The future of cloud computing apps in the face of challenges

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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.

How Machine Learning Can Help Revamping Mobile App

How Machine Learning Can Help Revamping Mobile App

The era of generic service is diminishing . Customer now a days are more willing to get custom tailored offers as per their specific demand . In fact in recent studies it has been proven that almost 50 % of customers switch their brands if company is not able to meet their specific sets of needs and almost 57% shares their data with companies that send personalised offers .

It is because of digital transformation and technological advancement that has opened up many new doors for vendors which aids in attracting and retaining of customers . But there is a huge difference in fact and reality , in short you will never be able to  fulfil needs of your targeted audience with mobile app that does not contain any advance technology . Machine Learning (ML) is one such cognitive technology that has ability to create algorithms and understand human in a way that can assist them in completion of tasks and even entertain them .

So Machine Learning (ML) is technology which can be implanted in mobile app to make it more user friendly , thereby giving more user experience , customer loyalty and thereby aids in building consistent omnichannel experience .

Let’s now look at how machine learning can enrich your experience : 

Personalised Experience 

With machine learning you can redirect machine to learn and adopt continuously . It has algorithms which redirects analysis of various sources of information which can either be acquired from social media , credit ratings and more which later on given pop recommendation to customers devices .
In addition to above Machine Learning can help you classify users interest , collect information of users and can also guide you how your app should look alike . Machine Learning can be used to learn :

  • Who your customers are 
  • What they want 
  • What are their affordability power 
  • What are their hobbies , interest and pain points 
  • What they are specking about your products 

On the basis of all the information collected above , machine learning can actually help you in structuring as well as classifying your customer into groups . As a result you can deliver content relevant to them on the basis of information collected and hence convey the impression that your app is really talking to them .

Advance Search 

Machine learning helps you building search more intuitive and less burdensome for your customers as they will deliver results on the basis of their most recent searches . Machine learning algorithms helps learning from customers queries and thereby showcase the result which most matters to them . Due to its cognitive in nature , it helps grouping articles , videos , FAQs and documents to provider smarter result and immediate answers to their solutions .
Once the data is collected , machine learning utilised that data to helps customers perform searches , search histories and typical actions with ease . In addition to it , you can also upgrade your mobile app with voice search and spelling corrections .
Reddit is making use of ML which aids them in improving overall search performance for hundred of millions of community members .

User Behaviour Prediction 

Marketers get detailed data about user behaviour by analysis of data collected on the basis of age , gender , location , search request , frequency of app usage and so on . Marketers then make use of data collected to facilitate customers as per their interest as well as increasing overall effectiveness of your app and your marketing efforts . For instance say on the basis of data collected , you have found that females under age of 30 are more using your app in comparison with male , then you may either find ways to attache male audience or move your target entirely on women audience .
Machine learning can also facilitate you with even creating of individual recommendation to boost customer engagement as well as time spent on your app . Have you even been browsing on Amazon ? If yes then you must have experience that Amazon suggest on the basis of machine learning algorithms about your likes and dislikes . In addition to it , almost 80 % of TV shows watched on Netflix are the result of their suggestion system based on machine learning algorithms .

Showing Advertisement On The Basis Of Interest 

One of the hardest part to deal with when it comes to advertisement is showcasing right ads to right audience . Thanks to Machine Learning technology which aids advertisers to showcase advertisement  to right people more accurately .
With Machine learning you can even avoid showcasing advertisement in respect to items that has just been brought by customer and thereby showcasing ads to customers who are more likely interest inn buying products or services . This technology will not only helps you saving your time and money , but will also help you with improving brand’s reputation .
Coca Cola is great example for making use of this technology on social media advertisement . Company make use of image recognition technology for identification of people who have posted their product images . This has helped Coca Cola know about the situation when customers talk about their product and what can be the best way to showcase them advertisement . Ads designed by way of machine learning algorithms has greater changes of getting clicks in respect to other targeted ads .

Security Improvement 

Video , audio and voice recognition makes it easier for customers to add on extra layer of security to their mobile apps by secure app authentication . It is smart decision for any kind of mobile app .
Machine learning algorithms can also help you in detecting and banning suspicious activities . Traditional technology on one hand can only help you with knowing of threat , machine learning mythology can help you protect your customers with identification of previously unidentified malware attacks on real time basis .
Banking and financial companies are also making use of machine learning to inspect previous transactions of customers , borrowing history which helps in determining their credit rating .

Also Read : What Is Machine Learning & Its Applications ? 

User Engagement 

Machine learning has superpower which offers solid customer support and range of specific features and entertainment which given customer a reason to use your app on day to day basis .

Support 

Both Amazon and Facebook is making use of Machine Learning technology for user engagement in a way to handle their request intelligently . Machine learning technology has capability of analysing large sets of data and make decision in real time .
Some people have habit of not making calls or writing long emails until and unless somebody responds . Many companies now a days are implementing machine learning to build conversational UX or Virtual assistant often known as AI chatbots .

