Introduction to Mobile Cloud Computing, Impact, & Challenges

The intense adoption of cloud computing has been a breakthrough for the global mobile app industry. No doubt, the impact of cloud computing in mobile apps is on the front edge of the growth strategies for numerous businesses. In the concurrent horizons of digital mobility, cloud-driven apps are hitting every industry & segment appearing in the competitive marketplace. 

Do you know that more than 78% of SMEs & top organizations count on cloud-based platforms to manage their business software? It’s unbelievable but proven as true that `60% of new entrants in the industry are using cloud services to safeguard their sensitive data. 

Mobile cloud computing is not a new name for techies & yes, it’s a hot subject of discussion among emerging entrepreneurs as well. We’ve got some obvious reasons to get a clear understanding of cloud computing in mobile apps. 

Cloud computing for mobile apps: Overview & Definition 

Mobile cloud computing is abbreviated as MCC, a term that defines the utility of cloud computing technology to host mobile apps, software, & tools for mobile-friendly users. Such mobile apps run in a cloud-driven mode & are particularly developed to process data without depending on the device’s compatibility.  

The definitions of cloud computing in mobile apps vary depending on the type & purpose behind its integration into the system. A large no. of enterprises implement mobile cloud computing to deliver apps for mobile devices & make them accessible to end-users. 

In simple words, mobile cloud computing serves as an option to access all sorts of necessary resources in one space with no device or platform dependency. Most on-demand service providers consider the option of mobile cloud computing to render robust functionalities with real-time access to the data business apps. 

Types of mobile cloud computing solutions 

The mobile cloud offers excellent speed & flexibility with absolute reliability to the data backed up on it. The cloud-powered apps can be built & distributed effortlessly across diverse mobile platforms running on different operating systems. 

Isn’t it worth your time to know more about mobile cloud computing? Keep a note of these three versions of cloud computing in mobile apps so that you can pick the right one for your business:

#1. IaaS i.e Infrastructure as a Service

Gartner’s survey depicts that IaaS has crossed the market value with an overall revenue share of $39.5 billion in 2020. 

The concept of IaaS which actually means infrastructure as a Service is centered on the internal infrastructure of the company that uses cloud computing to integrate multiple components & resources like hardware, storage, server connections, software, & other technical requirements to run business operations.  

The demand for IaaS solutions among top-notch businesses has multiplied exponentially with the developments taking place in the areas of improved security, backup, & maintenance of cloud-driven mobile infrastructure. 

#2 SaaS i.e Software as a Service 

This type of mobile cloud computing model is integrated with exclusive features like smart browsers that are used over the cloud mobile app to access or retrieve data on the go. 

Apps like Dropbox & Amazon cloud players are mostly considered SaaS for Android. Both of them are used to access data or files on the cloud storage and play MP3 files on the web respectively. 

#3 Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Apart from getting a stack of developer-friendly technologies & tools such as low-code frameworks, programmers mostly suggest PaaS create high-end cloud mobile cloud solutions to empower businesses with options to run & monitor their apps with ultimate efficiency. 

Enterprises can incorporate cloud services to maximize their customer base that can have remote access to their exclusive services, data, software, or other integral resources. 

Impact of cloud computing on the mobile apps  

Mobile cloud computing is on the front edge for businesses aiming to introduce smarter, securer, & easier mediums to run their operational systems. Additionally, cloud computing in mobile apps renders ample opportunities for developers to experiment with their skills & create out-of-box solutions based on cloud technology. 

Here are some pointers that define the cloud computing impact observed in the mobile app market:

#1. Cost-effective investment for every business

In comparison to the budget needed for full-scale mobile app development, getting a cloud-based app developed at any software company is much more affordable. 

The cost of resources is all-inclusive of hourly or monthly charges of dedicated developers, technologies used, features required, type of app, & other aspects adding to the complexity of an app. 

