By definition, a web-based application refers to a computer program that relies on and uses browsers to perform tasks over the Internet. In contrast, a cloud-based application refers to a software program that uses the Internet and local components of remote private dedicated servers to process information through active and continuous Internet connectivity.
Differences between web-based and cloud applications
According to fans of IT and ERP implementation, the significant differences between a web-based and a cloud-based application lie in their infrastructures, examples, benefits, and their pressing needs considering the demands for IT resources and services of their company. As such, below are the critical differences between the two apps to keep in mind:
The components of a web-based application include web browsers, an application server, and a database server. In contrast, the architecture of a cloud-based application is made up of network equipment, data storage, and server elements. Similarly, while the components of a cloud-based application work together to transfer and deliver computing services and resources to users around the world, the features of a web-based application interact to promote performance, security and application resilience.
Furthermore, a web-based application requires continuous active Internet connectivity to function, while a cloud-based application only needs functional Internet connectivity when uploading or downloading data. Also, while a web-based application operates entirely over the Internet, a cloud-based application processes information from a local computer or workstation.
While using a cloud-based application, expect to use three models, each designed with unique sets of uses. They include Software as a Service {SaaS}, Infrastructure as a Service {IaaS}, and Platform as a Service {PaaS}. Similarly, cloud-based application types include private, public, hybrid, and community applications. On the other hand, the web-based applications you can use are a single web server with a single database and multiple web servers with a single database. Web servers with single databases are mostly known as stateless web application models. Also, the different types of web-based applications comprise single page applications, microservices, and serverless types.
Unlike other apps like desktop apps, web-based apps give you incredible benefits like the ability to customize them based on your device features, easy to access across your customers’ or users’ devices , and greater productivity, flexibility and business scalability. Common types of web-based applications include:
Commonly known as SPAs, single page applications are essential, especially if you are interested in applications that help you avoid interruptions when users use them. They are ideal for avoiding user interruptions because they are programmed to avoid the need to load new pages every time users perform recent actions. They usually display freshly updated content on new user pages without the need to reload the pages. There are the best options for interactive user experiences, especially if you love showing off your company’s services and products; customers can load and reload quickly without having to reload their pages back and forth.
With these applications, you will use a web application established, hosted and run by a third party; therefore, you will not need server software or hardware to operate or benefit from them. Primarily, your IT service provider or developer is responsible for the entire infrastructure of the web application that outsources the information from the database to your device workstation. Serverless web applications are ideal if you are interested in developing applications without working directly with the server hardware or software that runs the applications.
If you’re fascinated with building apps, you can break them down into smaller, more digestible web components; Microservices web applications are great considerations for you. They are small, independent scripted web components that work together to run an application. They are ideal, especially if you are looking for high-speed data processing without dependent applications.
Types of cloud-based applications
Cloud-based applications are essential if you consider that they will help you reduce IT costs, especially for moving and managing systems in the cloud when using provider and reseller services, and improve your business and customer collaborations. Some of the common types of cloud-based applications include:
Private cloud-based applications are those that you program and use for personal needs, such as operating them for your individual organization. They are usually designed and set with restrictions, such as regulated authorization standards. When private cloud-based applications are used, authorized persons with access passwords and other requirements can access and use them by storing, transferring, and sharing data.
Used by large companies like Amazon, public cloud-based apps are programmed and configured to be used by the public. Customers, for example, can share and transfer data through the multiple spaces available. They are suitable especially for higher scalability, mainly when it comes to software or collaborative tasks.
Whether you’re fascinated with developing or using cloud or web-based applications, make sure you clearly understand their features, benefits, and differences to help you select the one that best suits your needs.
Also Read: Traditional Web Hosting vs. Cloud Computing
Categories: Technology
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
