Navigating Cloud Software Development: Best Practices

With so many programs, systems, and applications present in our daily lives, it is sometimes difficult to disagree with those who say that everything — including human beings — runs on software these days. The network of dependencies in which software decides how our future will unfold is immense. Not to mention the fact that every new line of code can bring new business opportunities.

Therefore, the development of software, which involves using various programming languages and frameworks, is an ever-evolving and key discipline in our rapidly advancing technological world. 

And so, the question many IT and business professionals ask themselves today is not whether they should produce more software, but how they should produce it so that the process of making it is more effective.

What is cloud software development?

Imagine a team of skilled architects building a digital city. The “city” they designed is to be made up of a wide range of components, including servers, databases and applications — all of which must be interconnected. The goal of the architects is, therefore, to construct this virtual place in such a way that it is stable, secure and capable of meeting the demands of its inhabitants.

The previous paragraph is a poetic, but close-to-the-truth, metaphor that explains what cloud software development is. If we were to describe it more conventionally, however, we would say that cloud software development is the process of creating and deploying software applications and services using cloud computing technology. 

In other words, it is a technique that allows for the use of remote servers and storage to build, host, and manage software. It empowers businesses to harness the vast potential of cloud computing, by providing them with the tools to create innovative, agile, and scalable solutions that meet the demands of the digital era.

Read more: Cloud calling

Why use the cloud for software development?

That last sentence partly explains why businesses could and should use cloud environments for developing software, but there are other reasons that solidify the appeal of cloud consulting services. These include cost-effectiveness, resource scalability, global accessibility, improved collaboration and the ability to focus on core competencies while fostering innovation and ensuring a competitive edge in an ever-evolving business landscape.

This is to say that embracing cloud technology is not just a choice — it is a transformative step that businesses need to make toward becoming more agile, relevant and future-proof.

As wonderful as all of this sounds, however, there are some downsides to adopting this approach.

Read also: What is Cloud Computing Testing?

​​​​The advantages and disadvantages of cloud software development

Before you step into the world of cloud software development, there are a few things you should know about it. While this process has many benefits, it also has a few disadvantages. It’s important that you have the full picture of the situation. So, let’s start by discussing the positive aspects of developing software in the cloud. Here are the pros:

• Scalability: One of the primary benefits of cloud-based development is the ability to scale resources as needed. Cloud platforms enable developers to effortlessly adjust computing power, storage, and other IT resources to meet various project demands and make sure that developed applications will handle work as expected.
• Cost-efficiency: Cloud development eliminates the need for making any significant upfront infrastructure investments. By adopting a pay-as-you-go model, businesses only pay for the resources they actually use. This approach can be particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses with limited budgets.
• Automatic updates and maintenance: When you go cloud, you don’t need to worry about the condition of your IT infrastructure. That is because cloud service providers take care of software updates and the cloud’s maintenance themselves, making sure that everything runs on the latest versions and includes updated security patches.
• Accessibility: Cloud-based applications can be accessed from any device connected to the Internet. Not only does this flexibility enable businesses to reach a broader audience and increase user engagement, but also helps businesses be more flexible. How? For example, they can work on their software from any place in the world at any given moment. That’s convenience at its best.

Despite these advantages, there are some risks connected to creating software in the cloud. Don’t assume the worst though, as many of the problems discussed below can be solved by approaching the project in the right way and carefully checking every element of your cloud environment. So, here are the cons:

• Security concerns: Storing sensitive data on remote servers always raises security concerns among business professionals. While reputable cloud providers implement robust security measures, there is always a potential risk of data breaches or unauthorized access. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a business finds a cloud provider that uses cloud security standards to protect the solutions they offer.
• Internet dependency: As you can easily guess, cloud-based software development is dependent on your internet connection. Therefore, any interruptions or slowdowns in service can jeopardize your productivity and development processes.
• Vendor lock-in: Switching cloud providers or bringing applications back in-house can be challenging due to vendor-specific technologies and data formats. Thus, vendor lock-in may limit your flexibility and hinder cost-saving opportunities in the long run.

Read also: How does cloud data warehouse work 

Web-based apps vs. cloud-based apps

The distinction between web-based apps and cloud-based apps has become a topic of interest for IT and business professionals alike in recent years. Why? Well, many of them are intrigued by the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option, and how they can impact their companies’ operations. Therefore, it’s beneficial to know the differences.

Web-based apps are applications that run directly through web browsers, which means they are accessible from any device with an internet connection. These apps reside on remote servers and are accessed through URLs, so they do not require installation or regular updates on individual devices. 

Cloud-based apps, on the other hand, represent a more comprehensive approach in which applications – and their data – are hosted on remote servers which can be accessed not only through web browsers but also via dedicated platforms and applications. 

In other words, although they share similarities with web-based apps in terms of accessibility from various devices, cloud-based apps often extend their reach beyond web browsers and allow for native integration with specific operating systems or platforms. So, if you want your application to be accessed outside of a web browser, you need to create a cloud application.

Read more: Enterprise cloud

Final words

Cloud engineering is a viable option for businesses that are looking for enhanced scalability, cost-efficiency, and seamless collaboration in their software development processes. Although for some it may be a novelty, this way of creating software should be considered an industry standard. Therefore, no company should be afraid of this solution, on the contrary — each and every one should consider it, because it may turn out that it will be a game-changer for their productivity. 

If you want to know more about cloud software development, contact us so that we can help you determine the cloud approach that would be beneficial for your business.