Do you want to build your own app but confused between cloud-based apps or non-cloud apps?
Do you want to give a shape to your app idea, but don’t know where to begin: cloud or simply an app way?
Don’t worry, today you will find answers to all your questions. And by the end of this article, you will know which way to go.
To go for the cloud app or not is the debate for many.
If we look at it in a technical way, cloud is exciting technology for an app. On other hand, it is concept causing jitters to many app developers due to its complex terms and advanced tools. Talking about the non-cloud apps, they do give support to cloud-based technology but the two are not synonymous.
Let’s take a detailed overview of two technologies to clear the blurry line, understand the difference, and take the decision.
Cloud-Based Applications
A cloud-based app is an internet-based program processing logic and data storage in the cloud. The app accesses online services using the internet. However, the cloud-based app doesn’t rely on browsers to function properly. They offer maximum customization, and may use a web interface to access the cloud whenever the need for online services arrives.
Let’s peek in some cloud-based app stats:
- Cloud-based firm LogicMonitor estimates that 81% of all the enterprises follow a multi-cloud strategy.
- By the end of 2020, 67% of worldwide enterprise infrastructure will be cloud-based (IDC, research firm)
- LogicMonitor also found that cloud will manage 82% of the workload
- Even today, an average person uses around 36 cloud-based apps or services each day.
If you don’t believe me, check your smartphone which is full with Google Drive, Dropbox, or may be Evernote. Some popular organizations who rely on Cloud are Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo.
So what makes the cloud a part of daily life?
Let’s find out…
Features of Cloud-Based Apps
Cloud-based apps have plethora of features with an ability to perform daily life tasks like:
- Users can store data for later use when the device is offline
- Cloud-based apps are user-friendly because of their prerequisites like security, data compressions, and backup schedule.
- Cloud apps can operate on web-based browsers using an internet-connected device like smartphone or desktop.
So this is what makes Cloud stand apart from other apps.
Now let’s have a brief on Non-cloud apps.
Non-Cloud Applications / App Development
Unlike cloud-based apps, non-cloud apps are built to operate through web browsers. That’s why they are also called web-based apps. Developers create these apps by integrating server-side scripts (PHP, .Net) and user-side platforms like HTML and Adobe Flash. The app relies on web server components that are already present in the device to enable central web-based services. In simple terms, web-based apps rely on devices to function. Users can access these apps through a browser from any location.
Online services like online banking and shopping platforms including eBay are the examples of web-based apps. In different cases, users often view Facebook as a cloud app but its structure is designed to perform well as a web-based app.
But there’s one drawback of a web-based app. Although one can access it from any corner of the world, it fails to offer user customization like cloud.
You can call a cloud app a web-based app as they work through web browsing, but can’t call a web-based app a cloud app as it doesn’t possess that cloud-specific functionality. You must understand that bundled web-based apps do perform similar activities as real cloud apps.
Considering technological advancements, high-profile frameworks, and platforms, it’s easy for app developers to build user-focused apps. The underlying need takes place when the app owner needs an upgraded app to manage traffic load. It becomes quintessential to switch from web-based app to cloud or you may need to create a cloud app from scratch. The good news is these apps can afford services and enjoy agility that keeps functional downtime at bay. As a result, it takes less time to reach the market and respond to customers’ needs.
Hence, if you can’t afford to go cloud now, you can jumpstart with web-based apps and switch to cloud later.
Meanwhile, let’s explore the key differences between cloud and non-cloud apps to strengthen your decision.
Differences between Cloud-Based and Non-Cloud Applications
| Difference | Cloud App | Non-Cloud App |
| Origin | Cloud app refers to apps having storage and server facility of cloud | Web-based refers any app that works on web browsers but without cloud technology |
| Technology | Uses the power of JavaScript-based frameworks like Angular and React.js, well-known for optimizing performance | Use early web technologies and have in-built powerful back-end languages including Python, PHP, Ruby, and .NET. |
| Reliance on Internet | Cloud apps perform well even without the internet connection | Web app work only when the device is connected to the internet |
| Sweet Spot | Cloud apps are great places requiring high computations or collaboration-heavy processes where having an internet shouldn’t be a compulsion | Web apps are excellent for transactional activities like e-commerce or sharing portals where internet is must |
| Cost | Building an app that works offline is more expensive than simply creating a web browser like app. Hence it is costly | Creating a web-based is similar to building a browser that works online. So it costs less than a cloud-based app |
| Popular Apps | Gmail, Dropbox, Salesforce, Evernote, and Slack | Wikipedia, Amazon, Airbnb, and YouTube |
Let’s say for example, you want to develop a video-sharing app then a web-based app is a good option but for a note taking app, cloud technology is a sure way to go for.
Wrapping Up
It is said that the two technologies share the 90% DNA but they serve different goals and audiences. If you look at your app from your audience-perspective and keep your goal in mind, you can easily make the decision. No need to bang your head on for such a simple answer.
At last, if you still have questions, get in touch. We try our best to give you conclusions based on our years of experience, skills, and knowledge.