Understanding Cloud Application Development: A Comprehensive Introduction

The business world is a Formula 1 race, and clunky software is like a three-wheeled car. You might have the drive to win, but outdated applications can leave you in the dust.

Old, Traditional setups could be more flexible, faster and a constantly depleting resource. Your data might be the lifeblood of your business, but if it’s trapped in a network of outdated servers, it is ready for a power outage.

Cloud application development is the answer you need. A study by McKinsey & Company found that cloud-based businesses are 23% more agile than traditional businesses, making them reliable sources for adapting to new market conditions and scaling of resources.

This blog entails everything you must know about cloud application development, along with why it’s the key to staying abreast of the competition.

Learn how cloud applications can become the engine that drives efficiency and eliminates roadblocks.

What is a Cloud-based application?

A cloud-based application, also popular by the name online or web-based application, is a software program that lives on the internet rather than on your computer. Imagine a remote server acting as a giant supercomputer, storing and running the app. Users can access it through a web browser, which is similar to visiting a website. This means you can utilize the app from any device with an internet connection, anytime, anywhere.

Let’s take an example. Google Docs is a cloud-based application; you can access it through a web browser and download it to your phone as well. This app allows you to access, view or edit documents from any device and even collaborate with others in real-time.

Features Of Cloud-based Applications

Here’s what defines cloud-based applications in terms of features:

• Accessibility: You can access cloud apps from any internet-connected device, like desktops, tablets, or smartphones, without worrying about your specific browser capabilities.
• Offline Access: Some cloud apps also allow you to access and store data temporarily without internet connectivity. When you reconnect, the app syncs automatically.
• Scalability: Cloud storage allows for easier scaling of data and resources to meet your business needs.
• Customization: Cloud-based applications often offer more incredible customization options compared to web apps.
• Security: Users can manage backup schedules, data encryption, and compression for added security.
• Integration: Cloud apps can integrate with external services through APIs, expanding their functionality.

Now that we have discussed what features define a good cloud application, we can go ahead with the main focus of the blog, i.e. Cloud Application Development.

What is Cloud Application Development?

Cloud application development is like building software specifically designed to run on the internet (“cloud”). It involves different stages, similar to traditional software development, that prepare the app to launch and function smoothly. While various tools and approaches exist, companies often choose specific technologies to fit their needs. These cloud-based applications rely heavily on the internet for functionality.

Beyond the app itself, cloud application development opens doors for web and progressive web application (PWA) development services. This can lead to:

• Lower development costs
• Collaboration with remote teams
• Faster project completion times

These benefits are often achieved through Agile development methodologies, which emphasize flexibility and adaptation.

Finally, cloud application development goes hand-in-hand with cloud inventory management. This helps businesses track and manage the resources their cloud apps use, leading to optimal use of resources, cost control, and efficient provisioning for future projects.

Challenges in Cloud Application Development

Even though cloud app development brings a whole new horizon, it’s not without its bumps in the road. Here are some common challenges businesses face, along with tips to navigate them smoothly:

1. Reliability

Cloud-based application development offers a world of opportunities, but when it comes to reliability, you might feel you need to be in a tough spot at times. Unlike on-premise solutions, where you control the hardware, cloud apps rely on your provider’s infrastructure. Gartner’s research found that 68% of IT leaders reported experiencing at least one cloud outage in the past year. These can directly impact your application’s availability and user experience.

To avoid this setback, find a reliable cloud app development provider who commits to a strong uptime record. They will allow you to design a dynamic application that is compact and can address any potential issues. By continuously monitoring performance and implementing robust security practices like encryption and access controls, you can build a self-healing and secure cloud application that delivers a seamless user experience.

2. Portability and Interoperability

While scaling up and down is easy with cloud resources, managing them effectively requires careful planning and oversight. Research from Flexera showed that 30% of cloud spending goes to waste due to unused or underutilized resources.

While you leverage the specific cloud platform as recommended by your cloud consulting partner, it is crucial to consider the functioning of the app around multiple cloud environments. Taking care of this factor empowers you to avoid vendor lock-in and promises uninterrupted access to your customers.

To overcome these challenges, careful upfront planning is the first thing you must do. Adopting industry-standard cloud computing practices and writing code compatible with various providers are vital strategies for achieving true interoperability and portability in your cloud application.

3. Data Privacy & Security

Building trust with your users starts with prioritizing data privacy and security. A recent KPMG report found a whopping 86% of users consider data privacy a primary concern. While cloud providers offer strong infrastructure security, securing the user experience (client-side) is your responsibility, too.

Fortify your cloud app with a layered defence. Understand your cloud provider’s security measures, then add extra security protocols directly to your application. Prioritize data encryption and established cloud security practices. Using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protects sensitive information and ensures secure connections. These steps build trust and enhance your application’s overall security posture.

4. Performance Issues

A one-second delay in page loading time can impact your conversion rate by 5% (like signups or purchases), indicating significant revenue loss, especially for eCommerce businesses. (another finding from Dynatrace study, 2023).

