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.Just as Zenyum tailors orthodontic solutions for individual smiles, understanding these differences is vital for businesses seeking the most fitting digital solutions for their unique needs.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the distinction between web-based and cloud-based applications becomes crucial. When comparing these two approaches in terms of backend infrastructure, web-based applications typically rely on local servers, while cloud-based applications harness the power of remote servers, enhancing accessibility and flexibility. Moreover, from a scalability perspective, cloud based web applications hold the advantage, as they can easily adapt to fluctuating workloads and offer seamless expansion options. This blog delves deeper into these distinctions, shedding light on the technical nuances that define the web-based vs. cloud-based application paradigm.

What Is a Web Application?

A web-based app is an application designed and developed for the web browser. Unlike cloud based application development, 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 a 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, constructed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, lack the flexibility of dynamic counterparts. These web based services provide content directly to users without requiring server-side modifications, resulting in simplicity and straightforward development. 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 based 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. These web based services encompass transaction and payment integration as key components, facilitating seamless order processing, payment acceptance, and logistical management for businesses involved in online commerce. 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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Type	Widely Used In	Advantages
Dynamic web apps	Social media	Directly manage websites to update & change the information
Static web apps	Book publishing sectors	Works in offline mode
Single page apps	Email service	Allows navigation & optimized routing experience
Multiple page apps	E-commerce sectors	Enables optimizing every page for the search engine
Animated web apps	Animation	Hold user attention for a very long time due to its attractive approach & unique design
Web apps with CMS	Blogging platforms	Easily organizes the web content Offers group & user functionality
E-commerce web apps	E-commerce sectors	Allows sellers to sell products using a single platform
Progressive Web Apps	On-demand	Responsive & Browser Compatibility Works in online & offline mode

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

Web based applications in cloud computing 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.

Parameters	Cloud apps	Web apps
Internet	Work partially or entirely without the internet connectivity	Work with the internet only
Security	Ensures high security measures for sensitive & confidential information	It can verify client info on authentic servers
Technology	It needs a back–end framework & a JavaScript-based structure like React Js, Angular, etc	It has inbuilt languages such as PHP, Python & Ruby, and databases like MySQL.
Access	It’s not dependent on the web browser	Accessed via the web browser only
Customization	Customization features improve functionalities.	Never provides customization and similar functionalities
Costs	Expensive as compared to web apps	Development cost is less than cloud apps
Types	SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, RaaS	Static web apps, dynamic web apps portal web apps, etc
Scalability	Inherently scalable	Limited scalability
Availability	High uptime	Limited uptime
Storage	Multiple replicated center	Single data center

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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.