Cloud Application Development – Benefits, Types and Services

Cloud-based solutions have started dominating the digital world. According to CISCO, by 2021, the cloud will host over 94% of the workload and computing processes.

The sudden increase in the adoption of cloud IoT solutions has resulted in increased demand for cloud application development, especially in the eCommerce and enterprise domain due to its advantages like higher capacity, scalability, security, and significantly lesser equipment cost.

Besides, a cloud-based software solution helps in streamlining digital operations and providing greater flexibility as compared to traditional web and desktop-based apps. So, why not migrate to cloud-based solutions?

Let’s dive deep and learn about other significant aspects of cloud computing such as the benefits and types of cloud-based software solutions.

What is Cloud Application Development?

In theory, a cloud-based application uses cloud services to work (partially or completely). No matter whether you are using a web application or a mobile application, they both use the same sort of cloud services.

Applications require data and logic code to work properly. In the case of a cloud-based application, the logic code is stored on the cloud and the user can interact with the application using a web browser or mobile, and all data processing part is done on the cloud through API calls.

Some of the most Popular Cloud-based applications: Canva, Google Drive, Dropbox, SalesForce, and many others.

Benefits of a Cloud Application

Cloud applications offer various benefits for business owners who wish to use technology to solve a business problem. Here are some of the benefits of migrating to the cloud.

Maximum Uptime: With greater processing power and round the clock working of servers, cloud technology can provide maximum uptime for business applications.

Scalability: Cloud is the best solution for ever-evolving business needs. One can easily scale up the processing power and storage of the servers as per the requirement without switching the server.

Security: Security is one of the major reasons why the cloud is gaining so much popularity. Behind multiple layers of firewall and advanced encryption algorithms, the data stored on the cloud is completely secure.

Pay-as-you-go Model: In cloud computing, the user has to pay only for the resources and services procured, which means there are no wasted resources. Users can select CPU, operating system, memory, and additional software as per the requirement.

Deployment Models

Cloud computing services are divided into three basic deployment models. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Public Cloud 

When we talk about cloud computing, this is typically what we mean. In the public cloud, the service provider allocates a space to host the services and infrastructure.

A public cloud deployment model means that the services you consume are hosted on a 3rd party server and can be accessed over the internet. These services are available to the public to use, so any organization or user can create an account and start using the services.

Private Cloud / On-premises Cloud computing

In the private cloud, an enterprise deploys their own infrastructure into their own rented/purchased data center and supports it with necessary hardware and software. It can only be accessed by one client whether physically or virtually. As the servers are stored in a private network, this model is more secure and stable as compared to the public cloud. 

Hybrid Cloud

As the name suggests, the hybrid cloud deployment model combines the elements of private and public clouds. This model is used by larger organizations, as a single deployment model may not be optimal for all workloads. In this model, public cloud services are used for non-sensitive operations and On-premises Cloud for sensitive processes.

Types of Cloud Applications

Based on the application architecture, the most popular classification of cloud apps are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is the most widespread type of cloud app. These applications run on 3rd party hardware hosted remotely. It allows users to connect to cloud-based apps over the internet, usually with a web browser. 

All of the underlying infrastructure, software, and application data are located at the service provider’s data center. The major benefit of SaaS usage is that customers can quickly move their business to the cloud with minimal upfront cost.

Example – Google Docs, Google Drive

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is an instant way of providing computing infrastructure, managed over the internet. These types of services require application and middleware support from the client’s side. The best part is that it can be scaled up and down as per the demand, that means you have to pay only for what you use. This approach helps companies to build custom products without buying and managing expensive servers.

Example – Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This type of cloud computing service provides a complete development and deployment environment along with resources to allow customers to deliver services ranging from a simple cloud-based app to a sophisticated enterprise-grade application.

PaaS is the go-to-solution to get a complete web application development environment without spending on the infrastructure and software licenses required for cloud app development.

Example – Google App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstack, Apache Stratos

Conclusion

Cloud application development has been a hot topic of discussion for many years because of the benefits that come along with it.

At the same time, It is a bit more complicated as compared to traditional web-based application development, as it requires a more planned approach in application development, in-depth knowledge of data architecture and API integrations.

The most important thing is to make sure that the cloud services you are opting for are tailored as per your needs. Here, KritiKal solutions, as your technology partner can help you with the best cloud app development services to help ramp-up the growth of your business.

Why KritiKal Solutions for Cloud Application Development Services?

At KritiKal Solutions, we have been developing cloud applications for companies throughout the industry and helping our clients understand how they can efficiently use cloud services to achieve their business goals.
With 21+ years of experience and the best DevOps practices, we are prepared to help you with cloud-based solutions be it mobile or web application development. Please feel free, to contact us for consultation and find out how we can help you bring your ideas to life through our cloud app development services.