Are you looking for starting your online venture? Do you want to transform your idea into a reality, but don’t know how to get started? Are you confused between web apps and cloud-based apps? If you have a unique idea for app development, but you do not possess the technical expertise to build your mobile app, you can start looking for the best web development agency to guide you.
Apps have become an inseparable part of our lives. Web and mobile apps increase customer engagement, boost sales, optimize the business processes, and a lot more. There’s a blurry line between a web app and a cloud app. As there are a lot of similarities between them, a lot of online consumers to entrepreneurs to multinational companies get confused about whether they are similar. The fact: Web apps and cloud apps are similar, but not interchangeable. There are noteworthy differences between them from the technical point of view in terms of seamless integration, scalability, and back-end infrastructure.
Let’s take a closer look at them to understand which one you should choose.
What are Web Apps?
Web Apps run on web browsers as they utilize web technology over the internet. Web-based apps can be built through integration of PHP, HTML, Adobe Flash, to name a few. Such apps rely on the webserver components that are installed on the device for allowing central web-based services features. As web apps are web-based applications, they need a continuous internet connection to work. Some of the common examples of web-based apps are online banking, online retail stores, social media apps, and others.
Advantages of Web Apps
Some of the major benefits of web apps are as follows:
- Web apps can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. All you need is an active internet connection and a web browser.
- Such apps can run on multiple platforms irrespective of the device or operating system.
- These apps require less support and maintenance, resulting in reduced cost for developers and easy access for users.
- As users can access the apps if their browser is compatible, it reduces the chances of compatibility issues.
- Users can use web apps without downloading them, reducing the space availability limitations on devices.
- Web apps can be updated without reinstalling the software on hundreds and thousands of devices.
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What are Cloud Apps?
Cloud apps are similar to web apps, but they do not depend on web browsers for functioning. These apps operate on the cloud data and can be accessed in offline mode also. Cloud apps are a combination of standard web apps with traditional desktop apps. Cloud-based apps offer a lot of advantages over web apps as they are an advanced form of web apps. Such apps are operated in the cloud, and so, they don’t occupy large storage spaces. Some of the common examples of cloud apps are Evernote, SalesForce, Dropbox, Zoho, etc.
Characteristics of Cloud apps are as follows:
- Data is stored remotely in the cloud. Data can be cached locally to support offline mode.
- Cloud apps can be installed on mobile devices or accessed via web browsers.
- Such apps offer different services, such as backup, security, and storage.
- These apps can accommodate different types of user requirements through customization.
- Cloud apps facilitate access to a wider range of services.
- Cloud services can help to streamline the work processes and improve profitability.
- With pooled resources, these apps serve multiple users with various physical and virtual requirements.
- The resource usage can be reported, monitored, and controlled well. It offers great transparency to the users and resource providers.
Also Read – How can startups choose the best hosting plan for the website?
What’s the difference between Web Apps and Cloud Apps?
Let’s understand how web and cloud apps are different. We’ve listed some of the distinguishing factors that make web apps and cloud apps different from each other:
- One of the major differences between cloud and web apps is the structure. Both types of apps require access to online services using the internet, but cloud apps do not depend on web browsers for functioning.
- Cloud apps can perform tasks from a local workstation without the web interface. Cloud apps can be customized to match your exact requirements. Web apps don’t offer the same level of customization options to the developers or users.
- Cloud apps are characterized by a sophisticated back-end to ensure security, maximum uptime, and integration with other third-party systems. It offers great scalability for features and functionality. Web apps are stored on a remote server, and they are delivered over the internet through a web interface.
- Cloud apps ensure security measures for confidential and sensitive information. On the other hand, web apps verify the clients’ information on the data servers. Hence, cloud apps are considered to be more secure.
In a Nutshell
Applications service providers build web app building framework technologies for greater customer reach. However, cloud apps are the latest buzz in the world of technology. As the user touchpoints and their frequencies have increased during Covid-19, enterprises should focus on building multi-dimensional experience with custom app development. A well-optimized app with an attractive UX can convert the prospects into long-term customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A web app is accessed through a web browser and is hosted on a server, while a cloud app is hosted on cloud infrastructure, providing scalability, flexibility, and often leveraging cloud services for storage, processing, and other functionalities.
Consider your project requirements. If your application requires scalability, flexibility, and the ability to leverage cloud services, a cloud app might be suitable. If simplicity and accessibility through a web browser are sufficient, a web app may be the right choice.
Web apps are accessible through browsers, eliminating the need for installation. They are platform-independent, offering broad compatibility. Development and maintenance costs are often lower, and updates are seamless for users.
Cloud apps excel in scenarios where scalability, resource-intensive tasks, and access to cloud services like storage, databases, or AI functionalities are crucial. They provide the flexibility to scale resources based on demand.
Yes, web apps can be hosted on the cloud. Cloud hosting enhances scalability and reliability and provides additional services. However, the term “cloud app” typically implies an application designed with cloud-specific functionalities and services.
Web apps generally have lower development costs as they are simpler and do not require the integration of cloud-specific services. Cloud apps may involve higher initial development costs but can provide cost savings through scalable cloud infrastructure.
Both can provide a positive user experience, but the impact differs based on project requirements. Web apps offer simplicity and easy access, while cloud apps may provide additional functionalities and seamless scalability, enhancing the overall user experience.
Yes, migration is possible but can be complex. Migrating from a web app to a cloud app may involve redesigning the architecture to leverage cloud services. Migrating from a cloud app to a web app may involve adapting to a simpler, web-only infrastructure. The feasibility depends on the specific project and its requirements.