They are technically alarming you if you are planning to develop a cloud-based app. These apps might promise agility, but making their performance outshine is always a challenge. Unexpected traffic spikes can overwhelm resources, leading to crashes or slowdowns, like a significant airline outage that caused booking delays (2022). Additionally, reliance on internet connectivity means network issues can render your app inaccessible.

To mitigate these risks, perform rigorous performance testing before launch. You can utilize auto-scaling to handle fluctuations in user traffic. Another way out is by leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to deliver content closer to users and improve loading times. By proactively addressing performance, you can ensure a smooth user experience that keeps customers happy and your revenue flowing. Furthermore, seeking guidance from expert cloud computing consulting services provider can provide valuable insights into optimizing performance and addressing potential challenges.

5. Integration challenge

Connecting your cloud app to other systems can feel like a tug-of-war. Legacy systems with outdated technology often clash with modern cloud applications, as stated by CloudBees research, 2024. Additionally, complex APIs act as bridges between systems, but managing different versions and protocols can be a headache. Security is another concern, as breaches can occur through vulnerabilities in third-party integrations (Verizon, 2023).

To bridge this gap, choose cloud services with strong integration standards. Implement robust error handling and monitoring to identify potential issues. Consider using middleware, integration platforms, or even developing custom APIs to simplify the connection process. By focusing on seamless integration, you can create a collaborative environment that unleashes the full potential of your cloud application.

Benefits of Cloud Application Development

No problem! The cloud lets you seamlessly scale up resources to handle the unexpected rush, eliminating the need for expensive heavy investments in hardware. You’ll always be prepared, no matter how big you get. This flexibility is why Gartner predicts that by 2025, a rise in 70% of business’s IT infrastructures will be cloud-based. It’s clear that scalable solutions are the future, and the cloud is here to help you get there.

• Reducing Your IT Bill:

Are you still paying high maintenance costs for on-premise infrastructure and IT staff? It’s time for you to revise your decision regarding cloud solutions. Today, you only pay for the resources you utilize, which saves you millions. Flexera report revealed that companies can achieve a 20-30% cut-down in IT infrastructure costs by embracing the cloud. That’s the real money you can reinvest back into your business!

• Fast Time to Market:

Cloud platforms come with pre-installed infrastructure and services, eliminating tedious setup and management processes. This allows your team to focus solely on developing your application and get it into the hands of your customers faster. A latest McKinsey & Company study found that cloud adoption can reduce application deployment times by up to 50%, giving you a significant advantage over competitors.

• Uptight Security for Your Data:

Cloud providers offer robust security features and constantly monitor and update their infrastructure. It keeps your data protected from cyberattacks and unauthorized access and allows you to work without any breakout. A recent study by the Cloud Security Alliance (2024) found that 94% of companies believe that cloud security is as good or even better than traditional on-premise solutions.

Some significant examples of cloud application development

Cloud applications have become the backbone of modern business, offering a suite of powerful tools and services that simplify operations and drive success. Here’s a glimpse into some of the critical benefits cloud applications bring:

• Software-As-A-Services: Salesforce:

Salesforce is the leading SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platform that helps businesses manage customer relationships and identify potential sales leads. It uses generative AI to analyze customer data, allowing your sales team to close deals faster. This cloud-based platform also offers separate tools for customer service and marketing, keeping everything organized in one place.

• Infrastructure-As-A-Service – IBM Cloud:

This kind of building is more like building a digital infrastructure, even in the absence of any giant physical servers or heavy cables. IBM Cloud offers a strong foundation for your cloud applications. Its “bare metal” services act like a pre-built structure which you can set up easily and quickly for big projects. It also offers some excellent virtual servers, which are like building blocks but flexible, perfectly suitable for projects demanding more adaptability and scope for growth.

• Platform-As-A-Service: Heroku:

Another one on the list we have is Heroku. It is a PaaS platform which developers use to deploy, manage, and scale their cloud applications without any hassle.

It supports various programming languages like Ruby, Java, and Python, equipping developers with the flexibility to code in their preferred language and potentially expediting development.

• File Sharing & Data Storage: Google Drive:

Let’s say we all want a secure and central hub for all your business files. Google Drive is a cloud-based storage solution that empowers teams from anywhere to connect, access, view and share documents and files. You can integrate it seamlessly with other Google tools and even Microsoft Office files. As your projects grow, you can use the search functionality to find specific files. Most importantly, Google Drive encrypts your data and eradicates any potential security threats, allowing you to work at your pace with complete peace of mind.

By leveraging these transformative cloud services, your business can become more flexible, efficient, and profitable. Imagine the possibilities!

Final Words

Cloud applications are capable of introducing you to a trove of benefits and revenue-generating possibilities. But to reap this kind of reward amongst endless complexities can feel overwhelming. This is where Cyntexa’s trusted cloud consulting services come in.

Our cloud experts with a wealth of experience ensure that your business requirements are taken care of prior to designing a cloud application development strategy and delivering results beyond your expectations.

Schedule a free consultation with our cloud experts today to explore how cloud application development can transform your business.