almost any device that you can connect to the Internet is eligible for a cloud application. Cloud applications use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or web browsers to “talk” to other software or device.
- Robust API integration. Cloud applications can be connected to various third-party cloud computing services. Thus, developing a cloud application with multiple features and an independent approach becomes more accessible.
- As for the communication between the client (user) and the server (cloud) and how this changes the user experience depends on the cloud computing model.
Key Benefits of Cloud App Development services
Every company wants its data to be accessible and as secure as possible. Cloud application development is associated with convenient and secure storage of all types of data. This is a significant advantage but only one of many. What else gives the development of cloud applications:
- Cost Effectiveness. One of the great things about cloud app development services is their cost-effectiveness. Cloud applications do not require any upfront fees and reliable on-premises infrastructure. Payments are usually tiered, allowing you to choose from multiple pricing plans that suit your needs in terms of storage and available features.
- Simplify your work. Cloud solutions have replaced hardware solutions that couldn’t handle the entire scaling process. The biggest challenge for all IT departments is that they must regularly purchase and configure new hardware and software to keep the infrastructure up to date. Fortunately, cloud application development can solve this problem. Cloud solutions give you access to various programs and files when you need them. Thus, you no longer have to worry about constant and costly updates.
- Variety of service models. Every company is different in many ways. Therefore, more than a one-size-fits-all solution is needed. Cloud application development allows you to choose how to store your data through various cloud service models. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but you can combine two or three to get precisely what you need. But regardless of your choice, you still retain complete control over your operations.
- Individuality and flexibility.Cloud applications are not rigid monoliths that only recognize their own company. Vice versa. Thanks to the API, you can integrate a cloud application with several other applications to extend its capabilities. For example, you can connect Slack to Google Calendar to get reminders for upcoming meetings. You can add and remove dozens of applications depending on your needs.
How to create a cloud application for your business
Cloud application development differs from building a web or a mobile application. The mobile application development team creates a cloud solution based on your chosen service provider (for example, AWS). But before you get into development, you need at least a basic understanding of cloud application development.
- Market Research
You must first consider the target audience when developing a cloud-based mobile application. The key is to understand the needs and pain points of your users. Try to find out as much as possible about your potential users. You can only develop a cloud solution to your users’ problems.
- Development team
Once you’ve identified your audience and their needs, the next thing to do is find dedicated cloud app development services to build your cloud application. Indeed, you can build your team from scratch if you still need to get one in your organization. However, if this is a one-time project or you are on a tight budget, consider outsourcing your cloud application project to an experienced team.
An outsourcing partner will help you with business analysis, estimate costs, and guide you through the cloud application development process. The latter can be crucial if you need more app development experience and professional guidance.
- Application architecture, service model, and features
This step is quite technological. At this stage, you need to make several decisions. First, you choose a service model for your cloud application. Whether you choose SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS, the model should match the cloud solution you want to develop. You also select the architecture (such as microservices) and features that will help your users succeed.
- Technology stack
You still need to finish the technical details. Choosing a technical stack means selecting solutions for your application and data (e.g., ClearDB for data storage); DevOps tools (like Jenkins for CI/CD development); utilities that expand the capabilities of the application; and many additional tools that are not strictly related to coding, but simply to processes (for example, Jira for project management and UXPin for designing wireframes).
Again, it is best to consult at this stage with relevant experts who have the necessary knowledge and experience to help you make an informed choice.
- Monetization Model
Knowing your user profiles, you should predict what your users are willing to pay for and how. One payment method for your cloud application is a one-time payment. If the application is relatively simple but functional, your users will prefer to pay for it only once.
Alternatively, you can offer them a free model that allows them to download the app and use the basic features. They can upgrade to a premium version or continue with an in-app purchase to get more advanced and exciting features. The latter usually gives cloud app users more freedom to only pay for the features they want to use.
And finally, your app can display ads. Advertisers will be charged every time your users click on an ad. In addition, you can offer users to pay to remove ads from their view.
- Most Valuable Player
Software development, whether web or mobile app development, is complex, and cloud apps are no exception. MVP (Most Viable Product) will help you test your application’s technical and business viability (in its incomplete form). Think of it like test waters – you send Submit your app to your sea of audiences to gather their feedback and improve your app.
This way, you only spend your time, budget, and resources building a complete, robust application after first knowing if it’s really what your users want.
- Tests, launch, and maintenance
The cloud application development process should also include QA (Quality Assurance). In other words, before launching your product, your software testing team must test it to find any bugs. But mistakes are not everything.
The test phase also verifies that the cloud application meets the business requirements. In other words, it has all the features and works as intended according to the needs of your project. It’s also essential to ensure your application provides a satisfying user experience.
When your cloud application is ready, the development team launches it and performs regular maintenance work. The role of the implementation is twofold. First, it keeps the app up to date, which is paramount to security and user experience. Secondly, it is the implementation of improvements based on user feedback.
Summary
Cloud application development is a relatively long and complex process. But with the right team at your side, your application can be successful and bring great value to your users (and, of course, you). Northell specializes in software development, including cloud solutions.
At every stage, you can count on Northell cloud app development services. If you’re thinking about developing cloud applications but need help figuring out where to start, contact the company and learn more about how your idea can be turned into a powerful solution.
