The future of cloud computing apps in the face of challenges

mobile app development company

The high penetration of smartphones and internet connection has facilitated app developers and consumers to save data and communicate with the same in several ways. The provision of unlimited storage and the infinite processing capacity via cloud has proved to be a boon for techies as well as non technical personnels. Despite many companies moving to the cloud computing domain there are some who are shying away from incorporating the cloud in their mobile app development process. Native apps had been the rule till now, but the latest innovations in app development have put focus on mobile cloud computing.

According to Cisco’s research, the popularity of mobile cloud apps is bound to peak in 2019. As per their Global Cloud Index, the company said that cloud apps would accelerate 92 percent of the worldwide mobile data traffic by the conclusion of the year.

With cloud technology increasing its footprints globally, companies can only succeed by integrating cloud computing with mobile apps.

As the majority of the mobile cloud computing or MCC conversations get cramped with technical jargon, we start by dealing with the critical terms in the mobile cloud apps universe.

What do you mean by Cloud Computing?

The concept of cloud computing is constantly evolving in line with its characteristics, offerings, service, and deployment models. Basically, cloud computing can be defined as an on-demand network access to a host of resources sans any communications with the service provider.

In simple terms, cloud computing assures swift and convenient availability of a portion of important resources to clients who have to pay according to the usage. The shared resources such as mobile apps, software, and other services are offered to smartphone and desktop users according to demand.

Also, cloud computing permits users to maneuver their calculating ability based on their needs for a particular task at a certain time. Users will not have to think about the processing power or storage and derive the desired results devoid of compromising upon the quality.

Cloud Mobile App

This happens to be a mobile application functioning and accessed via the cloud. Despite cloud apps and services having native attributes, a huge chunk of the processing happens on a remote cloud server.

Some well-known examples of cloud mobile apps are Dropbox, Asana, and Apple’s iCloud services.

How Cloud Computing impacts Mobile Apps?

The integration of cloud computing in mobile apps has facilitated developers to include innovative features in apps that would have been inconceivable a few years ago. Let us see in what ways cloud computing has impacted mobile apps.

1. Gels with every platform

Cloud computing technology brought down the requirement for creating separate apps for diverse OS platforms. Dissimilar to native apps, cloud mobile apps have high compatibility across several platforms, which cuts down development cost as well as time.

Cloud computing technology also enables developers to create a single app and launch it in one go across platforms such as Android and iOS. As the app is available on the cloud in place of a platform, users won’t have any access issues provided they have a good internet connection.

2. Cut down expenses

The development expenditure regarding a native mobile app differs as per the features, design, and whole complexity of the app. But it is not exactly a cost-effective affair.

Cloud apps, however, cut down the app development expenditure as you have to develop just a single app for various platforms. The usage of a sole codebase can be perfect for small businesses or startups who work on tight budgets and they can’t spend huge on a native mobile app for Android and iOS. Several inexperienced developers have the tendency to ignore the ongoing maintenance cost linked with the app. In order for an app to operate smoothly, it requires maintenance and updation to cut down bugs.

3. High scope for scalability

Scalability pertains to capacity of an application to expand its abity and functionalities to satisfy ever-evolving users’ demand.

With regard to native and hybrid apps, the scalability comes at a premium. It can be a bit too expensive even for well-established companies. However with cloud apps, the users will not have the need to instal new features to their device or update their apps regularly to effect changes to the app. This can be done on native apps as well, but the cost and complexity will be on the higher side than cloud mobile apps.

Additionally, the users would also come across several hitches if the developer has not tested the new features thoroughly for bugs. This would prompt users to either uninstall your app, shift to your competitor’s app, or worse, give a poor rating across app stores and social media platforms.

4. Storage Space in Smartphone not required

The data pertaining to a cloud-oriented app is found on a cloud server that is placed remotely and accessed easily via a device aided by an internet connection. Cloud apps also cut down the installation procedures as they operate from a browser.

So with cloud apps, you do not have to scratch your head for storage capacity on the smartphone. In case of a low storage space on a smartphone, the user will not have to make space on the phone to access a cloud-oriented app. Their operation is akin to web-based apps and accessed straight from the central server.

Problems plaguing Cloud Computing in Mobile Apps

The concept of cloud computing in mobile apps revolves around a mobile application in the cloud services by a cloud service provider and then giving it to the end-users having an internet connection. There are some challenges obstructing the usability of cloud-based apps. Here are some significant challenges:

1. Information Security

Security is a huge problem regarding cloud apps as they store and process users’ data. App developing entities have to collaborate with third-party cloud service providers to make sure that all the policies pertaining to user authentication, access control, and general communications security are complied with, and steps have been taken to enforce them.

2. Unstable Internet Access

To access a cloud app without any hiccups, users require a stable internet connection. But the sad reality is that the same is lacking at many places across the world.

Despite the internet services providers offering 4G/LTE services to deal with the connectivity issues, the problem still persists. Without good internet connection cloud services cannot be leveraged to the optimum.

3. Resource gap in Mobile Devices

Despite mobile devices offering the feature of mobility, the same comes at the expense of inferior processing power, memory, and network bandwidth. The gap in resources regarding smartphones is a major stumbling block in adopting cloud-based apps. The divide between desktops and mobile devices has to be narrowed down considerably to smoothly operate high powered cloud-based applications on smartphones.

Finally

The usage of cloud computing in mobile apps is going to get higher in the long run. Advantages such as expandability, compatibility, and commercial viability, give a significant edge to cloud-based mobile apps. But, technology is still taking baby steps.

