Mobile apps increasingly make use of cloud computing in order to deliver a service to their users. As with desktop and laptop applications that now routinely use cloud computing, mobile apps look to replicate the benefits they can bring in a mobile setting.
Cloud-based bespoke software solutions for mobile devices take mobile apps to the next level of functionality. Some of the most popular and widely used examples of cloud mobile apps include Dropbox, Asana, and Apple’s iCloud services.
Cloud computing helps mobile apps overcome some of the limitations of mobile computing, providing unlimited storage and limitless processing power, radically increasing their flexibility and utility.
If this is the case, why isn’t every app making use of cloud computing?
While the benefits of cloud computing for mobile apps are clear, there remains a number of challenges. Employing cloud computing in mobile apps means that a mobile app needs to have cloud access through a cloud service provider and has to be delivered to the end-user by a web connection. The complexities of this process create a number of challenges. These include:
Information Security
Software development that employs cloud computing in mobile apps immediately add extra security aspects that need to be considered. App development companies have to work in partnership with third-party cloud service providers to ensure that issues such as user authentication, general information security and access control are watertight.
Lack of quick internet access
The availability of quick internet access is still a problem across much of the world. Even in developed countries such as our own, large parts of the country cannot guarantee constant internet access. This means that the full functionality of a cloud-based mobile app cannot be guaranteed. Even if a range of advanced features is built into an app, they may not be accessible if they require high-speed internet access.
Resource deficiency of smartphones
Smartphones don’t have the memory and processing capabilities of desktops and laptops, creating a significant challenge when it comes to mobile app development. This means that mobile apps using cloud computing are unlikely to compete in terms of what they can offer any time soon.
How do you overcome these challenges?
There’s no doubt that cloud computing is likely to become an increasing feature of bespoke app development over the coming years. It offers a range of benefits, not least in terms of scalability, compatibility and cost reduction. They can give an app more substance, better features and offer greater levels of utility for the user. At the moment, however, cloud computing in mobile apps is a technology that’s in its nascent stage.
Bespoke mobile development from InTeck
At InTeck, we are at the forefront of mobile app development. As one of Manchester’s leading app development companies, we are always exploring what innovation can deliver to our clients as well as ways to overcome any challenges.
If you’re considering a bespoke mobile application for your business, then we’d love to hear from you. Call 0800 368 5220 or email info@inteckltd.co.uk to find out more.