Cloud Application Development: A 7-Step Guide to Follow in 2023

Updated Time : December 20, 2023
Cloud Application Development A 7-Step Guide to Follow in 2023

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Many firms nowadays are challenged by time-consuming network upgrades and accompanying crashes. The increasing demand for mobility and flexibility makes forecasting the company’s IT requirements difficult. 

The good news is that cloud application development can address these issues. And that’s why businesses are rapidly adopting it.

According to a Thales and Ponemon Institute study, 66% of businesses already store sensitive data on the cloud. 

The rise of cloud solutions can raise numerous queries in your mind, particularly about what cloud application development is and how you can  establish a cloud solution for your business. 

This article provides answers to all those questions.

By reading this, you’ll learn about the technologies required to create a cloud-based application, the stages involved, the anticipated cost, and many more.

Let’s start with the fundamentals!

What is Cloud Application Development?

The technique of building, testing, and delivering applications hosted on cloud computing systems is called cloud application development. 

In contrast to conventional application development, which usually necessitates the upkeep of actual hardware and infrastructure, cloud-based apps are stored and run in faraway data centers. 

This strategy uses the cloud’s capability to provide features such as auto-scalability, high reliability, and rigorous security measures, sometimes at a lesser cost than operating an in-house server farm.

Let’s look at an image that depicts what the structure of a cloud-based app looks like:

the structure of a cloud-based app

Cloud Application Market Overview

The landscape of cloud-based applications is experiencing rapid expansion, marked by substantial growth in market value. 

Statista estimated that the market would reach $133 billion in 2020, with a predicted growth of $168 billion by 2025, indicating a considerable rising trend.

Markets and Markets also stated that the global cloud computing industry is expected to grow from USD 545.8 billion in 2022 to USD 1,240.9 billion by 2027.

Let’s take a look at the graph below to understand the cloud app global market overview:

the cloud app global market

Dominant Industries in the Cloud App Market

Cloud-based applications have gained significant traction in various industries, with notable prominence in:

  • Telecommunication and IT
  • Education
  • Government
  • Fintech and Banking
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Insurance
  • Oil and Gas
  • Media and Entertainment

Characteristics of Cloud Applications

Cloud applications share several key characteristics that differentiate them from traditional on-premises software. 

Let’s learn about these in detail:

  • On-demand Self-service: Users can provision and manage computing resources without manual intervention from IT staff. This allows for quick and easy access to computing resources.
  • Broad Network Access: Cloud applications are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, regardless of the device used. This facilitates remote work and collaboration.
  • Resource Pooling: Computing resources are shared among multiple users, allowing for efficient utilization and cost savings.
  • Microservices-oriented and API-backed: Modern cloud applications are typically broken down into smaller, independent microservices that communicate with each other through APIs. This allows for greater agility and resilience.
  • Automated: Cloud applications leverage automation tools for configuration, change management, and monitoring. This reduces manual effort and improves efficiency.
  • Serverless: Some cloud applications utilize serverless technologies, which abstract away the need to manage the underlying infrastructure. This allows developers to focus on building the application logic and reduces operational overhead.
  • Data-driven: Modern cloud applications leverage data analytics to gain insights and improve decision-making.
  • Security-focused: Cloud providers offer a range of security features and services to protect data and applications.

Wondering how to fortify your cloud applications against potential threats? Our latest blog on how to enhance cloud application security can help you!

Types of Cloud-Based Solutions for Enterprises

There are four main types of cloud-based solutions that enterprises can utilize for their benefit. Each type offers different control, security, and cost levels. 

Let’s learn about these models in detail:

1. Public Cloud

  • Characteristics: Shared infrastructure, multi-tenant environment, self-service provisioning, pay-as-you-go pricing.
  • Benefits: High scalability, low upfront costs, and easy to manage.
  • Drawbacks: Limited control, security concerns, and potential performance issues during peak usage.
  • Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

2. Private Cloud

  • Characteristics: Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization, high level of control and security, managed by the organization or a third-party provider.
  • Benefits: Greater control and security, customized environment, tailored to specific needs.
  • Drawbacks: Higher upfront costs and less scalability than public cloud.
  • Examples: On-premises data centers, hosted private clouds offered by cloud providers.

3. Hybrid Cloud

  • Characteristics: Combines public and private cloud resources, allows organizations to balance cost and security.
  • Benefits: Offers flexibility, scalability, and control, optimizes resource utilization.
  • Drawbacks: Increased complexity, requires careful integration and management.
  • Examples: Organizations that use AWS for public resources and a private cloud for sensitive data.

