Mobile Cloud Computing: Benefits & Challenges in the Software Industry — Cre8tive Nerd
Mobile apps are getting huge popularity and it seems only to get higher as thousands of apps are released on a daily basis for download. Earlier, mobile apps were used to be native, which requires installation on the mobile device before using. However, in recent times, the cloud apps are on the rise and there are numerous reasons to prove it. It is quite obvious for a beginner to get confused by the technical terms while discussing Mobile Cloud Computing. To start with, let us begin by discussing some crucial terms and concepts regarding Mobile Cloud Computing.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is basically a process of outsourcing computer applications. The computer applications are saved on a virtual cloud instead of the device. A user can access the software applications anytime from any location. This is a great service because the users are free from the concerns regarding storage space or power failure. They can enjoy the services at any moment without compromising the quality.
Mobile Cloud Computing
Mobile Cloud Computing is a combination of mobile, cloud computing, and a wireless network. This combination provides a rich computational platform to mobile users and network operators. The concept is executed to ensure feature-rich mobile apps are easy to execute on a large number of mobile gadgets. Mobile cloud computing uses the cloud for processing and storage of the data, popular apps like Google Maps, and mobile Email are some prominent ones.
Mobile Cloud App
A mobile cloud app is a software program that operates over the cloud and has characteristics of both, desktop and web apps. This is a software application where both cloud-based and local components work collectively in harmony.
Now, you are very much aware of the mobile cloud app basics, key terms and technologies related to it. Let’s explore some of its benefits that both developers and users draw from it.
Benefits of Mobile Cloud App
1. Cost Effective
Business enterprises looking to make a mobile app to target their potential audience must have a budget in mind. Building mobile cloud apps is economical than a native app, as there is no need to develop different apps for multiple platforms. This is especially beneficial for startups or businesses that are low in budget and cannot afford to build a native app. The native app also requires regular maintenance in comparison to the cloud app.
2. No Installation Required
The cloud apps are free from download and installation on a mobile device before using. The app users can explore the whole interface and can use it smoothly on their browser. The native apps, however, require installation before using and also require updates depending on the device type. The cloud apps, however, work like the web-based apps. Here, data is directly fetched by the app from the cloud, which ensures the smooth running of the app.
3. Easy to Integrate Database
For business apps, database integration is very much important. This process is quite complicated, tedious, and ambiguous when you are developing a native mobile app. In addition to that, you a lot of time is required to complete the process. On the other hand, the cloud apps make this whole process a lot easier, because all the information is easily synced with the cloud server.
4. Data Recovery
The major drawback of a native app is all the data is stored within the local server, and if a server faces any damage whole data gets lost. Fire, flood, earthquake could damage your local server, and with it, the data is lost forever. But with mobile cloud app, all the data would be stored on different servers and would be properly backed up. It is true that the local servers getting damaged are very rare, but storing the data on the cloud is always a good choice.
5. Highly Secure
The native apps store data locally on which they are installed, which is not appropriate for data safety. Once the device is lost, that data saved in the app also gets lost. But with cloud apps, the data is completely saved in the cloud, which means information getting lost is very rare. This means that cloud apps are prone to any security risk. Cloud apps are the best for online payment as it collects sensitive customer information in it. Data safety is one of the major concerns among app users.
The benefits that we discussed must have cleared all your doubts regarding mobile cloud apps. But, like every other technology, mobile cloud apps to have challenges that you must know.
Challenges of Mobile Cloud App
1. Privacy
Privacy is a big issue in mobile cloud computing. It is difficult to address threats on mobile devices because with a wireless network the tracking of threats and data loss is difficult.
2. Service Availability
Mobile connection is another challenge in cloud computing. The major issues faced by the users is regarding the breakdown of network, slow speed and out of coverage. A number of times low-frequency signal is observed, which hampers the speed and storage. Cloud apps cannot operate without an internet connection, they don’t support offline mode.
3. Network Compatibility
Users these days have different mobile devices having different operating systems like Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. So it needs to be responsive with different platforms. The performance of a mobile platform network is analyzed by the IRNA technique.
Mobile cloud computing gives a different level of comfort to users but with some challenges if not properly implemented. A fast-growing market of Mobile app development manages resources regarding cloud within the enterprise. We can clearly say that the combination of Cloud and Mobile is the future of technology.
Conclusion:
Mobile cloud computing is making a big impact in the world of technology. The benefits this technology offers are many, but certain challenges it also exhibits. This technology is still in its transformation stage, and the potential it has is quite promising. Many business enterprises are investing in it and also availing desired outputs.
Sneha Rawat is an experienced developer associated with OrangeMantra, a leading Mobile app development company known for translating ideas into reality. I love writing informative blogs on latest & trending technologies.
Originally published at http://cre8tivenerd.com on June 13, 2019.
