Web App vs Cloud App: The future of app development

Whether it is an established firm or a startup, apps bridge the gap between companies and customers. Of course, the idea behind the app is the most critical factor. However, the major challenge is to bring an idea to life, make it a reality.

It is equally important to choose an appropriate platform (i.e., Web or cloud) and ensure it gets the best design. Here, it would be best to have a top web application development team to help you realize the web app vs cloud app scenario. One can also hire dedicated developers to get the relevant app development get going.

So let's begin by understanding each of these platforms one by one.

What is a Cloud App?

The "cloud" refers to the computing architecture with a unique mechanism to store and access software and data on the internet instead of storing it into the computer's hard drive.

According to Cisco, 95% of total data center traffic will be through cloud computing, replacing traditional data centers in the next three years!

Cloud-based apps are highly advanced web applications. However, it relies on web browsers. It can be customized only when it is connected to the cloud. This is done by web interfaces that are used to access cloud-based applications.

Top Features of Cloud-based Applications

There are plenty of advanced features of cloud-based applications like:

• Cloud data storage (online). It is possible to store data online temporarily and used it later even when offline.
• Data can be cached locally. The data can be further used from a web browser or custom-built mobile apps.
• Cloud-based applications are user-friendly to support the prerequisites of customers, including security, data compression, and backup schedule.
• It also supports the access of different platforms for application development, on-demand computing cycle, etc.
• It supports different types of user requirements.
• It is easy to operate from any device with an internet connection on the browser, including desktop and mobile phones.

While it may not be possible to recognize an app through its features, you may know a few existing apps like Dropbox, NetSuite, Sugar Sync, Evernote, and Mozie.

Moreover, web emails like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft Hotmail also synchronize correctly.

Benefits of Cloud-based Apps

When it comes to web app vs cloud app, the latter offers excellent business opportunities. From network capabilities to on-demand services and accessibility of shared resources, the cloud-based servers deliver multiple benefits.

Some of the significant ones include:

• Cloud application development reduces management involvement and efforts.
• Users involved in on-demand services find this extremely helpful as the cloud matches their requirements. It also offers location independence and access to data and information from anywhere or any device.
• It offers a broader computing ability, which includes both online as well as offline.
• You can work with a cloud application development company to build different types of cloud apps. Users can easily access the cloud server by making a payment and you can have access to its functionalities without installing the software.

• Cloud services providers, their performance, and availability can change how things work and enhance profitability.
• Cloud apps are advanced. They serve several users simultaneously with varied virtual needs
• Cloud apps allow users to monitor, control, and report used resources. As a result, it offers transparency to consumers as well as resource providers.

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For a proper analysis, it is also critical to understand web apps. This would also allow you to analyze and understand the right choice between web app vs cloud app for your next project.

What is a Web App?

Web apps can be used only on web browsers. Web apps are a perfect combination of server-side (.NET and PHP) and client-side (Adobe Flash and HTML) script.

Moreover, web apps mainly depend on the browsers and their server components, which further receive backend infrastructure support.

Web apps also feature convenience and allow users to access an app from anywhere they want with the computing model's help.

However, the primary difference between a web app and a cloud app is that it offers only a few customization options.

Online services, such as online shopping, internet banking, are examples of web apps. Albeit these are web-based applications, but they have a few limitations concerning alternative customization. For instance, users consider Facebook a cloud-based app, whereas it is designed to perform as a web-based app. While cloud apps may or may not be web apps, but web apps are not cloud apps.

Benefits of Web-based Apps

• Due to the web application architecture pattern, web apps are compatible with all modern web browsers and operating systems.
• In a compatible web browser, users can access a web app easily, which reduces lags and compatibility issues.
• You can expect minimum maintenance and maximum returns. Thus, it reduces the cost of web application development and offers leeway to clients.

• No download or installation needed to use an app, hence, eliminating storage restrictions
• Low risk of data breach and piracy, given the added benefits of web application security. Web apps do not store client information.
• No frequent updates for web apps as the apps regularly update as and when required without any installation or reinstallation.
• Since a user can directly engage with the app using a web browser, you don’t have to download or install it separately from different platforms.

Web app vs Cloud app: Comparison

1. Legacy

Web apps came before cloud apps. That's one of the fundamental differences. Web-based applications refer to all types of applications.

2. Technology

Web application development is associated with web technologies, based on the latest backend languages like Python, Ruby, .NET, and PHP, using remote databases like SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and others.

Contrarily, cloud application development requires a backend framework, and they need a javascript-based framework for optimized performance. Node, Angular, and React.js are some optimum choices.

Cloud apps use alternative options for a database, such as browser-based choices, local opportunities, and Firebase. Using cloud apps is one of the most significant distinct factors in such frameworks. With HTML5 offline cache feature, it enables apps to perform without internet connectivity.

3. Usage

Cloud apps can work offline, fully, or partially. They are the best choice for applications that require high computation, or they operate reliably despite sporadic internet connectivity. They are also the right choice for collaboration-based apps.

Contrarily, web applications can work only in a browser with good internet connectivity. As such, they are the safest choice for transactional apps like eCommerce sites, bulletin boards, booking services, and information sharing portals.

4. Expenses

Building a reliable custom web application that would work offline is expensive than building a conventional browser-only app. And there are very few web or cloud application development professionals with the required skills. Moreover, teams building cloud apps are always high in demand than the teams building web apps. Hence, cloud apps are relatively more expensive compared to web apps.

5. Services

Apps are tools for connecting users with businesses. That is one of the most critical reasons for companies to invest in an app.

Likewise, there is a steady demand for web apps. These are excellent for building a strong and continuous connection with users. For instance, Amazon, Airbnb, YouTube are doing a great job as web apps. Switch to cloud apps, they are designed to support offline, but they function automatically and exclusively when the internet restores. Some examples include Evernote, Dropbox, etc.

Web app vs cloud app difference goes a long way. However, both these apps are meant for specific roles for enterprises as well as users.

Read More : A Comprehensive Guide to Choose Between Multi-Page and Single-Page Applications

Conclusion

Regardless of the difference between web-based applications and advanced cloud-based applications, both technologies have one DNA. However, they serve different purposes, objectives, and users. If you are considering options for software development, question your requirements before you commit to anything specific. It can cost you double of what you should be paying or make your application unfit for its intended purpose.

Radixweb can help you decide between a web-based or a cloud-based application and quickly help you achieve your targets cost-effectively. You can hire top-rated application development company to assist your project and meet your business objective.