Cloud Application Development Guide: Building Efficient and Scalable Apps

Quick Overview: Organizations have always adored using the cloud. And why? Because of its different benefits and practicality, it offers while storing data. Hence, cloud app development is on a boost in current times. However, every story has two sides, and with advantages come some challenges too. And this blog is all about learning the ABCs of cloud application development. Hope you enjoy!

Cloud application development is at an all-time high and attracting the attention of several business owners. It’s difficult to overlook this technology and resist being influenced by it in a world where 90% of businesses opt for cloud computing.

According to the Markets and Markets report, the size of the worldwide cloud computing market is anticipated to increase from USD 545.8 billion in 2022 to USD 1,240.9 billion by 2027.

Woah, that’s more than double in just five years!

You must be wondering why that is so.

Cloud application development solutions have made data collection more practical. Additionally, management and security are implemented more seamlessly with the help of cloud computing. Enterprises and businesses are developing productive cloud applications to improve client experience and generate revenue.

Moreover, any trusted cloud application development company encourages and helps organizations to invest money in low-code app development, which is once more a time and money-saving approach.

Let’s not overlook the variety of experiences these cloud applications can offer a company. Therefore, all the benefits mentioned earlier are the main factors businesses choose cloud computing, indicating the rising popularity of cloud-based applications.

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However, cloud applications’ expansion and immense popularity also create many challenges and doubts for businesses. Starting from the most basic one – what is the cloud app? - to more advanced – how to develop a cloud-based application? There can be several questions in your mind.

So, let’s look for these answers today!

This post will discuss several aspects of cloud application development and everything you need to know before developing a cloud app.

Therefore, put on your detective hat and start digging in with the basics!

What is a Cloud-Based Application?

The cloud-based application is typically an internet-based app that runs some or all of the operations in the cloud and stores its data components online. With the help of these on-demand services, you can use the Internet to connect to different computer networks, resources, or storage.

In addition to increasing capacity, scalability, and functionality, developing cloud applications also help businesses save money.  As a result, there is a requirement for less upkeep and staffing for in-house teams and computer infrastructure. Moreover, organizations are putting more emphasis on cloud migration these days, and the costs of cloud migration has been drastically lowered because of these advanced cloud-based apps.

Following are the examples of popular solutions offered by cloud applications:

• File Storage
• Big Data Analytics
• Disaster Recovery
• Email Services
• Order Entry
• Data Collection
• Inventory Management
• Word Processing
• Financial Accounting Features
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

What is Cloud Application Development?

Cloud application development involves creating applications in cloud platforms and leveraging cloud infrastructure and services instead of using on-premises servers. It involves different phases of the software development cycle, each of which helps and prepares your cloud app to go live and hit the road. You can use DevOps practices or different tools. However, organizations nowadays prefer to build cloud apps using specific technologies according to their needs. Most apps developed on the cloud are highly reliable on the cloud to operate.

Moreover, cloud application development enables web and PWA development services to minimize development costs, discover new possibilities to work with hybrid or remote teams, and reduce project times. All this can be done efficiently by integrating software development methodologies like Agile.

Moving ahead, when it comes to tracking and managing the resources used by cloud applications, cloud inventory management falls into picture. With it, businesses can ensure optimal utilization, cost control, and efficient provisioning for their cloud app development projects.

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Features of Cloud-Based Applications

When deployed correctly, cloud computing is a tremendous technology that can work wonders for your business. Because of this, it is crucial to understand and know about the specific features and characteristics you can experience with cloud-based application development. Here are a few key features that set cloud apps apart from web apps.

• In cloud application development, the app’s data is stored in the cloud infrastructure and can be temporarily cached in the user’s device. This implies that these devices must meet certain requirements to operate the application.

• The cloud infrastructure can temporarily store the information on a user’s device, enabling offline access. When the user reconnects to the Internet, the cloud application is updated, and the offline data is uploaded to the cloud storage location.

• Schedules for backups, data optimization, encryption, and compression can all be set by the user in any way they like.

• Internet-connected devices, such as desktop computers, tablets, or smartphones, can access cloud applications. This enables the user to become independent of browser capabilities.

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

Now that we have examined the different characteristics that determine cloud-based applications, we can now go through some significant cloud-based application examples.

Some Significant Examples of Cloud Applications

Most applications available in the market today utilize the cloud in some form. Some incredible services and tools that ease the stress of running a business are made possible by the advent of cloud applications. Here are a few significant cloud-based application examples:

• Google Drive or Dropbox – You can quickly save your files on the cloud with the help of Google Drive or Dropbox and make them accessible to others from anywhere.

• Miro – Miro offers a digital board that lets you collaborate with other users in unique and entertaining ways.

• InfinCE – InfinCE offers centralized management, enhanced work collaboration, access to a limitless number of productivity tools, and a simplified and streamlined IT infrastructure – all from a single platform.

• Figma – Thanks to Figma’s collaborative features, this robust cloud-based design app is gaining more and more popularity.

