Cloud Apps Vs Web Apps: Understanding The Key Features And Benefits

Posted By : Priyansha Singh | 03-Sep-2021

 

Cloud Apps Vs Web Apps: Understanding The Key Features And Benefits

 

The line between web apps and cloud apps remains as blurred as ever. This obviously stems from the close similarities that co-exist between them. In general, these applications also facilitate the delivery of rich user experiences while offering seamless customizations & integrations as well as scalable & resilient backend infrastructure.

Moreover, web applications development services and cloud applications development services are almost neck-to-neck in the race of demand and popularity. While the two are nearly akin to each other in terms of usage, however, from a technical perspective, they differ quite a lot. 

To help you get a clear understanding of both types of apps as well as decide which one to select for your enterprise, we will take a closer look at them in this article. Let’s begin.

Cloud and Web App Development Services
What Are Web Apps?


A web app is exclusively built to be used from a web browser. A combination of the client-side script (such as JavaScript, HTML, and Adobe Flash) and server-side script (such as PHP and ASP) are commonly used to create a web application. The web browser relies on the components of the web server that are installed on backend infrastructure. This facilitates the heavy lifting in offering its core and functional web services. 

Some common examples of web apps include applications used by online banking, e-retail stores, e-ticketing, as well as even social media apps.

The Benefits of Web Applications

There is a myriad of benefits of using web apps for your enterprise, the major and strong points being:

 

  • Web apps are accessible through any web browser and from anywhere
  • Regardless of the device or the operating system, these apps can run on multiple platforms, making them cross-platform compatible
  • If the browser is compatible, users can access web apps quickly and easily, ultimately reducing the chances of any compatibility issues
  • Web apps have significantly lower requirements for the end user’s system and need less support & maintenance from the developer’s end. It assists in easing usability for the customers and reducing costs for developers
  • Web applications enable users to use it without having the need to download the app, thereby, truncating any limitations of hard drive space
  • Since the client data is not stored, the enterprise data server retrieves and verifies the information. This eliminates the possibility of piracy in subscription-based web apps
  • These apps can be maintained and updated without the need of reinstalling the software on multiple devices


What Are Cloud Apps?

For a lot of web and mobile app developers, cloud apps are just a form of evolved web apps. It is used equally to access online services over the internet like web applications, however, it is not exclusively dependent on web browsers to work. Moreover, for an application to be developed into a cloud app, it should inherit the following features: 

 

  • Cloud applications can be used via web browsers or installed on different devices such as smartphones, PCs, etc and used through an internet connection 
  • Data is saved remotely in the cloud or a cloud-like infrastructure
  • In order to be supported ib full offline mode, data should be able to be cached locally
  • Cloud applications can rightfully support varied user requirements through personalization
  • They provide various services that cater to different user demands such as backup, security, storage, etc


Some of the most renowned cloud applications are Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo. Nevertheless, apart from these typical examples, some other popular cloud applications include Dropbox, Salesforce, Zoho, Evernote, and more.

Also Read: Prime Benefits of SaaS-Based Mobile App Development Services

The Benefits of Cloud Applications


The sole objective of cloud apps is to provide users with the opportunity to work conveniently, whether it is through the availability of the network, through on-demand services, or access to shared pooled resources. The merits of cloud apps include:

 

  • There is minimal service provider interaction or management effort in cloud apps
  • To match personal needs and preferences, users can customize their on-demand services
  • There is a feel of local independence, providing access to data from any device or location
  • Cloud apps offer extensive computing capabilities, both online as well as offline
  • With cloud apps, users generally don’t buy the software, however, they pay for the services provided. Subsequently, they get quick access to crucial applications through a cloud server
  • Even if the customer doesn’t install the software on the servers, they can still use the apps functionalities
  • Cloud apps can rightfully serve multiple users with varied virtual and physical needs since the resources are pooled
  • The pricing of cloud apps are based on the actual usage of the application
  • Resources can be reported, monitored, and controlled. This offers transparency to resource providers as well as the customers


Final Thoughts

There are some prominent distinctions that help differentiate between cloud and web applications. They are mentioned below:

 

  • The key difference between them is their structures. While both types of applications to online services through the internet, cloud apps don’t necessarily depend on web browsers to function. Cloud applications are accessible even without the web interface and from anywhere. 
     
  • Web applications are relatively easy to maintain since they leverage a common code base across multiple platforms, however, cloud applications have their own security and safety merits.


What Should Be Your Choice?

Making a crisp selection between the web-based apps and the cloud-based apps entirely depends on the business models and their requirements. A lot of organizations also prefer to have a combination of web-based applications along with other functionalities that are in the cloud. 

Both web apps and cloud apps have proven to be extremely beneficial for businesses with various sets of objectives. As the new technological era demands for applications that are responsive, agile, and affordable, more and more adoption of custom web and mobile app development solutions will surface in the coming years. Multi-tenant and custom-builts apps that provide alternative access methods will soon be the new norm. If you are looking for cloud computing solutions or web app development services, feel free to drop us a line. Our experts will get back to you within 24 hours. 





 

About Author

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Priyansha Singh

Priyansha is a talented Content Writer with a strong command of her craft. She has honed her skills in SEO content writing, technical writing, and research, making her a versatile writer. She excels in creating high-quality content that is optimized for search engines, ensuring maximum visibility. She is also adept at producing clear and concise technical documentation tailored to various audiences. Her extensive experience across different industries has given her a deep understanding of technical concepts, allowing her to convey complex information in a reader-friendly manner. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that her content is accurate and free of errors. She has successfully contributed to a wide range of projects, including NitroEX, Precise Lighting, Alneli, Extra Property, Flink, Blue Ribbon Technologies, CJCPA, Script TV, Poly 186, and Do It All Steel. Priyansha's collaborative nature shines through as she works seamlessly with digital marketers and designers, creating engaging and informative content that meets project goals and deadlines.

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