Web Based Vs Cloud Based Apps: Complete ComparisonPosted by Sphinx Solution on May 17th, 2023 ![]() In today’s tech sphere, web-based and cloud-based applications both are used interchangeably.While both applications are great & share a number of similarities, there are certain differences when it comes to back-end infrastructure, integration, customization, and other app development services. Technically, web apps, as the name suggests, are applications hosted on remote servers & accessible through web browsers. On the other hand, cloud-based apps are web applications that come with advanced functionalities & elaborate compatibility. Web & cloud applications both are leading the race for market demands. While they are quite similar, they differ a lot in many aspects. This blog will describe the differences between web based vs cloud based apps in terms of back–end infrastructure, scalability, and technical point of view. What Is a Web Application? A web-based app is an application designed and developed for the web browser. Unlike cloud-based applications, the web app completely depends on the web server for functionality & processing. This application program is mainly stored on the remote server & delivered through a web browser interface over the internet. According to web app development company, web apps have client-server architecture & their codes are divided into 2 major components – server-side architecture & client-side architecture. Server-side architecture: The server-side architecture or script usually deals with data processing. The web server can process a client request & send a response back. This web app architecture defines a simultaneous interaction between database instances, components, user interfaces, middleware systems, and servers. Client-side architecture: The client-side architecture mainly deals with interface functionalities such as drop-down boxes and buttons. When a user clicks on the link, the browser will start loading the client-side script & rendering a text and graphic element for interaction. Types of Web Apps Nowadays, many businesses are already adopting various kinds of web-based applications because of their several advantages, features, and functionalities. 8 most popular types of web apps include: 1. Static Web Apps Static web applications aren’t flexible & are simply designed through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These applications deliver content directly to the users without fetching any server-side alteration. Static web apps are simple and easy to develop. Key benefits of these apps include:
2. Dynamic Web Apps This is a complex type that provides real-time data based on the server response and the user’s request. Dynamic web apps can be developed either as a conventional website with several pages and levels of navigation or as a single-page web application. They use several server-side and client-side languages to create web pages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP, Ruby, etc. Key benefits of dynamic web apps include:
3. Single Page Apps A single page web app entirely runs on the browser & never requires browser reloading. This is actually a dynamic web app that manages all data on a single HTML page. This type of web app is faster than traditional websites as its logic is implemented in the browser directly than a server. Gmail, Netflix, Pinterest & Paypal are the best examples of single page applications. Key benefits include:
4. Multiple-Page Apps Multiple page apps are designed multiple pages separately and combined to form a website. They have different pages with static information like texts & images. Web app development companies recommend using multiple-page apps as they offer excellent control over search engine optimization techniques. Major benefits of Multiple page apps include:
5. Animated Web Apps This is a type of web application that effectively supports synchronization & animation on the web platform. These applications are widely used by freelancers and creative companies to present their creativity better. Technically, JavaScript, HTML5, FLASH, and CSS are used to create animated web applications. Key benefits of AWAs include
6. Web Apps with CMS In this web application, content is updated constantly. It helps to manage, modify and create digital content with ease. WordPress is one of the best examples of CMS web applications. A variety of languages are used to create content management systems such as C#, PHP, Java, and Python. Key advantages of CMS web apps include:
7. E-commerce Web Apps It’s a complicated and advanced dynamic web application that allows users to buy & sell goods electronically. E-commerce web apps have two major components such as transaction integration and payment integration. They also help businesses accept payments, process orders, and manage logistics & shipping. Key benefits of these web apps include:
8. Progressive Web Apps Progressive web apps or PWAs are also called cross-platform web apps usually built with HTML, CSS, & JavaScript. PWAs use different features, APIs, and progressive methods to deliver a seamless experience. Progressive web apps boost the adaptability and speed of web applications. These apps are still easy to access if internet connectivity is poor. Key benefits of progressive web apps include:
