How To Create A Cloud-Based App: Advantages, Steps, Suggestions, And Actual Cases
Can you think of any apps for your phone or the web? So, I think you’ve got it right. So, can you think of any cloud-based apps right now? Well, you might think that this one is a little tougher. I have good news for you, though. Almost all apps are cloud-based these days.
So it’s likely that the first app you named is also in the cloud. The information shows that better than half of all business information is in the cloud. Therefore, the conclusion is straightforward: if you want to create an app, you must understand cloud storage.
Based on my experience as a Product Manager, I will explain how to make a cloud-based app in this article. I’ll also talk about problems that often arise when making cloud-based apps and how to avoid them. Let’s get started!
What Are Cloud-Based Applications?
Any cloud app comprises data and logic for processing it (code). The last one needs a lot of space and resources to run. Here, we have two options: we can either store the data on a physical server or upload it all to the cloud. Now, let’s guess a little bit.
We can, of course, buy a real server and put all the data on it. But if we look at the big picture, will we be able to handle the requests of 10,000 users and scale the data to different services? Well, that may be too hard of a task. So, if you want to start a business that can grow, a cloud provider might be a better choice.
How do cloud-based apps work?
The user interacts with an app through their web browser or mobile device, but the data processing is done on remote servers with enough power. When it comes to apps that run in the cloud, these servers are called cloud storage. So, a user’s phone or computer is just a front end or input device, and all the processing is done in the cloud.
Digital storage takes a big load off the device’s processor and makes the app run quickly. Cloud-based advancement is especially useful for apps that let users talk to each other in real-time. For example, users of on-demand delivery and movement apps need to share their live locations and talk to each other in real-time.
One of the best ways to do this kind of processing in real-time is to use a cloud solution. Also, what do we mean by “data” in this case? These are databases, which are collections of file records that store information about users and the app.
How to Build a Cloud-Based Application
I will point out six steps when I talk about how cloud-based apps are made.
Step 1: Do market research
The first stage in any process is determination out what’s already happening. That means you need to know what’s going on in the market and niche you’re about to enter. Here’s what you can do right now:
- what’s happening around the world?
- Look at your competitors and think about how you can be different.
- Who are the people who use your site? What’s wrong with them?
- Lastly, what is your worth? How can you help your users solve the problem?
Your hypothesis will answer the last question, which you must prove.
Step 2: Find your development team.
You can’t work your way to the top on your own. You need a group of developers to help you with your project, at least on the technical side. When it comes to building a startup, things get even more complicated.
You need a team of skilled programmers and people who know how to develop products. There should be a group of people who figure out where your product fits in the market and how to make it work technically. From what I’ve seen, the team that makes cloud-based apps should meet these criteria:
- Not just focused on programming but also on the product;
- Be familiar with cloud service providers and know-how they differ;
- Be flexible and think ahead to plan the architecture of the app well.
Step 3: Make a list of what your product needs.
Now it’s time to make a list of the features of your cloud-based app that will make up your minimum viable product. But these requirements can come from nowhere. The functionality of your app should be determined by the product scope established by you and your product managers before the start of the project.
Once you have the specifications, you will know which precise need your solution must address. Now, list the product’s features that will meet this need or needs. These should be the basic features that best show what your product is about and take the least time to make.
Step 4: Research the technology and choose the provider
Choosing the cloud provider is one of the most important steps in making cloud-based apps. Several well-known cloud service providers on the market offer different prices, services, and service areas:
- Google Cloud Provider (GCP),
- Amazon Web Service (AWS),
- Azure
Many popular cloud services offer already set up solutions and can be added to your app. In AWS, this is called authorization. At the same time, cloud providers keep up with global tech trends like Big Data, IoT, and machine learning.
Step 5: Launch the MVP and Conduct Tests
Now it’s time to start working on the design. Your development team will work on the first version of your product’s technical implementation. With this basic version, you can put your idea to the test and find out if:
- Users like your idea
- ready to use how you’ve implemented it.
Get user feedback, improve your product in the next round, and launch again.
Step 6: Change and keep up with your app
After the app is released, you should check to see how it works, fix bugs, and add new features. You may need to make specific updates to certain users or companies. You can make the app bigger, add new features, enter new markets, etc.
Wrap-Up
If you want to make an app, you will probably make one that runs in the cloud. Even though security, design, and scalability can be hard, this process gives you more chances. Cloud solutions align with business processes and let providers care for all maintenance. Also, using the cloud is faster and less expensive.