4. Community Cloud

  • Characteristics: Shared infrastructure for a specific community of organizations, tailored to their unique needs and regulations.
  • Benefits: Cost-effective, secure, promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Drawbacks: Limited availability, may not meet all organizational requirements.
  • Examples: Cloud platforms for government agencies, healthcare organizations, or research institutions.

Choosing the right cloud deployment model depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as budget, security requirements, control requirements, and scalability needs.

Service Models of Cloud Application Development

The landscape of cloud application development can be understood better through various service models, namely Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

You can look at the following image to understand the structures of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

Service Models of Cloud Application Development

These three models are described as follows:

1. IaaS

Your cloud provider will take care of your company’s structures, involving networks, servers, storage, and visualization, in IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service. This infrastructure is managed using perhaps a public or private cloud. 

IaaS cloud services offer an extensive selection of other services for cloud-based app creation.

Among them are the following:

  • Monitoring system
  • Resilience-building Resources
  • Detailed invoice
  • Data encryption techniques are examples of security mechanisms.
  • Logging in

2. PaaS

PaaS, or Platform as a Service is commonly used by businesses for operating systems, infrastructure, and development tools. 

You can use PaaS for recruiting any service or resource needed to construct an application. This means that you will use an entire cloud application platform to develop cloud applications.

PaaS cloud application development can be used for the following purposes:

  • Infrastructure for running databases
  • Middleware
  • Computer operating systems
  • Tools for development

3. SaaS

SaaS – Software as a Service – refers to the development of cloud applications via mobile apps and online browsers. 

Customers can now access SaaS applications web without having to configure or install them on a device because of SaaS application development.

You can create cloud apps based on SaaS for:

  • Management of client databases and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems
  • Integrating email services, auditing capabilities, etc.
  • Document management for collaboration and file sharing
  • Automatic service and product registration
  • Combining agendas and calendars to arrange upcoming activities

Cloud Application Development Vs. Traditional Application Development

When it comes to designing software applications, selecting the correct environment can make a huge impact on how your application is designed, deployed, and managed. 

Let’s know a side-by-side comparison between cloud application development and traditional application development.

CriteriaCloud Application DevelopmentTraditional Application Development
InfrastructureRemote, maintained by cloud service providersLocal, usually owned and maintained in-house
ScalabilityAuto-scalable based on demandOften manually scaled, may require hardware upgrades
CostPay-as-you-go or subscription modelHigh upfront cost for hardware and software
Deployment SpeedQuick, sometimes minutesCan be slow, and may require new hardware
AccessibilityAccessible from anywhere with internetTypically restricted to a local network
MaintenanceManaged by the service provider, automated patchesOften manual, requiring dedicated IT staff
SecurityRobust protocols, frequent updates, disaster recovery optionsMay lack timely updates, reliant on in-house protocols
Resource ManagementManaged automatically by the platformManually managed, may require specialized staff
CollaborationEasier for remote and global teamsLimited to in-house or via VPN
Focus for DevelopersCoding and featuresInfrastructure and coding
FlexibilityHigh, can choose between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaSLower, bound by in-house resources

Benefits of a Cloud Application

Businesses are turning more frequently to cloud apps to gain speed, adaptability, and scalability in today’s quickly expanding technological landscape. 

These apps provide numerous advantages over traditional on-premises software.

Let’s look at some of these.

  • Scalability: Cloud applications offer unmatched scalability, allowing businesses to adjust resources dynamically based on demand.
  • Accessibility and Flexibility: Cloud applications enable users to access data from anywhere, promoting remote team collaboration and seamless flexibility across devices.
  • Automatic Updates: Cloud service providers handle maintenance and security, ensuring applications are always up-to-date.
  • Global Reach: Cloud applications can be deployed globally, reaching a diverse audience. 
  • Improved Disaster Recovery: Cloud platforms offer robust disaster recovery solutions, minimizing the impact of unexpected events and ensuring data resilience for business continuity.

Adopting cloud technologies brings multifaceted benefits, ranging from technical advantages to strategic business improvements. 

Cloud app Development Services

7 Steps of Cloud Application Development

Developing cloud applications involves a strategic and well-structured process to harness the benefits of cloud computing effectively. 

The following seven-step approach outlines the fundamental stages of cloud application development:

Step 1: Conducting Thorough Market Research

Begin by conducting comprehensive market research to understand the specific requirements for cloud applications. 

This step involves identifying suitable applications for your business, evaluating cloud deployment models, and addressing users’ pain points and challenges related to cloud computing. 

