Web Based Vs Cloud Based Apps: Complete Comparison 

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:

• Very fast load time
• Highly secure
• Less complex to build

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:

• Wider audience reach
• Scalable in comparison to static web apps
• Very flexible in terms of a new content update

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:

• Enhanced user experience
• Minimized server load
• Improved app performance

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:

• Ideal for SEO
• Quick browser back or forward navigation
• Simple to develop

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

• Improved User Engagement
• Enhanced Navigation
• Excellent Branding

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:

• Quick content creation & management
• Efficient & quick updates
• A vast range of features

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:

• Scale business quickly
• Offers customer insights through tracking & analytics
• Sell goods across the world

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:

• Fast loading time
• No installation required
• Quickly respond to user interactions
• Enhanced cross-platform conversion

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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:

• Easily accessible through any kind of web browser
• Runs on multiple platforms that make it cross-platform compatible
• Minimizes the risk of compatibility issues
• Requires less maintenance & support from the developer’s end
• Helps to ease usability for the customers
• Effectively eliminates hard drive space limitations
• Apps can be maintained & updated without software reinstallation on several devices
• Offers high scalability and flexibility
• Simple to deploy, maintain, and update
• The cost of routine maintenance is minimized as the data is stored on remote servers

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:

• Agile application
• Microservices-oriented
• API-backed
• Continuously integrated & delivered
• DevOps-enabled
• Analytics-infused
• User experience-centric

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:

• Minimal service provider interaction & management effort
• Provides large computing capabilities, online & offline
• Provides access to information from any device or place
• Offers fast access to important applications through cloud servers
• The performance of the availability of cloud apps enhances profitability & streamlines workflows
• Serves multiple consumers with virtual and physical needs
• Provides high transparency to resource providers & consumers
• Offers improved collaboration options

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.

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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:

1. Reduced speed
2. Less secure
3. Restricted functionality
4. Website dependency
5. Limited browsing technologies

What are the benefits of cloud-based?

The key benefits of cloud-based applications are

• Improved collaboration options
• Excellent data security
• Cost-effective method
• High reliability & scalability
• Automatic software updates

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

1. File storage: It allows you to store all kinds of information & data in the cloud, including emails and files.
2. File sharing: Cloud computing makes it easier to share any file with multiple users at the same time
3. Data backup: Cloud allows you to protect your data & files if your system is lost, damaged, or stolen