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Key Benefits of Web Apps Web apps enable businesses to interact with their customers more efficiently. These applications can make it easy to track & measure data that are essential to keep business operations streamlined. Key advantages of web apps include:
What is a Cloud Based App? These apps are online software programs with elements accessible via a local server and executed on the cloud environment. As internet-based software, cloud applications are stored in the remote data center & handled by cloud-service providers. These apps are used for file sharing & storage, order entry, word processing, inventory management, financial accounting, customer relationship management, data collection, etc. According to the report, the global market size of cloud apps is projected to reach approx 168.6 billion USD by 2025. Cloud apps usually support several user requirements through customization and provide several services to meet storage, backup & security needs. Some major characteristics of cloud apps include:
Types of Cloud-based Applications Cloud apps are divided into three major cloud computing models – SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. Each model also shows several parts of cloud computing stacks. Take a closer look at these types: 1. SaaS or Software as a Service SaaS is one of the best cloud apps that enable users to easily access full-functioning software applications over the internet. These cloud applications are primarily designed for freelance services, large enterprises & SMBs. Some of the best examples of SaaS applications are HubSpot CRM, Wrike, MS Office 365, Sisense, Wix, etc. 2. PaaS or Platform as a Service PaaS provides users with the infrastructure, computing platforms, and solutions to build their own applications. Platform as a Service is ideal for businesses that mainly engage in collaboration, testing, and development of cloud solutions. PaaS applications have a deployment environment including run-time system libraries, operating systems, and graphic UI. Some of the best examples of PaaS apps are Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure, Rackspace Cloud Sites, etc. 3. IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service IaaS consists of basic building blocks that offer access to networking functionalities, features & data storage space. It enables users to outsource IT infrastructures like servers, processing, virtual machines, storage, networking & other resources. IaaS applications also offer a good level of management control and flexibility over IT resources. Some of the best examples of IaaS apps are Amazon WorkSpaces, IBM Cloud, Google Cloud, etc. Benefits of Cloud Apps Cloud-based apps boost productivity, accessibility, security, and data safety. They help businesses make the process of collaboration more effective and easier. Key benefits of cloud applications include:
Web Apps Vs Cloud Apps – Key Differences Web apps and cloud apps both come with a wide range of functionalities & have noticeable distinctions. Web-based applications usually are accessible via web browsers, whereas cloud app’s infrastructure and data aren’t only accessible through the web browser but also downloadable. So, all cloud apps are web apps with additional features. Other differences between web and cloud apps are listed below.
Are You In Search of The Best App Development Company? With top-notch development services, we develop the best software applications that meet your needs. Final Words Web apps and cloud apps both are continuing to deliver users as the most crucial touch point. Since they are packed with similarities and dissimilarities in terms of software architecture, storage, and other aspects, selecting the right application always depends on customer preferences, business needs, and operations. Are you planning to build a custom web application or looking for web app development services? Get in touch with our experts for complete assistance. FAQ’s Why is cloud-based better than web-based? Cloud apps offer higher reliability and flexibility than web-based applications. They are also used for increased efficiency and performance. Cloud-based apps help businesses incorporate AI/ML use cases into their business strategies. Moreover, cloud apps never require huge storage space and it offers offline functionality with a rich user experience. What are cloud-based web services? Cloud services are software, infrastructure, or platforms that can be hosted through third-party providers. They are designed & developed to offer affordable and easy access to resources & applications to users. Cloud-based solutions facilitate user data flow from the front end through the internet. What is the disadvantage of web-based apps? Some of the major disadvantages or weaknesses of web-based apps include:
What are the benefits of cloud-based? The key benefits of cloud-based applications are
What is the advantage of cloud applications over web applications? Cloud applications allow users to store their data in the cloud which facilitates data backup with high security. Since these apps run on cloud infrastructure, they can consume very less space. Moreover, as compared to web applications, cloud-based apps are more scalable, flexible, and robust. What are the 3 common reasons to use the cloud? 3 most common reasons to use the cloud include
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