Analyzing the market landscape ensures your cloud application aligns with business goals and user expectations.

Step 2: Recruiting a Development Team

Assemble a skilled and expert development team crucial for successful cloud application development. 

You have a few options when it involves choosing a cloud application development company:

cloud application development company
  • Freelance Developers: They are less expensive but may not be ideal because they typically work on short-term projects.
  • In-house Developers: They can provide full oversight over their development team but may be costly regarding hiring, office rent, taxes, software and hardware purchases, etc.
  • Outsourcing Company: They deliver the best price/quality ratio and allow for quick recruiting and scalability of a development team.

Step 3: Considering Features and Architecture

Research essential factors such as cloud migration, service models, and application architecture. 

Collaboration with experts and vendors is key to optimizing the performance of your cloud solution. 

Discussing these considerations thoroughly with the development team ensures that your cloud application is designed to efficiently meet business and user requirements.

Step 4: Choosing the Tech Stack

Selecting the appropriate technologies for developing a cloud-based app is a critical decision that requires collaboration with professionals possessing deep technical knowledge. 

The choice of technology is influenced by factors such as the nature of the app and specific development goals.

If pursuing cloud-native application development, considerations for iOS and Android platforms include:

PlatformProgramming LanguagesToolkitSDK
iOSSwift, Objective-CApple XcodeiOS SDK, Cocoa Touch
AndroidJava, KotlinAndroid Studio, Android Developer ToolsAndroid SDK

Cloud App Development Platforms

In the broader context of cloud application development, choosing the right platform is crucial. 

Some popular platforms include:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers a comprehensive suite of cloud services, including computing power, storage, and databases, widely used for scalability and flexibility.
  • Google Cloud Platform: Known for its robust infrastructure and machine learning capabilities, suitable for various applications.
  • Cloud Foundry (for Ruby): An open-source platform simplifying application deployment and management, particularly suitable for Ruby-based applications.
  • Oracle: Offers a range of cloud services, including databases, application development, and infrastructure.
  • Heroku: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, particularly favored for deploying and managing applications.
  • Xen Cloud Platform: An open-source virtualization platform that supports multiple guest operating systems on a single host.
  • Apache Cloudstack (free): A free and open-source platform that orchestrates virtualized resources, providing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
  • Microsoft Azure: A comprehensive cloud platform offering various services, particularly well-integrated with Microsoft technologies.

Step 5: Selecting a Model for Monetizing

When preparing to launch your solution to a broad audience, determining the right monetization strategy is crucial. 

If you are developing a Software as a Service (SaaS) application, consider the following pricing models:

  • Subscription: Users pay a monthly or yearly fee to access your app’s features and services.
  • Freemium: Offer limited functionality for free, enticing users to upgrade for full access to premium features.
  • Advertising: Generate revenue by incorporating advertisements within your app to cover operational expenses.

Exploring a combination of these monetization strategies can optimize your app’s financial model and enhance user satisfaction.

Step 6: Designing and Developing Your App

This is the stage where your vision for the cloud application takes shape. It involves two fundamental processes: 1. User Interface (UI) Design and 2. Functionality Development.

A. User Interface (UI) Design

  • Conceptualize the UI: Create a wireframe or prototype that outlines the app’s layout, navigation, and critical functionalities.
  • Focus on User Experience (UX): Prioritize usability, accessibility, and intuitive interaction to ensure a positive user experience.
  • Develop a Unique Visual Identity: Design a visually appealing and memorable UI that aligns with your brand and target audience.
  • Test and Iterate: Gather user feedback early and often, and iterate on the UI based on their insights.

B. Functionality Development

  • Implement Front-end Logic: This involves coding the user interface elements and their interactions, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Develop Back-end Logic: This includes writing code for the server-side functionality, database interactions, and business logic, using languages like Python, Java, or Node.js.
  • Integrate APIs: Leverage APIs from cloud services or external providers to add features and functionality efficiently.
  • Test and Debug: Thoroughly test the application functionality on various devices and platforms to ensure it functions flawlessly.

Step 7: Testing and Launching Your App

App testing is the conclusive phase of cloud-based application development. QA engineers run several tests to guarantee that a program is free of bugs, security flaws, and poor performance.

When you’ve finished testing, it’s time to put your software on the market. 

For mobile apps, the development team may also assist you with submitting apps to the app stores and meeting all standards.

Cloud Application Development Cost

A basic custom app, such as a data storage service, could require 3-6 months of development with an associated cost ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. 

