Everything You Need to Know Cloud-Based Application Development

If you’re reading this because you want to know more about cloud application development, well, you’ve come to the right place!

You’re definitely not alone in recognizing the surging demand for Cloud-based applications. The global cloud migration is now firmly established, with digital acceleration efforts in full swing. According to Wasabi’s research, a whopping 89% of organizations migrated data from on-premises storage to the public cloud last year.

Of course, the next smart move that businesses make is to capitalize on cloud computing advantages by developing and deploying cloud apps. We’re here to help you out!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about application development in the cloud—from what it is and why it matters to how you can get started.

Let’s dive in!

What is Cloud application development?

To put it simply, cloud application development is a software solution where the components are stored and executed on the cloud. These apps can be accessed using a device connected to the internet.

To get a better grasp, let’s put it this way: in cloud-based applications, you interact through a web or mobile browser. The data processing happens on a remote server base, managed with the help of an API. Your device simply acts as an input tool in the cloud app without interfering with the main process.

Cloud services have brought about exciting opportunities for web-based Cloud applications, commonly referred to as web apps. It’s important to note that a cloud-based app differs from a traditional web-based application. In a web app, most of the computation occurs in the Cloud rather than on the device itself, often leveraging the power of Cloud application development services.

Additionally, there’s a rising trend in the popularity of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), a new and innovative form of web apps. Learn how you can develop your own PWA with our blog checklist here.

Traditional app development vs. Cloud app development

Traditional app development involves software developers building applications on their local machines and subsequently deploying them to the production environment.

However, this method is not without its challenges. It requires substantial IT infrastructure and proves to be resource-intensive. Additionally, compatibility problems and unforeseen glitches often arise, leading to a tedious and costly cycle of coding and redeploying.

On the other hand, developing cloud-based applications offers an alternative approach that resolves these issues. With cloud app development, you can quickly create and deploy apps without worrying about infrastructure. This is because cloud applications run on a remote server, minimizing compatibility issues and streamlining the development process.

Ansible, Kubernetes, Lacework, and the Google Cloud platform are among the top-notch cloud computing tools that empower businesses in the digital realm.

But wait, there’s more to the cloud! Cloud-based applications unfold in various models and technologies, each with its own unique charm.

Here’s a summary of the four types of cloud deployment models:

1. Private Cloud: Your very own exclusive cloud sanctuary.
2. Public Cloud: The bustling cloud metropolis accessible to all.
3. Hybrid Cloud: A harmonious blend of the best of both worlds.
4. Community Cloud: A close-knit cloud community for shared interests.

Benefits of Cloud-Based App Development

Investing in cloud services brings various benefits to the table.

So, if you are still on the fence about developing cloud apps, here are some reasons to convince you:

You get to pay less

When you start using a traditional hardware server, you must shell out for onsite hardware and capital expenses. The expenses can be sky-high, especially if your business scales up quickly.

But with cloud services, you only pay for the cloud space and features you actually need for your application development. It’s a pay-as-you-go system that applies to every cloud deployment service, giving you lower costs and better results.

Better app performance

In cloud development, when more computations are offloaded to the server side of an application, users can enjoy a significantly enhanced experience with faster response times and improved reliability.

Moreover, cloud-based apps employ the best tools and technologies to develop high-quality products for businesses and end users. By leveraging the power of server-side processing, the app efficiently handles complex tasks, allowing users to seamlessly interact with the system and enjoy a smoother, more efficient service.

Scale up at any time

Scaling up is a breeze compared to hardware services. With hardware, you have to set up extra servers for each user, which is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort. But with cloud services, you can easily scale up your product whenever you want.

Additionally, cloud infrastructure in software development provides a remarkable level of flexibility, offering a boost in bandwidth that allows for seamless scaling of system capacity. Businesses can effortlessly tap into on-demand processing power, particularly during peak periods of computer processing demand.

Robust data storage and security

Cloud solutions offer numerous benefits, such as data safety, security, and automated responses for updates, recoveries, and data loss. With cloud hosting, monitoring data security becomes efficient, reducing the risk of infrastructure failure.

This translates to heightened efficiency and a boost in productivity. By harnessing the power of cloud software, businesses can fortify data security, mitigate infrastructure risks, and seamlessly adhere to government regulations.

Compete in the big leagues

Keeping up with competitors has never been more demanding, with the digital marketplace getting increasingly competitive. Businesses are redefining their strategies to compete at a global scale, and cloud computing technologies offer an unbeatable advantage in this regard.

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses can enhance customer experience with tools like chatbots and AI development. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and top-of-the-line resources to stay ahead in the game.

How to Develop a Cloud Application

With all the incredible benefits that a cloud app brings to the table, it’s hard not to feel the urge to dive headfirst into development. We totally understand, and we’re here to guide you on how to start your journey.

But here’s the thing: cloud application development encompasses a wide range of services, from mobile development to web development. So, it’s crucial to pick the approach that best suits your project idea in advance.

Once you have a clear vision, let’s dive into the exciting world of cloud-based app development. Buckle up as we take you through the eight essential steps:

Explore your market

Before diving into app development, take a moment to play detective. Take a moment to snoop around and size up the competition by researching the market and your niche.

Remember that you are not developing an app in isolation, and there will always be cloud applications similar to yours. Get an in-depth knowledge of their design choices, user feedback, and market penetration before outlining your app’s features and functionalities.