Entertainment 

Beyond AI chatbots which can handle customer request even at 3 am , thereby are various other machine learning entertainment tools for customers . Take for instance say , Erwin is bot that lives in Facebook messenger which helps users to solve complicated puzzle by sending them clue if they struck somewhere .
Snapchat is using AR and ML to let customers revamp their pictures using funny filters . Their face is detected by camera and AR helps adding filters on their face .

Valuable Features 

Machine learning also supports real time speech translation . So if your target is on international customers as well , then ML can facilitate you with making successful communication within your app without any need of third party online translators .
We can take example of Airbnb wherein more than 60 % of their booking are done by users in different languages . They are making use of cloud translations API which helps them translating listing , reviews and even conversion between its users . Azar , a chat app is using Cloud Speech API as well as cloud Translation API to translate audio between matches .
Another great example of machine learning application is Realtor.com , which is real estate listing which use Vision API to facilitate people to take pictures for sales sign and get immediate information about property .

Conclusion 

Machine learning has great super power to play with , which has ability transform your mobile app development with new technologies . 

Mobile App Development Tips To Consider In 2020

Mobile App Development Tips To Consider In 2020

Choosing a career in mobile app development is not a child’s play. It is about learning every trend, concept, new technology, and being aware of the industry. According to experts in top mobile app development companies, it is not easier to stay ahead of the competition without knowing tricks and tips in this genre. Here are some of the tips and tricks of mobile app development, which will help you shine in this field.

Have a relevant education

You might be an expert in the coding but, without the necessary software-based education background, your potential client might not take you seriously. There are thousands of freelancers and small or medium coding companies. It would help if you looked unique and reliable in the eyes of your potential clients. Get hands-on training on programming languages like Python, Java, Ruby, and others. You need not choose a high-end college degree. Even an online certification course will suffice.

Networking

You might have a holistic knowledge about coding, but you would need a long term win-win relationship with people in your field if you wish to sustain in this field. The network would help in numerous ways starting from assisting you with a code to finding new clients. The key to better networking is finding ways to be useful to your network so that when the time comes, you can find reliable help from your team.

Keep on learning

The world is changing beyond limits. Something that was on top trend in 2019 would be one of the outdated nonsense in 2020. Read newsletters, learn from experts, and keep in touch with your community. What makes the top mobile app developers unique? They can learn, unlearn, and relearn to be up-to-date.

KISS

Experts talk about the KISS strategy. The term KISS stands for ‘Keep It Simple and Stupid.’ The idea here is to make every code as simple as possible. Today is the era of customer-centric application creation. When you are building a mobile app, people look for simplicity, ease to use, and minimum loading time. If you try harder to make it look cool or trendy, you might end up creating a complex solution.

Colors matter too

In most cases, colors can break or make a design. The choice of color and font should be easy on the eyes of the user. If possible, it should tweak the emotion of the user. Using red color in a food ordering app induces hunger. Using blue in a medical app indicates sincerity, and so on. Good contrast between background and text helps customers to read the content with ease. If you choose a purple-themed design for a masculine weight loss assisting app, the response might be less.

Learn your market

There was a time when responsive web design was an added-advantage. Today, every website should have a responsive design. The need of the customers’ changes every minute. Your client will come up with an idea and nothing more, in most cases. It is up to you to learn what your customers look for in an app. Now, you can create an app for that idea in a way it would please the customers. The best way to learn ground reality is by keeping in touch with the reviews of customers.

Baby steps

You cannot become a world-famous coder by learning five languages at the same time or working on complex projects while multitasking with other projects. Start small, increase your work scope gradually, and get a brand reputation. Consistency is the key to reputation. When people look for hiring an app developer, they choose a developer with tens of good projects and not the one with one great project and nine average output.

Learn design pattern

A design pattern is the atom of any application development. A good pattern should allow you to add any feature, change any element, or fix bug with ease. The pattern should make the application as simple as possible. There are many common template patterns available for each type of application. Learn how to use them for your project.

App for everyone

If you build an app that will suit only a niche, you will end up having a minimal customer base. Your app should be applicable for all types of users, for all kinds of devices, and so on. For instance, your application should run on all platforms, especially Apple and Android. It should also support the current OS, previous OS versions, and future ones too.

Security is always important

Creating the best app is not the end of the idea. Your app should also be secure and safe. While using your application, your client might provide any user-sensitive information. In such a case, the data received is a critical resource. A good developer aims at creating a safe and secure app from stage one.

The work of a good application developer does not end with launching the application. Every top developer will find hundreds of bugs in his app. You ought to stay connected with your customers, help them with queries, fix bugs, and provide a good experience. Just because you started working on the next project, you cannot forget your app. If your app receives negative feedback from many users, the chances of finding the next client might be questionable.

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Author Bio: Chanchal Soni is a Growth Hacker and CRO Specialist at Appitsimple . She has experience in mobile app development, digital marketing, social media, content strategy and marketing communications. Lover of huskies, the ocean & boston sports.

Email: chanchal@softwaresuggest.in