Cloud App Vs. Web App- What are the Differences and Benefits?

Posted by Consagous Technologies on June 4th, 2021

The world of cloud-based mobile application development has been one of the biggest benefits from the advancements in technology that humans have succeeded in making over the last few years. Needless to say, technology brings countless new terms with it that have their importance in various domains.

As far as the mobile app development industry is concerned, cloud app and web app are two of those terms. In this one, we will be taking you through the conceptual frameworks of these two terms, how different they are from one another, and what are their benefits as well.

Contents-

• Cloud Apps and their benefits
• Web Apps and their benefits
• Differences between Cloud and Web Apps
• What’s more suited for you?

These two terms are used interchangeably for each other, but some highly pronounced differences between them suggest otherwise.

Cloud App

To understand what a cloud app is, the concept of ‘cloud’ should first be understood. Cloud refers to a system architecture that facilitates access to data and software over a commonly shared web server. A cloud eliminates the need to use the hard drive systems of an organization to use data and available software.

As long as there is an internet connection in place, using the cloud for computing purposes can happen. To put it simply, cloud apps are a more evolved version of web apps.

Here’s a look at some of the features of cloud apps-

• Cloud apps are used with the help of web browsers and an internet connection on PCs and smartphones.
• Data is cached locally for offline mode support.
• There should be support for customization in line with different user requirements.
• Cloud apps offer different services taking care of user needs like security, storage, and backup as well.

Microsoft, Yahoo, and Google are the most well-known instances of cloud apps. Other apps like Dropbox, Netsuite, and Zoho are cloud-based offerings as well.

Benefits of Cloud Apps

• Cloud apps ensure better collaboration as teams can quickly store and share information easily through shared storage options.
• Accessing and storage of information become very easy with just an internet connection.
• Maintenance costs of hardware and software are reduced through cloud-based apps.
• Cloud apps lead to higher levels of productivity and efficiency, as relevant data is readily available online.
• Cloud apps offer a lot of storage space for data like images, documents, video, and audio in a single place.
• The data stored over cloud apps are completely safe and secure, which is perhaps the biggest benefit of cloud apps. There are a lot of advanced security features that make data safe from external threats.

Web Apps

In contrast to cloud apps, web apps are designed with the foremost intention of being used from a web browser. A typical web app is created by combining client-side and server-side scripts, where the former includes languages like PHP and ASP, and the latter has scripts like JavaScript, HTML, and Adobe Flash to name a few.

A particular web browser depends on different web components installed at the backend to complete its core functions and web services. The noteworthy examples of web apps include the ones that allow for online banking, online shopping, and others.

Benefits of Web Apps

• Web apps can be accessed without hassle, through absolutely any web browser.
• They can run on many different platforms and are not dependent on specific devices or systems, allowing them cross-platform functionality.
• In terms of support, web apps need less maintenance and support from developers. The result is reduced costs and better usability for customers.
• There is no need to install and update software repeatedly to keep them maintained.
• Web apps are separate from the usual protocols of the operating system environment and don’t need approval from the marketplace. They can be released at absolutely any time without delay. 

Differences between Cloud Apps and Web Apps

There are a few important differences between web apps and cloud-based software that make their seemingly blurred lines look pretty visible. Here are they-

1- Structure

Cloud computing applications and web-based apps both require Internet connectivity to work. However, cloud apps don’t always have to depend on web browsers to operate. They can be accessed from absolutely anywhere, and don’t even need a web interface always.

2- Support

The backend for cloud apps is more sophisticated when compared to web apps. Cloud-based software backend has more security features, uptime, and abilities to integrate other systems as well.

Because web apps are usually stored on a remote server and their delivery relies on a web interface, they cannot have support as secure as cloud apps.

3- Security

Web apps can derive and verify user information from the data servers of an enterprise, cloud computing applications can take this a step ahead by boosting the security measures for sensitive information. In terms of security, cloud apps are more secure.

What Should Be Your Choice?

Choosing one between web and cloud apps for business operations is dependent on the business requirements and plans. When a business begins to scale up, there are two options to choose from- either keep using web apps and update hardware whenever needed, or switch to a cloud-based infrastructure and expand with flexibility.

If cloud computing applications are what you think will be suitable for you, do connect with Consagous Technologies, a leading name for quality cloud service providers. If the company’s experience is anything to go by, they know their way around with professionalism.