Building a native app seems to be more expensive than cloud apps as it's about building a single app for multiple platforms. So, it will be a better approach to invest in cloud apps that work on different devices & OS rather than creating a native app that only runs on a specific platform. 

If your budget doesn’t match the approximate cost of mobile app development for Android & iOS then you can opt for cloud app development services. Do consider the expenses of post-launch maintenance & support as a part of your package as it can cost you around $25,000. 

#2 High scalability for improved performance

Scalability marks one noticeable impact of cloud computing on the mobile app industry. While scalability comes at the cost of a high budget for both hybrid & native apps, mobile cloud computing renders unparalleled potential to boost an app’s performance without compromising its quality, purposes, & functionalities. 

Such attributes highlight the dominion of cloud apps over basic native & hybrid apps that are designed to meet the ever-changing demands of users. 

When the cost of scalability goes beyond the budget that eventually adds to the initial cost of development & complexity in the project, cloud technology is mostly preferred to boost the functionality of a mobile app.

Wait, we’re yet to discuss another peculiar thing about scalability issues in this section. Mobile cloud computing dissolves the chances of poor user experiences with open cloud space that certainly lacks in apps that demand thorough performance & bug testing. 

#3 No storage limits for users

 Since data of a cloud-powered app is entirely stored in a cloud server, both admin & end users can access data remotely via their device with a stable internet connection. Cloud apps run on a browser, they’re not required to be installed on the device. 

 Therefore, users with limited device storage can make the most out of an app-integrated cloud-driven setup. Even if the storage space of a device is not enough, a user won’t have to free up the space to access an app or add data to its system. Such cloud apps run similarly to web-based apps that run direct;y on a central server. 

Common Challenges of Cloud Computing in Apps 

The intent behind the integration of cloud computing in mobile apps emphasizes encouraging the in-app experiences of the end-users. The power of cloud-driven solutions is incomparable to other components of mobile app technologies that are meant for present-day users. 

But even programmers face certain hurdles in the course of cloud app development. Wondering what are they? Let’s discuss some major challenges of cloud computing in mobile apps:

#1 Information security risks

Cybersecurity is the first prerequisite for every software system whether it’s for an organization or customers. Even startups take their security concerns seriously addressing the common issues in user authentication, end-to-end data encryption, access control, & other inclusions of their applications.

Mobile cloud computing imposes a major risk of security breaches as they usually occur in cloud-driven systems. Hence, most companies collaborate with expert developers to deliver secure & high-performing cloud app solutions to speed up their business operations or to impart mind-boggling user experiences. 

#2. Limitations with high-speed internet 

Cloud computing in mobile apps limits access to users with low-speed internet. The world is heading to the 5G era but still, several nations or regions lack stable internet connections. 

When every customer expects uninterrupted access to any service or platform they use, it’s the biggest challenge for developers to ensure seamless interactions on the cloud apps even with low-speed internet access. At present, the majority of people are using 4G/LTE services to keep up with their internet activities not just on mobile apps but also on cloud-driven platforms. But the reality reveals that cloud computing in mobile apps limits users to access advanced features due to slow internet speed. 

#3 Reluctance to match device compatibility 

Cloud apps run like web apps on big desktop screens but they don’t respond the same as they do on small screens of smartphones. From responsiveness to compatibility issues, it is a bit challenging for cloud service providers to deliver apps that can match the power, memory, and network strengths of smartphones. 

Final statements!

More & more startups and leading companies are implementing cloud app development strategies to boost their business operations. While the experts can foresee the bright future of mobile cloud computing, tech geeks are all set to upscale their innovations in the cloud world.  

The concept of merging cloud computing & mobile app technology is a game-changer for businesses aspiring to indulge in a cloud-based environment. The issues of data confidentiality, security, & privacy are significantly reduced when businesses integrate cloud-based setups to monitor their integral activities. 

Of course, you need a trustworthy & credible software product development company to cope with your business challenges. Hie HQ is an award-winning product innovator & a helping hand for startups, growing SMEs, & organizations established across the worldwide market. Reach us now!!