Developing mobile applications are migrating to cloud development. Cloud software is profitable for business owners. It results in a cost reduction on equipment and performance. Moreover, cloud solutions are easy to adapt to, so businesses have more opportunities to nourish. Notably, 80% of organizations AWS (Amazon Web service) as their primary cloud platform. 65% of organization store confidential information using cloud technology

What is a cloud application?

A cloud-based application is a software system that runs the processing logic and information storage between 2 different systems which are client-side and server-side.

In Layman’s terms, each app features a client face, a region that a user sees and interacts with, and a server face, a region that processes information and makes options work. In the case of usual mobile apps, information and business logic is processed by a smartphone and computer’s processor. However, in the case of cloud-based apps, these tasks are performed by an overseas server.

More importantly, cloud-based application development is profitable since most information storage exists on an overseas server.

Some of the characteristics of cloud-based application are:

Data is stored in a cloud-based structure so no complexities are required to run the application.
Data can be stored on the device even offline. Once the device is online data is updated spontaneously.
User can access the application from any device as information is stored in the cloud so the user can access from any device.
Types of cloud-based applications
There are three types of cloud-based applications SAAS, PAAS, and IAAS.

SAAS

SaaS stands for “software as a service”. It is used by web browsers and mobile apps for a cloud solution. Such services allow the customer to use the app without installing and configuring it. The Internet allows the use of SaaS solutions globally from any device.

PAAS

PaaS stands for “platform as a service” it offers to rent everything one needs to develop an application, depending on a cloud provider for development tools, infrastructure, and operating systems. Moreover, vendors running this cloud-based model provide software and hardware tools to streamline the development process.

IAAS

IaaS stands for “infrastructure as a service” which implies that a service provider manages a business’s infrastructure, servers, network, visualization, and data storage through a public or private cloud. As a business owner, one can access the infrastructure using an admin panel. Operating systems and applications can be managed by suppliers such as “Digital Ocean” who offer hardware, networking, hard drives, storage, and servers.

Building a cloud-based application

Developing a cloud-based application is different from web development and application development.

(AWS) is the most reliable solution on the market nowadays. It offers great tools and features for cloud application development.

Cloud-based solutions are not difficult to develop. More importantly, before starting the development process, one needs to understand their customers: figure out their problems, and find a way to solve them with the product developed. The following are steps to develop a cloud-based application.

Target audience

Target the audience to gain customers, one needs to do market research and understand the customer’s requirements. It will help in creating a solid solution for end-users. Moreover, the target audience must understand why to buy your product out of the thousands available in the market. This is a good strategy to analyze the market need, competitors, and new features.

Hiring a development team

To develop a reliable cloud-based application, a remarkable development team requires. There are three main options to hire a development team.

Outsourcing developers

The market is a hub of talent, locate experienced developers at reasonable prices. Outsource companies provide swift project deliveries.

In-house developers

Having an in-house team can cost more as tools, taxes, hardware, and software cost a lot. However, having an in-house team of developers allows direct communication between the project manager and the team which eradicates misunderstandings.

Freelancer developers

Freelancer developers are a new trend in the market as they cost a lot less. Moreover, developing a cloud-based application demands excessive hours of hard work, freelancers usually miss deadlines by switching to other projects.

The marketplace varies from place to place for example a US developer on average costs 150$ per hour but an Indian developer costs 30$ an hour.

Design layout and features

To make a successful cloud-based application two main aspects need to consider which are architecture and module. These two impacts the overall performance of the application. Consulting with experts on these aspects will be a wise decision.

Define solution stack

Choosing the tools for cloud-based application development is an important task, one should consult with experts. Moreover, the experts will analyze the requirements, features, and propose to design an appropriate solution stack for the product.

Bear in mind the application adaptivity. It allows the application to be up to date.

Testing product

Cloud application development must include the testing stage. Before launching the product, the development team must test it to avoid bugs. More importantly, launching an MVP (minimum viable product) is an exceptional strategy in this way the developer can launch the application with basic features. After launching the application watch the customer feedback and reviews. Fix bugs and glitches if any and then launch the application in a glamorous manner.

Launch the application

The final step is to launch the application Keep in mind to release the app on the App Store (iOS) and google play (Android). Moreover, make sure the application follows the guidelines of the App Store or Google store. Enable reviews to fix issues if any.

Content is originally published at: https://www.aalpha.net/articles/cloud-application-development-process-you-should-follow/