So, the course it will take in future will only become apparent once companies tackle issues such as data security, confidentiality, and privacy.

Everything you should be aware of before unleashing your own cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies have gained huge traction as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The technologies such as blockchain-based services and app development, crypto-trading platforms have altered the way businesses operated till now.

As the cryptocurrency market takes an upward trajectory many who want to venture into this arena will not find a right time. Presently estimated at USD 1.03 billion, the market for cryptocurrencies is poised to swell to 1.40 billion by 2024. This is basically due to the rise of emerging markets in an increased manner. Countries such as India and China are taking baby steps towards the concept, while developed countries such as the US and Germany have already taken to it like a duck to water.

Unleashing your own cryptocurrency can be accomplished in two ways: Beginning to develop a new currency from ground up, or forking a blockchain and creating a fresh currency from an old one. Let us look into some choices.

Starting From Scratch

Making something from scratch can be extremely bad and the same holds true for cryptocurrency as well. It requires a lot of strategizing, work, and finance to carve out a new legal tender. It is likely to take a big toll on you. In fact, the majority of them fail due to lack of before and after launch public engagement. Let us see how you can achieve from ground up:

Get a good grip on market and competition

An effective idea takes a lot of time. To develop such an idea, people should be aware of the market, existing products, and should have clarity over imminent need. An in depth knowledge about competitors is also very essential.

Legalities

Several countries have embraced cryptocurrencies, but there are others who have not shown enough enthusiasm. In the absence of a good legal framework to control cyber money trade, countries have been reluctant towards it, as they fear misuse. For this reason alone legal research for the target country becomes essential.

White Paper is of paramount significance

A white paper is a vital document that makes everything crystal clear. From the creation of the currency to market assessment, legal options, etc., a white paper bares everything. It is in the best interest of everyone to come out with one soon after the creation of the currency as not only investors go through them even people belonging to the cyber community, like programmers, can refer this and identify potential errors.

Public involvement cannot be ignored

Innovative PR is critical, not just to draw the attention of investors but also to involve customers. Putting money in an organized, informative official website helps a lot.

Foolproof Distribution Plan

An Initial Coin Offering (ICO) needs a flawless, efficient distribution strategy. Pre-sale, general sale, private sale are few of the distribution plans employed on a large basis. The makers need to take a call on the planning aspect in line with their strategy.

Forking An Existing Currency

Forking the active currency is like taking away cryptocurrency from the protocol it is based on, resulting in the birth of a new currency having a fresh protocol. Forking is not easy and can be an excruciating process, but several developers have reportedly used this technique. Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic are few of the shining examples.

Soft Forks

Soft forks are something that gel very well with older variants of the currency also, and computers or nodes which hardly get updated perceive them as valid.

Hard Forks

If a protocol update separates a currency from its previous protocol, a hard fork is accomplished. It triggers an entire new currency having its own protocol.

Reaching Consensus

Hard fork protocol updates require the general agreement of the majority of the community. A good number of members will have to download the update; there are several ways of reaching the consensus, for instance, Proof-of-Work, or Proof-of-Stake.

Hard Forks can be a bit harsh

Post hard forks, one currency used to dominate the other, like that of Ethereum and Ethereum Classic. Further, differences might crop up in the community which can become a bit toxic.

Not being regulated can be a blessing, at times

Whales happen to be traders having a filthy amount of the currency to influence market prices. If Whales come to know about a fork in advance, they will purchase more currency, as there’s a 1:1 distribution ratio after the fork. For obvious reasons, this can be termed insider trading, but due to cryptocurrencies not regulated thus far, this will be permitted.

Concluding thoughts

Despite being a baby in diapers there is immense scope for cryptocurrencies to make a splash in the market in the long run. With liquidity amiss in the market, companies and hedge-funds are increasingly considering this unique option as a safe bet. Currently, it is not properly regulated but seems extremely viable and competitive at the same time. The ideal way to create sensation in the market is by offering a solution-oriented currency that rectifies the defects of other currencies. Therefore, a cryptocurrency creation is very intriguing, however it can be time consuming as well which can benefit you immensely.

How To Reserve Your App Name

The process involved in reserving an app name

“Is it possible for me to reserve an app name so that nobody can use the same?” This is a common question that crops up in people’s minds when they decide to develop an app. This is worth thinking about. Actually, you don’t want to create something that is already there and that can be very annoying for you. So the question is how to prevent such a situation?

Essential things to do to avoid embarrassment later on

First and foremost go to the App Store to ensure none has a similar name. Also with Apple you can book the name for yourself to dissuade others from using it. For this you have to:

  • Login to your itunesconnect.apple.com account.
  • Visit My Apps at the top right corner
  • Add new app
  • Provide full details about the new app. 

Caution: You require an app bundle to finish it.

  • Click on “Create” and your app name is now booked.

As for Android everything is convenient! You cannot reserve a name however it is possible to have apps with similar names. So you don’t have to book the name. It is up to you to decide whether you need the name of another app.

Apart from booking a slot in the app store you should examine and reserve:

  1. Domain name for the app
  2. Name regarding Facebook page
  3. Name of Twitter page
  4. Name of the rest of social media page

In case if you name your app as “Max Pirate” then your:

  1. Domain would be “maxpirate.com”
  2. Facebook page: facebook.com/maxpirate
  3. Twitter page: twitter.com/maxpirate
  4. Other social media pages like Instagram will also have similar logic: instagram.com/maxpirate