How to Leverage Cloud Computing in Mobile App Development

Cloud computing is one of the primary trends of the modern world in the field of informational technologies and it is actively introduced in the development of mobile applications. To build a better app first build it in the cloud. In fact, the term ‘cloud’ is not merely a buzzword; it refers to an effective technique that can make your app development process lightning-fast. It’s a large World Wide Web system where files, operational procedures, and other types of data can be kept.

A world of benefits such as; fastening development, improving performance, and reducing costs are some of the things that using the cloud has. Whether you are a small business or large enterprise, it is very important to learn how cloud computing can help you to enhance user experience for your customers or prospects.

In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of cloud computing, its benefits for mobile app development, and how to make the most of cloud infrastructure and cloud security:

What is Cloud Computing?

Before diving into its benefits, let’s break down what cloud computing is. In its most basic sense, cloud computing entails accessing rather than owning information technology resources on the Internet, or the “cloud.” This means that one may be able to retrieve any data and/or applications from any location that has an internet connection.

Types of Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing services typically come in three main types:

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This offers hosted computing environments over the internet/on the web. That is just like paying for rented space on a server in a cloud computing company.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): This provides computer and software equipment over the World Wide Web. Users can create applications and have them run on the cloud yet they do not have to deal with the physical infrastructure.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): This deploys applications by means of software as a service or SaaS. The system is web-based and can be accessed without the need to download the software, moreover, the users shall not be concerned with issues of updates as done in other systems.

Benefits of Cloud Computing in Mobile App Development

When you enter the cloud to build your app, you involve a supercharged tool chest. Now let us understand what cloud computing can bring for mobile application development. Here are some key benefits:

• Scalability:

A highly valued advantage of cloud computing is the scalability of resources provided for use by the client. So, it is possible to state that the demand from users may vary in mobile app development. Cloud infrastructure enables one to use infrastructure resources on a current-need basis by expanding or reducing these resources. For instance, if your app starts to gain popularity, and many users are choosing it as their preferred, then you can easily up the servers to meet the demand. Alternatively, you can reduce your operations during the low traffic times in a bid to cut your expenses.

• Cost Efficiency:

If properly implemented, it can cut down on the cost involved in the creation and management of apps. Rather than having to purchase costly equipment and inflexible software programs, most cloud services are available and billed progressively. This implies that you do not pay for anything you do not use, and this is perfect for startups and any small companies. Also, cloud providers also take up the responsibility of maintaining as well as upgrading the infrastructure for you, so they require no more of your IT personnel.

• Enhanced Collaboration:

It results in improved communication and hence in the development of superior teamwork and coordination between the development teams. This means that many-sided development tools and platforms are the basis of a position where several people can work on similar projects in different locations. This type of technical cooperation in real-time should increase the efficiency and productivity in the developmental endeavor. Team members of a project can see the modifications that a fellow team member has made on a project thereby halting versions and misunderstandings.

• Faster Time to Market:

Using cloud computing concepts, you can increase the speed of development multiple times. Software as a service and platform as a service solution are likely to have pre-built features and scaffolding that can decrease the time it takes to build your mobile application. This means you can avoid developing new ground-up elements that are not important to your application or company but are usually standard in most apps. Quicker development results in a faster go to market meaning your app will be in the hands of users faster.

• Improved Performance:

It can also increase the effectiveness of a mobile application. The cloud providers have their servers spread across the globe hence when you host your app’s data, it becomes easily accessible from any corner of the globe. Decreases the amount of time, which is useful in improving response time hence increasing the usability of the application. Cloud services also incorporate CDN, which is a system that sends content to several servers to enhance the velocity and the load time.

How to Use the Cloud for Your App

1. Store Your Stuff: Store all the data and files of the app in the cloud. It’s quite similar to organizing numerous papers in a separate huge cabinet, into different folders.
2. Run Your Programs: Let the cloud computing do the work that your app needs to do. It is actually like the applicants are in control of a helping team that works for them.
3. Make it Scalable: Employ the opaqueness of the cloud to make the size of your app vary depending on the number of its users. It is more like an expandable elastic band application that can be expanded or compressed according to the current conditions of an organization.
4. Keep it Secure: Hold your application and your users’ data firmly by employing the cloud features’ security mechanisms. It is as if you have a fortified wall built around your application.
5. Work Together: Cooperate with your team and share the code of your app using such services regardless of the distance. It has been described as having a virtual office since every working activity can be undertaken on the Internet.

Real-World Examples

Of course, we have been discussing cloud computing and its advantages, but a few questions might have faded in your mind, which can only be answered by knowing about their practical application. Curious? Read the below instances:

• Uber: Uber is the premier mobile application that helps us in transportation with comfortable rides. But do you know what assists them in accommodating the large data? It’s the ‘cloud’. Uber utilizes the cloud for organizing rider-driver matching, payment, and data storage and Processing of data.
• Netflix: The two activities are inseparable ‘Netflix and chill’. But ever think how they expand the movies and TV shows to millions of people? Well, yes they are also using the cloud in their undertakings too.
• Airbnb: All bookings, payments, and messaging of Airbnb are done through cloud-based systems.

Cloud Security in Mobile App Development

Security is a key element in the cloud computing business, particularly concerning applications. Here’s how you can ensure your app remains secure: Here’s how you can ensure your app remains secure:

• Understand Shared Responsibility:

In the cloud computing model, security is in some ways the responsibility of both the cloud hosting company and the cloud user. The provider has to ensure the security of the cloud infrastructure and on the other hand, you will have to ensure the security of your app and or data under the cloud platform. This entails the setting up of your security features, the access controls of users, and problems of data security.

• Use Encryption:

One of the several methods required to secure your information is data encryption. When it comes to data security, cloud providers provide a range of options depending on the type of data, that is stored data and data in transit. Use encryption for user credentials and payment details to enhance security.

• Build Up a Strong Authentication and Access Control:

Make sure that only the people who are supposed to use your app or obtain details stored in it can do so. Employ high levels of security when it comes to the assurance of users’ identity by adopting multi-factor authentications. Also, it becomes necessary to add permissions that are limited to the user roles in an organization. This reduces the possibility of persons other than users accessing the programme and possibly causing some sort of havoc.

• Regularly Update and Patch:

Ensure your app as well as other programs or libraries your app depends on, are updated, to include the latest security patches or updates. Some cloud providers release updates, which patch the vulnerability and boost the security of the cloud. On this basis, it is necessary to apply these updates systematically so that the app is protected from new threats.

• Monitor and Audit:

Pay attention to the event and anomaly activity occurring within the cloud environment. Every cloud provider has monitoring options that will provide a general idea of how your app is being used and the threats present. It is advised that you should undertake a security audit at a regular interval of time to know your areas of risk.

Conclusion

It has been helpful to mobile application development since it has offered flexibility, better control of expenses, enhanced cooperation between developers, shortened time to release the application to the market, and enhancement of the performance of applications developed. To accomplish development at a more impressive growth rate, utilize cloud infrastructure in a way that minimizes your development time and get rid of the security issues to the maximum possible extent. So, while moving to the cloud environment, follow the right selection of the cloud provider, usage of development tools in the cloud, and security in the cloud platform. The implementation of these practices will make it possible to design, develop, and launch exceptional mobile applications that are also highly sustainable, fast, and secure.

Would you like to learn more about a specific cloud service or how to use it in your app, we are here to help. Connect with us to enquire more!