In this part i shall be taking up , with the functionality prospects and other application aspects . To begin with let’s continue with the basics , so that the latter part of the blog won’t be a trouble maker !
Cloud Applications vrs web Applications
Web applications have been around for almost as long as the web. JavaScript was included in early web browsers so that developers could add features that went beyond simple static pages. If you’ve been an internet user as long as I have, you’ll remember Java-applet and Flash applications and games.
So how do cloud applications differ from web applications? Firstly, and somewhat counter-intuitively, for the most part, modern cloud applications use APIs and technologies that are native to the web. When you open a cloud app, you aren’t asked to download a plugin that runs in the browser — the application uses technology built into the browser.
Secondly, web apps often have limited functionality compared to desktop applications, whereas cloud applications are competitive with native applications, although they are often simpler and offer a more intuitive user experience.
And, most importantly, cloud applications provide APIs in addition to their web interface. The web is one way to interact with a cloud application but it’s not the only way. This matters because integration and automation are key benefits of the cloud.
Without an API, web app users are forced to interact with the application in a browser. With the APIs of modern cloud applications, users can write scripts and applications to “remote control” their applications and data. With APIs, cloud apps can be integrated with each other to perform user-specific workflows. Services like IFTTT and Zapier exist to make integration easier.
Benefits of cloud Applications
Control
If you’ve worked in IT for more than a few years, you’ll remember how complex it was to manage large software deployments when applications ran on desktop PCs. Cloud applications solve the problem of large-scale distributed software deployments. Because users access cloud applications with a browser, there is no need to install, update, and manage business applications across every desktop computer or laptop the business owns.
Cloud applications offer fine-grained, centralized users and data control. IT departments can manage who has access to data and what they can do with it via a dedicated control interface, reducing the complexity of business software management.
Security
A cloud computer application is also more secure than desktop applications. Users don’t have the opportunity to install malware that puts the business at risk. Vulnerabilities in cloud applications can be fixed as soon as they’re discovered and delivered to users when they hit the refresh button in their browser, rather than via complex patch rollouts.
Additionally, cloud applications give companies insight into who is using their resources and how they’re being used.
Reduced Management Costs
Because cloud applications provide greater control and improved security, the cost of managing essential business applications is reduced. With cloud applications and other software as service options, companies outsource much of the management burden to the cloud vendor, reducing the need for large in-house IT teams.
Reduced Software Licensing Costs
Traditional enterprise software licensing is a large cost-center for many businesses. Vendors loved to lock their customers into applications and charge huge licensing, upgrade, and support fees.
With cloud apps, most of that complexity goes away. Typically, cloud apps are subscription services with simple licences. Companies pay a fixed amount each month for each user. If they don’t want to use the software any more, it’s often straightforward to export data and migrate to a different solution. Companies only pay for the cloud app resources they use.
In 2020, Software-as-a-Service cloud applications have eclipsed traditional software distribution and licensing. The benefits are overwhelming for both developers and users. There are occasions where native applications are preferable, but as new web technologies become widely available, the web platform and the cloud will further cement their place as the leading app development and delivery strategy.
Types of cloud servers
In regards to cloud IT infrastructure, the primary server types are hybrid cloud, private cloud, public cloud, and even dedicated servers. Each of these cloud computing services are hosted in remote data centers and can be used to deploy a cloud application for your business. Each of these cloud computing services
Public Cloud: A public cloud is the ideal server type for a cloud application which needs to scale over-time as you can change the server resources at any time in a public cloud environment.
Hybrid Cloud: A Hybrid Cloud combines the server resources of a public cloud with the reduced infrastructure costs and increased processing power of a Dedicated Server.
Private Cloud: A private cloud works in the same way as a public cloud, but the cloud is not shared with any other users.
Steps towards successful cloud development
There is a big difference between cloud app development and mobile and web development because, in a cloud solution, there is a need to know about building cloud solutions on a selected service provider.
In our experience, we suggest going for AWS. It is one of the best and most reliable solutions available in the market at present. It is compact with a ton of great tools and features for cloud app development.
There is a need for investing time and money to build any digital product, and cloud-based solutions aren’t any exception.
Before you start with your cloud app development process, you need to understand your customers in a better manner; figure out their problems, and find a way to solve them with your product. It is the most effective way to succeed in this competitive market.
Step 1. Proper Market Research
Proper and thorough market research to understand your customers’ pains is a must to do a task. This will help you create a strong solution, which delivers value to your end-users.
Step 2. Hire Development Team
If you are going for cloud-based app development, then having an experienced and talented team is necessary. You must be thinking, where to hire cloud app developers?
There are three majors available to hire software engineers: Freelance developer services, hiring an in-house team, or outsourcing companies.
Step 3. Decide Architecture and Features
There are two significant aspects to making your app successful: architecture and service models. Select them wisely because the decisions impact the performance of your application. We suggest you consult with experts for the best results.
Step 4. Define the Tech Stack
While you consult with the expert for defining the architecture, you should also ask them for the technology stack you should use for cloud app development. Experts are seasoned, and they will suggest the best solution after analyzing your requirements, features, and design. Always keep in mind the app’s scalability, as it helps you in keeping your solution up to date.
Following is the major Salesforce tech stack, for your reference:
Application and data
- Akamai
- Cloudant
- ClearDB
For Utilities
- Google Analytics
- Twilio
- Optimizely
- Heap
- Recurly
- Zuora
- Cyfe
- TransmogrifAI
For DevOps
- Jenkins
- Bitbucket
- New Relic
- Datadog
- Puppet Labs
- Cloud9 IDE
- Sauce Labs
- StillAlive
For Business Tools
- Jira
- G Suite
- InVision
- Salesforce Sales Cloud
- Balsamiq
- DocuSign
- UXpin
Step 5. Careful Product Testing It is imperative to have a testing stage in a cloud application development process. Ensure that before you launch your product, your development team tests it to find and mitigates all bugs in it. Be ensured that your application works correctly and delivers the appropriate user experience.
It is imperative to have a testing stage in a cloud application development process. Ensure that before you launch your product, your development team tests it to find and mitigates all bugs in it. Be ensured that your application works correctly and delivers the appropriate user experience.
Step 6. Launch the App and Keep It Up-To-Date This is the final step in the cloud app development journey after the app’s successful testing release on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). Google Play store uses automated testing to speed up the process. On the other hand, the Apple App Store delegates app checking to real people. If there are any bugs, they’ll ask you to fix them.
Steps involved in application release.
- Make sure your app follows guidelines set by App Store or Google Play guidelines (and fix it if it doesn’t).
- Always fill required meta-data like title, description, keywords, screenshots, and preview videos (if any).
- Submit the app to review.
- The App Store/Google Play team will test the app; they will ensure if the app doesn’t crash and works as expected.
- In a few days, your app will either be approved or rejected.
The artistic Marketeer | Blog 