One of the most significant benefits of developing cloud applications is the power of real-time, global collaboration with other users.

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Let’s now discuss the most critical aspects of cloud application development: the different types of cloud solutions accessible to companies and digital organizations. These are cloud deployment models and cloud service models.

Wondering what they are?

Come on, let’s find out!

What are the Different Cloud Deployment Models?

There are different types of cloud deployment models, so when a company decides to opt for cloud migration strategy, one of the first choices it needs to make is which model would address its operational requirements and business needs in the best possible way.

The five cloud deployment models are:

1. Public Cloud

Your data is kept on a third-party server in a public cloud, and the cloud provider manages the server infrastructure and resources. Organizations can avoid worrying about purchasing and maintaining hardware in this way.

A few well-known examples of public cloud providers are Google Cloud Platform, IBM Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, and Amazon Web Services.

2. Private Cloud

Only a single organization manages and utilizes the cloud infrastructure in a private cloud. This architecture allows for both external and internal server hosting, which is secured by robust firewalls and monitored by the IT department of the organization.

Private cloud companies like IBM, Dell, Cisco, Red Hat, and Amazon are a few significant examples.

3. Hybrid Cloud

The public and private cloud features and functionalities are combined to form a hybrid cloud. This hybrid cloud allows the company to host its most important data in a private cloud and less sensitive data in a public one. Therefore, with the help of hybrid cloud management, you can enjoy the cost savings of a public cloud and the security of a private cloud.

Examples of hybrid cloud platforms include Azure Stack, AWS Outposts, Azure Arc, VMware Cloud, and Google Anthos.

4. Multi-Cloud

Multi-cloud is somewhat similar to a hybrid cloud. However, multi-cloud employs different public cloud providers to diversify the accessible features, which is preferable then combining private and public clouds.

60% of the businesses claim to use numerous private clouds, indicating a high-level of acceptance for different remote cloud environments.

Some well-known examples of multi-cloud considered by different organizations are Google Cloud Platform for development and testing, AWS for data storage, and Microsoft Azure for disaster recovery.

5. Community Cloud

In a community cloud, a collection of companies from the same community or background can utilize the IT resources in the cloud. Members of this community frequently have the same expectation for compliance, performance, security, and privacy.

Community cloud is midway between public and private clouds because it is neither accessible to the general public nor restricted to a single business. You can either use internal or external management options.

Let’s take a simple real-time example to understand it more clearly- it is common for multiple government agencies that conduct transactions with one another to share infrastructure for their processing systems. The tenants can save more money with this setup, and data traffic is also decreased.

The cloud deployment models mentioned above can be used for various application development services.

Furthermore, different cloud service models are available for businesses same as deployment services.

We’ll help you dig into this!

What are the Different Cloud Service Models?

There are typically three types of cloud-based application development services.

1. IaaS

In IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service, your cloud provider will manage your company’s infrastructure, including the network, servers, storage, and visualization. Either a public or private cloud is used to administer this infrastructure. Moreover, in addition to managing the services, IaaS cloud services also provide a wide range of other services for cloud-based application development.

Some of them include the following:

• Tracking system
• Tools for resiliency
• Detailed bill
• Security measures like data encryption protocols
• Log entry

2. PaaS

Organizations typically utilize PaaS – Platform as a Service- for operating systems, infrastructures, and development tools. PaaS enables you to hire any service and resource required to develop an application. This means that in order to develop cloud applications, you will be using a complete cloud application platform (hardware and software).

PaaS cloud application development can be utilized for:

• Database-running infrastructure
• Middleware
• Operating systems
• Development tools

3. SaaS

SaaS – Software as a Service basically refers to developing cloud applications through mobile apps and web browsers. Thanks to SaaS application development, customers can access SaaS applications online without configuring or installing them on a device.

You can develop SaaS-based cloud applications for:

• Client databases and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system management
• Integrating email services, auditing features, etc.
• Document management for partnerships and file sharing
• Automatic registration for services and goods
• Sharing agendas and calendars in order to plan future events

Above mentioned are the basic and significant things you need to know about these types of cloud applications. However, to know in-depth about these cloud service models and understand the difference, you can visit our blog on SaaS vs PaaS vs IaaS.

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Now, let’s discuss the benefits of cloud-based applications to help you make more sound and informed choices.

Benefits of Cloud-Based Applications

Enterprise organizations are not the only ones that may use cloud-based applications and benefit from them. In fact, most organizations nowadays prefer using cloud applications to store data and handle processing challenges caused by different servers. So, in the below section, we’ll cover the benefits of cloud-based applications for your company.

• Round-the-Clock Security – A leading cloud security provides absolute safety and security since the cloud host continuously monitors data security. Cloud services – which frequently offer automated data recovery responses – allow you to adhere to government security protocols effortlessly. For instance, users can use cloud deployment models like public cloud hosting services like Google Drive to store their documents.

• Cloud Reduction – With cloud app development, you must pay for the features and resources necessary to develop apps. You may save big bucks with cloud applications because it features a pay-as-you-go model for all cloud deployment services.