On the other end of the spectrum, developing a complex product akin to platforms like Zoom, Zoho, or Facebook might extend to a year or more, incurring costs exceeding $120,000 to $200,000.

It is critical to understand that these statistics are only approximate, as the level of expertise of experts and where they are located have a considerable impact on pricing. 

For instance, a cloud computing engineer based in the USA may command a fee three times higher than a cloud developer with equivalent expertise in Europe.

The image below shows the cost of app development in different parts of the world.

app development in different parts of the world

Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a Cloud App

The cost of developing a cloud application is contingent upon several factors. These factors are as follows:

  • Complexity and Features: The intricacy of features significantly influences development costs. More advanced functionalities translate to increased time and resource requirements.
  • Technology Stack: The chosen technology stack impacts both time and costs. While cutting-edge technologies may raise expenses, they can also enhance application efficiency and scalability.
  • Development Timeframe: Development duration directly affects costs. Longer timelines, especially for complex projects, naturally incur higher expenses.
  • Development Team Rates: Team member rates, varying by skill and location, play a vital role. Hiring specialists from regions with higher living costs may result in elevated hourly rates.

Understanding these factors and their interplay is essential for businesses and organizations planning to develop a cloud application. 

Best Practices for Cloud App Development

Developing applications in the cloud requires a strategic approach to harness the full potential of cloud computing. 

By following industry best practices, you can ensure the efficiency, scalability, and security of your cloud applications. 

Here are vital guidelines you can follow for successful cloud app development:

1. Scalability by Design: Design applications with scalability in mind, allowing them to handle increased workloads seamlessly. Leverage auto-scaling features to adapt to varying demand levels efficiently.

2. Microservices Architecture: Embrace a microservices architecture, breaking down applications into smaller, independent components. This enhances flexibility, ease of updates, and scalability while reducing dependencies.

3. Automation for Efficiency: Automate deployment, scaling, and management processes to enhance efficiency. Use continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to streamline development workflows.

4. Security at Every Layer: Implement potent security measures at every application layer. This includes encryption, secure APIs, access controls, and regular security audits. Prioritize data protection to instill trust in users.

5. Monitoring and Analytics: Implement comprehensive monitoring and analytics tools to gain insights into application performance, resource utilization, and user behavior. Proactively address issues and optimize resources based on data-driven insights.

By integrating these best practices into the cloud app development lifecycle, organizations can build resilient, scalable, and secure applications that meet the evolving needs of users and the business.

Wondering how to shield your website from unauthorized access? Our guide on securing your online presence against cloud web scraping can help you!

How Core Devs Can Assist You in Building a Cloud Application

Have you ever wondered what makes a cloud application genuinely exceptional? Well, Core Devs doesn’t just answer that question; instead, we embody it. 

Here’s why partnering with us ensures your digital endeavors are in capable cloud service providers.

Architects of Digital Dreams

Our seasoned team of developers serves as architects, not just developers. 

We understand the intricacies of crafting cloud applications that are not only functional but serve as the bedrock for your digital dreams. 

With a nuanced understanding of various cloud platforms, we ensure your vision is translated into a scalable, high-performance reality.

Agility in Action

In the dynamic sea of digital evolution, agility is our compass. 

At Core Devs, we don’t just follow agile methodologies; we embody them. This ensures your cloud application development is a responsive journey, capable of adapting to the ever-changing demands of the digital landscape. 

Expect a development process that’s as agile as your ambitions.

Robust Security Measurements

Security isn’t a feature; it’s the fortress around your data. Core Devs ensures that state-of-the-art security protocols shield your cloud applications. 

Our commitment to robust measures ensures compliance and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the functionality and innovation within your application.

Tailored Cloud Couture

Core Devs takes pride in tailoring cloud solutions that fit you like a bespoke suit. We understand that your business is unique, and your cloud applications should reflect that. 

From scalable architectures to personalized features, our approach ensures your application meets and surpasses expectations.

Balancing the Cloud Budgetary

In digital transformations, costs matter. Core Devs excels in optimizing costs without sacrificing quality. 

By judiciously leveraging cloud resources, we guarantee your investment yields maximum value. 

Experience the synergy of cost-efficiency and top-tier development, where every financial commitment is a strategic investment.

The Symphony of Real-time Insights

Communication is the silent symphony that orchestrates successful projects. With Core Devs, collaboration is not just a process; it’s a symphony. 

Our transparent development approach ensures you are an integral part of the musical journey, with real-time insights shaping the evolving narrative of your cloud application.

Beyond Launch

Our commitment extends beyond deployment. Core Devs stands with you post-launch, offering ongoing support and optimization. 