To help you out, ask yourself these questions:

• What are the latest cloud computing trends?
• What sets you apart from your competitors?
• Who are your users, and what’s the issue they’re facing?
• How can you solve the problem for your users?

Gather a team of expert cloud app developers

When it comes to building a successful app, outsourcing cloud development services can be the game-changer you need.

But wait, there’s more!

Cloud solution brings its own set of challenges. It’s not just about having a team of skilled programmers. It’s about having product development experts on board. You need a dream team that will find your product’s perfect positioning and bring it to life with flawless technical implementation.

One reliable cloud application development company can make all the difference. They’ve got the whole package: quick business model analysis, app development cost estimation, and a project planning report.

If this is your first time outsourcing a team for cloud-based app development, ensure they have these qualities:

• A strong background in cloud software development
• Extensive experience in your niche
• Great communication skills

Define the requirements of your app

A mobile app Product Requirements Document (PRD) serves as the literal foundation of the project. A Cloud-based application without a well-articulated PRD often ends up on the path to failure. So, it’s crucial to prepare them properly.

Make sure your PRD includes:

• User personas and their preferences, behaviors, expectations
• Targeted devices and platform
• App’s features and functionalities

Let’s take a quick moment to help you out with the features of your cloud-based app. The features of your app should come from the product scope that you and your product managers will create before the project begins.

App features define the user experience. They can be common across different apps or unique to a specific one. Listing these features in a document clearly explains what users can expect.

Some must-have features commonly found in many apps today are:

• Registration and Sign-up
• User Onboarding
• Push Notifications
• User Settings
• Social Media Integration
• Product or Content Menus
• Search Function with Filters
• App Analytics
• Chatbot Support

Select an app monetization model

If your goal in developing cloud-based solutions is to make a profit, you need to decide on an app monetization model before development kicks off.

Effective communication is key for your software development team to achieve profit goals. Clear objective expression enables informed design choices and strategic planning, aligning development with business objectives for success.

App monetization is not exclusive to paid apps; there are other options, such as:

• In-app Advertising
• Freemium Apps
• Subscription-based Apps
• In-app Purchases

To maximize your revenue, it’s crucial to align your monetization strategy with the purpose and target audience of your app. For instance, games thrive on in-app purchases, while subscription-based models excel for productivity and utility apps.

Discover the different strategies in detail in our blog: 10 Mobile App Monetization Strategies That Work.

Determine the tech stack

When it comes to selecting development tools for building cloud applications, it’s crucial to thoroughly analyze your app’s requirements, features, and designs. And don’t forget to consider the scalability factor when choosing your tech stack.

To give you an idea, here’s an example of a tech stack for a cloud-based mobile app:

• Front-end: React Native + Redux
• Back-end: Node.js + Express.js
• Database: MongoDB or PostgreSQL
• Infrastructure: AWS or Google Cloud

Remember, the tech stack can vary based on your app’s complexity and specific requirements. It’s always best to consult with a cloud app development company and find the perfect combination.

Choose your cloud provider

Now that you know what you want your cloud app to be, it’s time to decide which cloud provider best suits your needs. Each cloud server provider has its unique features and pricing models. Some providers offer free tiers for startups, making it easier to get started.

However, remember that your cloud service provider will have access to your app database, user information, and even your code.

Here are some questions to help you assess your cloud provider options:

• Does the provider ensure adequate data protection?
• Is the cloud storage price affordable for you to use?
• Does the provider offer 24/7 technical support?
• Are there any hidden costs for scaling up your app?
• Does the data-processing speed slow down your app?

If you’re still unsure, we recommend consulting with your app development team or doing thorough research before deciding. You want to ensure that your cloud provider will be a reliable partner in the long run.

Lots of popular cloud services offer ready-to-go solutions that you can easily integrate into your app. Take AWS, for instance, which provides great authorization capabilities. Plus, cloud providers are always keeping up with the latest tech trends like Big Data, IoT, and machine learning.

Develop and test

A cloud-based app is developed using Scrum and Agile methodologies. The development process is typically divided into sprints, each lasting 10 working days. When building such solutions, it is crucial to prioritize cloud-native application development as it allows for greater customization and streamlined processes.

But the story doesn’t end there. After all the development, testing enters the stage. Similar to your traditional apps, cloud apps require rigorous testing, especially if they are stored in the cloud environment.

It’s an absolute must to ensure your cloud application provides the desired user experience. That’s where outsourced full-cycle development companies come in. They offer a range of services, including design, development, testing, and management.

Launch and maintain

Congratulations! Your cloud-based app is finally ready to launch. But it doesn’t end there. Now comes the maintenance phase, which is just as crucial as the cloud development stage itself.

Once your app goes live, users will provide feedback and report bugs that need fixing. That’s why it’s essential to have a dedicated team for maintenance and updates. You can let them handle adding new features, scaling the app, entering new markets, etc.

So, don’t sit back and relax just yet. Keep working on improving your cloud-based app to ensure it stays relevant and competitive in the market. And remember, continuous improvement is key to success!

Get Cloud computing services from StarTechUP!

There is no better time to invest in cloud-based development than now!

Our team of experts at StarTechUP will help you choose the best tech stack, select the right monetization model, and launch your app successfully on the cloud. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your app’s success in the long run.

So don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to get started on developing your next innovative cloud-based application!