• Scalability – By adapting to changing business demands, cloud-based applications provide you with the necessary scalability even as your company expands. This advantage of the cloud enables you to manage a huge user base, making substantial earnings.

• Resilient Nature – Instead of hosting on a local server, you have more resilience when using the cloud. In addition, rather than upgrading the infrastructure, the cloud can quickly match your demands for additional bandwidth.

Cloud App Development: Fundamental Steps to Follow

Cloud application development is very different from web and mobile app development services. Cloud application developers must create solutions while considering your chosen cloud service provider. In particular, AWS development services offers a variety of features and functionalities and is known as one of the best and most reliable alternatives for developing cloud applications.

There are no limitations regarding your willingness to invest resources in your cloud app development. Moreover, identifying your clients’ concerns and thinking about how your product might be able to solve them will help you understand them better before starting the development process. This is the only efficient way to compete in the growing market.

Hence, the most basic step-by-step approach for developing cloud apps goes like the following:

STEP 1: Thorough market research

You should first thoroughly examine the market requirements for cloud applications. This will help you understand what apps will suit your business or what solutions to migrate to the cloud and define the best cloud deployment model for your business. Also, when researching, always keep the goals of your business in mind and different factors for its proper functioning. While studying, note down the users’ pain points and cloud computing challenges affecting your cloud apps and then look for possible solutions.

STEP 2: Recruiting a team of the best cloud application developers

Cloud-based application development needs an expert and skillful development team. So, again the main question — where to hire cloud app developers? There are three primary options for hiring cloud app developers: going with freelancers, building an in-house team, or finding a trusted vendor.  It’s imperative to have a good development team because the cloud app’s architecture needs to be designed carefully and deployed adequately into the current business operations.

STEP 3: Considering the features and architecture

Now, to make the cloud application development process more efficient and optimize its functioning, you need to consider some essential factors such as cloud migration, service model, and app architecture. These factors can influence your cloud solution’s performance considerably. So it would be good to discuss all these factors with your team experts and vendors, as they’ll offer the best approaches for your business.

STEP 4: Design the cloud application

After all the significant features and aspects are ticked off the list, it’s time for the UI/UX design, and the process continues. The designers must develop an appealing, user-friendly interface, encouraging more and more end users to interact with the system. The clients can also view all the modifications and arrangements, such as comments on them, or offer feedback during the process. Then, the designers provide the overall estimation for the completion of work.

STEP 5: Develop the app, and test it

The developers then start developing your cloud application per your needs and requirements. As usual, cloud app solutions are usually designed with the help of Scrum or Agile methodologies. The development process is split into sprints (for instance, 1 sprint = 10 working days); it begins with planning, in which the whole development team discusses their work responsibilities.

Always remember that cloud-native app development is quite significant in developing such solutions. So, it’s best to collaborate with a reliable service provider at all stages because only the team can imagine a broader picture.

STEP 6: App Implementation and publishing in stores

The final step is the deployment of your cloud app. If you want to publish your app on any marketplaces, you must collaborate with Google Play (for Android apps) and App Store (for iOS). In the case of Android apps, Google Play applies automated testing to accelerate the process. However, sometimes the app gets rejected, and it gets challenging to understand why. And if any bugs are present, these stores will demand their fixing Immediately.

Cloud application development involves different stages, and each stage is crucial for your application to become a blockbuster in the market. Most cloud application developers employ DevOps techniques to guarantee a successful and best-in-class project.

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Start Creating Futuristic Cloud-Based App Today!

Cloud-based applications are all about experiencing the best cloud computing resources, cutting-edge technologies, and excellent user experience. But your business must wholeheartedly accept a digital revolution to get such rewards and succeed with flying colors.

In this guide, we introduced you to significant aspects of cloud application development, like cloud deployment models, cloud service models, benefits of cloud applications, examples, and the basic step-by-step process to develop a cloud app. Now that you have all the essential knowledge, you can assess whether developing cloud applications is worthwhile.

To be honest, it’s quite worthwhile, and you’ll see the difference when your cloud app is deployed!

So, why not give it a try?

Make sure to move with appropriate innovation speed and have all the relevant cloud tools on the board. However, in most scenarios, it’s only possible if you have some kind of technological assistance.

Therefore, Radixweb is a software development company that is a leading name in developing world-class cloud solutions with the help of DevOps techniques and its best practices.

Why Radixweb, Though?At Radixweb, we examine your company’s needs and create next-gen cloud applications that are specifically tailored to address them. We also assist you in smoothly migrating your current app to the cloud and effectively utilizing its advantages to increase business value and growth.As a professional cloud application development company, experts at Radixweb have developed numerous cloud applications for various industry verticals. So, get in touch with our skilled cloud application developers to discuss your ideas and visions. They’ll also help you with all the confusion related to cloud application development.Reach out to us and our technical specialists will respond to your queries and help you build a top-notch cloud application.