Cloud computing technology is not a buzz in the tech industry. It is because the companies have started adopting and gaining benefits from the cloud server and cloud storage. The cloud services have matured as it can be seen in the form of implementation of cloud applications in banking, cybersecurity, insurance, and medical sectors.
According to Gartner, by the end of the year 2020, 83% of the companies will shift to the cloud platforms, making them one the most demanded service.
At present, cloud-based mobile apps are one of the most crucial business requirements of all businesses. With each passing day, organizations are shifting towards cloud-based apps to store their data. Have you thought of its reason? Well! If not, then don’t worry, here we’re going to discuss some dominant reasons to use cloud-based apps in 2020.
Why Use Cloud-Based Apps? (vs. On-Prem)
Even though physical servers can be very beneficial, especially for web hosting providers that value data security above all, everything seems to be moving to the cloud because of its ease of use and flexibility, which is more needed for mobile apps. Cloud is extremely suitable for their constant need for updates. Here are five reasons to use cloud-based mobile apps.
Data Security
The native apps locally store data on mobile devices. It can expose you to several challenges because the data can be lost, or even the device can have flaws and malfunctions.
On the contrary, if the information is stored in the cloud, there are minimum chances of getting lost. It is especially crucial if your app has to gather and store sensitive data about your users. For instance, if your app receives payments or mediates financial transactions, it will store customer billing information, and you’re responsible for securing it. If your company’s name is under grey shadow that compromises customer security, then regaining the old status is going to be tough.
Storing data on the cloud is the safest method to protect both your business and customers. Businesses should have an emergency and spare backup plan, and without any doubt, cloud storage helps in this by making a second copy of the files. However, note that not all cloud providers are equally secure.
Despite recent advances in AI/ML tech to better-detect cyber attacks, large data breaches have become “the new normal”. Not a week goes by without some news story of another major mobile app or cloud-based company revealing customer data. The best course of action, if your business is cloud-based, is to pre-emptively check for security holes, as Robinhood did last year when they advised customers to use stronger passwords.
These kinds of data security practices build trust with your customers and users. Despite ongoing issues with its app, Robinhood still gets mostly-positive reviews thanks to its perfect security track record. And investors have taken note, too, as evidenced by a fresh round of funding into the company.
When it comes to data security, remember this: all these files can be stored in a remote location and accessed via an internet connection. The cloud data is backed up on multiple servers; if any one of these servers crashes, it remains safe on other servers.
Data Recovery
Server damage is something that nobody wants, but such things happen, and you should prepare for any unexpected happenings. The data is stored on various servers, which are backed up regularly while developing cloud-based apps. It assures that no breakages can lead to data loss or destruction.
Although the chances of your local servers getting damaged are low, it’s always a better idea to store everything on the cloud in case any uncertain situation takes place. With a vast server network of back-ups, data stays secure and updated. In case anything went wrong, you’re assured that data can be recovered.
Time Effective
Time is the most valuable asset when it comes to cloud app development. The native mobile app development is a time taken process. The development time frame depends on the type of application you want to create. Usually the cloud app development takes less development time.
If you want your app to have advanced features, the development process can take six to twelve months. It might even take more than a year for sophisticated mobile apps to develop an app before it can be released. It means that a year to build for each platform if you opt for native mobile app development.
As mentioned earlier, cloud-based apps require less development time. You can reach both Android and iOS users with one app. A fast launch means that you’ll be able to witness investment returns at a much faster rate.
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of developing the best cloud-based app is an essential factor that encourages businesses to move towards cloud-based mobile apps. The total cost of building a mobile app is based on the functionality incorporated within it.
Companies that begin to develop native mobile apps for both Android and iOS are more likely to spend twice more on the development process. The cloud-based mobile applications are more attractive because the development expenses are low than the native apps. Interestingly, you’ve to create one app, and it works on both platforms.
Another important consideration is maintenance. Being a business owner, you need to look and plan for the future too. You’ve to set your budget to pay for the application maintenance. Though cloud development isn’t free, it can save you from paying an ample amount of money.
No Installation Required
As native apps need to be installed on mobile devices, the cloud-based apps don’t require any installation and can be accessed through the browsers. Updates can be easily pushed to the cloud apps in real-time, so; all the users can access the same version of the app.
However, in native apps, there might be several versions running for different users. Users need to update their app every time new releases are published. Also, there is a space issue in the native apps. The space available is first calculated, and later the app gets downloaded and installed.
Are There Any Disadvantages of Cloud-Based Phone Apps?
There are two fundamental disadvantages of cloud-based storage apps.
Data Privacy
Users have relevant and sensitive content on the cloud, and during the data flow, there is a possibility of a breach in the network that can lead to data loss. It is imperative to select the right service providers who ensure that the data is secure.
Also, sometimes intruders can access your phone if you’re using some unsecured apps from third-party stores. If you suspect that hackers are controlling your phone, there are a few simple ways to find that out.
Connectivity
The cloud service entirely depends on the internet connection. It’s essential to see that the connection never goes down. If this happens, then it adversely affects the transfer of your data.
Many of the cloud issues have been resolved. It has made it a proper service for every individual and organization.
Future of Cloud-Based Applications
The mobile app developers are significantly accepting cloud technology because cloud-based apps have a high demand in the tech industry.
The most significant benefit of this service is the space that users save on their hard drives. The cloud offers a useful and faster service to the customers. Also, users have access to it in any part of the world with an internet connection.
In the upcoming time, cloud technology will play a vital role in the mobile app development industry and provide relief to developers when it comes to features and functionality.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and secure alternative to develop your app, consider going for the cloud app. Cloud-based mobile apps are a great option because you can launch your Android and iOS platforms. The native app development is much more expensive and is time-consuming. However, cloud apps are pocket friendly and can be brought to the market quickly.
Keeping the users in mind, cloud-based phone apps are safe to use and store sensitive information and process payments. It’s easier to integrate the database from your business with your cloud app so, if you haven’t started using these apps, hurry up and enjoy its wonders.