Whether addressing emerging challenges or exploring avenues for enhancement, we ensure your cloud application continues to evolve and thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.

Choosing Core Devs isn’t merely selecting a development team; it’s forging a partnership dedicated to actualizing your digital aspirations. 

Elevate your digital journey – choose Core Devs, where innovation converges with excellence.

A Top-Notch Cloud Application

Challenges of Cloud Application Development

Cloud application development, while offering numerous advantages, presents distinctive challenges that vary based on factors such as the chosen cloud provider and specific project requirements. 

Handling these challenges is crucial for ensuring your cloud-based applications’ seamless deployment and performance. 

Here are some key challenges associated with cloud application development:

1. Reliability

Cloud-based applications are renowned for their reliability, yet occasional downtime remains a concern. 

Selecting a reliable cloud service provider is essential to minimize downtime and uphold consistent app performance. 

Vigilant monitoring and choosing providers with proven track records become paramount in addressing this challenge.

2. Interoperability and Portability

Achieving interoperability and portability is a central challenge in cloud app development. 

Developers must craft code that seamlessly functions across diverse cloud environments, avoiding reliance on a single provider. 

This demands strategic planning, adherence to cloud computing standards, and a commitment to ensuring the application’s adaptability to different platforms.

3. Security

While cloud hosting is generally secure, challenges persist in client-side security. Developers must contend with potential issues related to users’ browser states, which can become vulnerabilities leading to cyber-attacks. 

Addressing these concerns involves strict adherence to cloud cybersecurity protocols, implementation of robust encryption practices, and the execution of security policies outside the browser environment.

Cloud computing resources are, by definition, off-site. Well-known cloud service providers like Dropbox and Microsoft have suffered significant data breaches.

According to a KPMG survey on corporate data stewardship, 86% of participants stated data privacy is a serious concern for them. 

4. Performance Issues

Despite being marketed as reliable, cloud applications can encounter performance issues related to data rendering and resource availability. Longer load times significantly impact user experience, emphasizing the need for consistent app monitoring. 

To mitigate this challenge, developers must thoroughly understand the cloud provider’s infrastructure and assess its capability to support the application effectively.

Navigating these challenges demands a strategic approach, thorough planning, and a continuous commitment to monitoring and optimizing cloud applications. 

As the demand for cloud-based solutions grows, addressing these hurdles becomes imperative for delivering robust, secure, and high-performance cloud applications.

FAQs Regarding Cloud Application Development

1. What is cloud app development, and how does it differ from traditional app development?

Cloud app development involves creating applications that leverage cloud computing resources and services.  Unlike conventional development, cloud app development relies on cloud infrastructure for storage, processing, and other functionalities. 

This approach allows for greater scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, as applications can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

2. What are the key benefits of developing applications in the cloud?

Cloud app development offers several advantages, including:

  • Scalability: Easily scale resources based on demand.
  • Cost-efficiency: Pay for resources used, reducing upfront costs.
  • Accessibility: Access applications from various devices and locations.
  • Collaboration: Enable seamless collaboration among distributed teams.
  • Automatic Updates: Cloud providers manage updates, ensuring the latest features and security patches.

3. How can security be ensured in cloud app development?

Security in cloud app development involves:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Implement strict access controls.
  • Data Encryption: Encrypt data both in transit and at rest.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct security audits and assessments.
  • Secure APIs: Use secure API protocols and authentication mechanisms.
  • Incident Response Plan: Have a plan to respond to security incidents promptly.

4. What is serverless computing, and how does it relate to cloud app development?

Serverless computing allows developers to build and run applications without managing server infrastructure. Cloud providers automatically handle scaling and resource allocation. 

In cloud app development, serverless architectures, like AWS Lambda or Azure Functions, enable developers to focus on writing code without worrying about server maintenance.

5. What considerations should be made when choosing a cloud service provider for app development?

When selecting a cloud service provider, consider the following:

  • Ensure the provider offers the required services for your application.
  • Understand the pricing model and compare costs across providers.
  • Verify that the provider meets regulatory requirements and implements robust security measures.
  • Evaluate the provider’s ability to scale resources based on demand.
  • Check compatibility with existing tools and services your application may require.

Final Words

As we close our look into cloud application development, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Will you experiment with serverless computing, or strengthen your security measures? 

Share your most important lesson or any queries you have with Core Devs. Take advantage of the scalability, efficiency, and innovation that we provide. 

Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started, the cloud is a vast playground waiting to be discovered. 

Stay connected, and join us on this cloud trip!

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