September 23, 2022
The lines between two of the most trending terms in technology are more blurred than ever before. But there are differences and quite a few of them between the two. Web and cloud computing technology are not one, but two distinct terms.
The world of cloud-based mobile application development has been one of the biggest benefits from the advancements in technology that humans have succeeded in making over the last few years. Needless to say, technology brings countless new terms with it that have their importance in various domains.
As far as the mobile app development industry is concerned, cloud app and web app are two of those terms. In this one, we will be taking you through the conceptual frameworks of these two terms, how different they are from one another, and what are their benefits as well.
These two terms are used interchangeably for each other, but some highly pronounced differences between them suggest otherwise.
To understand what a cloud app is, the concept of ‘cloud’ should first be understood. Cloud refers to a system architecture that facilitates access to data and software over a commonly shared web server. A cloud eliminates the need to use the hard drive systems of an organization to use data and available software.
As long as there is an internet connection in place, using the cloud for computing purposes can happen. To put it simply, cloud apps are a more evolved version of web apps.
Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google are the most well-known instances of cloud apps. Other apps like Dropbox, Netsuite, and Zoho are cloud-based offerings as well.
In contrast to cloud apps, web apps are designed with the foremost intention of being used from a web browser. A typical web app is created by combining client-side and server-side scripts, where the former includes languages like PHP and ASP, and the latter has scripts like JavaScript, HTML, and Adobe Flash to name a few.
A particular web browser depends on different web components installed at the backend to complete its core functions and web services. The noteworthy examples of web apps include the ones that allow for online banking, online shopping, and others.
There are a few important differences between web apps and cloud-based software that make their seemingly blurred lines look pretty visible. Here are they-
1- Structure
Cloud computing applications and web-based apps both require Internet connectivity to work. However, cloud apps don’t always have to depend on web browsers to operate. They can be accessed from absolutely anywhere, and don’t even need a web interface always.
2- Support
The backend for cloud apps is more sophisticated when compared to web apps. Cloud-based software backend has more security features, uptime, and abilities to integrate other systems as well.
Because web apps are usually stored on a remote server and their delivery relies on a web interface, they cannot have support as secure as cloud apps.
3- Security
Web apps can derive and verify user information from the data servers of an enterprise, cloud computing applications can take this a step ahead by boosting the security measures for sensitive information. In terms of security, cloud apps are more secure.
Choosing one between web and cloud apps for business operations is dependent on the business requirements and plans. When a business begins to scale up, there are two options to choose from- either keep using web apps and update hardware whenever needed, or switch to a cloud-based infrastructure and expand with flexibility.
If cloud computing applications are what you think will be suitable for you, do connect with Consagous Technologies, a leading name for quality cloud service providers. If the company’s experience is anything to go by, they know their way around with professionalism.