Hosting is a duet of software and hardware platforms on which applications and websites run.
The easiest way to understand how hosting for mobile apps works is to visualize a computer (called a server) containing all the files of an application, which makes any app and the information in it accessible to the users and developers 24/7.
Programmers write the code, create databases, connect all the necessary components, and then upload them to a server. Thereafter, the app becomes available to everyone to access via a web browser or install.
Types of Hosting Servers
Shared Hosting – In Shared Hosting, you share a server with multiple users, and you do not have root access to the server. It is an inexpensive and easy to use hosting option.
Dedicated Hosting – In Dedicated Hosting, you can have complete control over what and when you want to do, thanks to one physical machine that is entirely at your disposal. You also have root access to the server.
VPS Hosting – Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting operates and performs in a way similar to Dedicated Hosting server, except it is partitioned into various ‘virtual’ servers. It offers flexibility and security, full control over the hosting environment (including root access) and independence from your neighbors.
Cloud Hosting – A cloud server is a centralized server resource hosted and delivered over a network (typically the internet) and can be accessed on demand by multiple users. Cloud servers can perform all the functions that traditional physical servers (like Shared and Dedicated Hosting servers) do, delivering storage, applications, and processing power.
Cloud servers can be located anywhere across the world and deliver services remotely using a cloud computing environment. It offers a range of benefits like scalability & flexibility, high uptime, cost efficiency and more.
In the succeeding section, we’ll discuss the reasons you should opt for cloud mobile app hosting.
Reasons to choose Cloud Hosting for mobile app development
1. Improved performance
Cloud-based mobile app hosting is usually preferred over traditional hosting when it comes to speed, connectivity, and server uptimes – especially during peak timeframes.
Moreover, as the servers powering cloud-based hosting are spread across the globe, the speed and responsiveness of the cloud far exceed a traditional server’s performance in a single location. This is crucial for mobile apps, as smartphone users tend to be in search of instant gratification.
2. Scalability
The cloud-based hosting allows a unique degree of scalability. The advantages of Cloud Hosting apply to most apps including –
- Small and simple apps, perhaps with just a few users in a focused region
- Massive data-hungry apps with hundreds or thousands of users across the globe
Scaling on the cloud is cost-effective as well as simple.
3. Offers multi-tenancy capabilities
‘Multi-tenancy’ refers to the ability of a server to support multiple users or clients at a given time. Every tablet, smartphone or any other device is considered a client, and the central server is responsible for providing data for these users simultaneously. Sometimes, this service tends to slow to a crawl if you add too many clients.
Therefore, mobile apps need a server with multi-tenancy capabilities. If the equipment and software of a data center are not optimized in this way, you will use more server nodes and other resources as your server makes efforts to keep pace with the demand. You would have to incur a high cost if you were to acquire software and hardware that could keep pace with modern cloud servers. Therefore, the situation has the potential for high operational costs and poor app performance, specifically when your user base expands.
Herein, cloud servers have an edge and prove to be advantageous as they are created with multi-tenancy in mind, allowing you to benefit from fast, efficient technology that can meet the needs of users without ever seeing a dip in speed or quality.
4. Security
When the data is stored in the cloud, multiple copies of that information are available. Therefore, there are fewer chances that your data will be lost in case of any hardware dysfunction. Additionally, multiple security measures are implied for keeping the data protected against malware attacks and threats.
Conclusion
Entrepreneurs and mobile app developers searching for alternatives for app development can opt for cloud-based hosting. It offers the unique benefits mentioned above, main ones being safety and cost-effectiveness factors.
Cloud capabilities help in streamlining the application development process, and dramatically reduce the time taken.
We hope this article was insightful for you.
