Creating cloud applications could help improve a project’s scalability, flexibility, cost savings, and data security
If you’ve been thinking about developing a cloud application, now is the time. Cloud apps can help streamline workflows, scale operations, improve data security, and even save money. With the right cloud application platform, developing one can be a simple, intuitive, and straightforward process.
There are dozens of cloud application development platforms out there, all with different features, software integrations, security protocols, pricing structures, and support services. Each cloud app development platform has distinct strengths and weaknesses, depending on what type of company needs the app, what kind of program you want to develop, and how much external support you’ll need.
We’ve researched a variety of cloud app development platforms, and presented five of the best options here. To pick the perfect platform, you should go in with a clear idea of what the app will do, how many people will need to use it, and how much you’re willing to pay for it.
What Is a Cloud Application Platform?
A cloud application platform is any online service that can help develop, host, or support a cloud-based program. Since “cloud app” does not have a single, binding definition, a cloud app development platform could include — or exclude — any number of features. Some platforms are comprehensive, letting developers create, host, scale, and refine their apps from start to finish. Others are more piecemeal, letting developers pick and choose the exact tools they need for the job. The best platform for your app will depend on the development team’s expertise, budget, audience, and overall goals for the product.
The 4 Best Cloud Application Development Platforms
#1: DuploCloud
DuploCloud provides a DevOps-as-a-Service platform, which can streamline workflows, ensure compliance, improve security, and ultimately reduce the time required for deployments. It’s not a traditional cloud application platform, as the service focuses on infrastructure automation and orchestration rather than app creation.
However, DuploCloud offers seamless integration with AWS, Azure, and Google, as well as full cloud migration support. The service also ensures compliance with security and privacy protocols, from SOC 2 to GDPR. With all of these options at their disposal, developers can create, deploy, and modify any app they choose to create, anywhere they can find a stable internet connection.
By default, DuploCloud costs between $3,000 and $6,500 per month.
DuploCloud also has a proven track record of helping companies adapt their applications for cloud environments. Consider the case of ProgramWorks, a business software development company. With DulploCloud’s help, ProgramWorks transitioned both its internal and client-facing programs onto the cloud, which helped streamline daily operations, modernize backup procedures, and improve data security.
#2: AWS Cloud Computing Services
Amazon Web Services is one of the power players in the cloud computing space. As such, it’s no surprise that the company offers its own cloud application development platform. AWS Cloud Computing Services is not a single software suite, but rather a complex web of interrelated tools.
With AWS, you could build an app from scratch, or use artificial intelligence and machine learning to help generate code. You could create a fintech database, a file storage solution, or a video game. However, the platform’s flexibility can be a double-edged sword. With more than 300 tools and dozens of software integrations to choose from, knowing where to start — and how to grow over time — can be confusing. Similarly, data security often comes down to which services you choose to integrate.
AWS’s pricing is also highly dependent on what you need to build. Some AWS tools are free; some charge subscription fees; some use pay-as-you-go models with adaptive pricing. Building a cloud app with AWS gives your developers a lot of freedom, but also requires a lot of research.
#3: Google Cloud
Whether you browse the web with Google Chrome or create documents with Google Workspace, there’s a good chance that Google is already part of your day-to-day operations. With Google Cloud, you can leverage the search giant’s resources to build and host cloud applications.
Google Cloud touts its scalability and software integrations — particularly its involvement in open-source projects like Kubernetes and TensorFlow. The platform serves a variety of industries, from retail, to media, to healthcare, to government offices. At present, Google Cloud is also touting the benefits of AI in app development, and offers access to AI-powered virtual agents, code generation, and security evaluations.
Because Google Cloud offers so many different tools at so many different scales, there’s no predetermined price range for the platform. Basic services for a small audience could cost less than $100 per month; a whole suite of services for a large audience could cost multiple thousands per month. You can start with a free trial that gives you $300 in credit toward pre-built solutions, though.
#4: Microsoft Azure
One of the most prominent names in the corporate cloud computing space, Microsoft Azure offers more than 40 solutions for web-based businesses. From cloud app development platforms, to live-service video games, to Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, Azure is a versatile service that’s well-suited to many different kinds of programs. At present, Azure is also making a big push into AI functionality, offering AI tools that can streamline app development, enhance search functionality, and refine machine learning projects.
Azure boasts more than 200 types of tools, including Azure Kubernetes Service, Microsoft Playwright Testing, and VPN Gateway. The service also offers many security options, from firewalls, to DDoS protection, to a cloud version of Microsoft Defender. These options give teams the flexibility they need to develop and maintain almost any kind of app, without having to build every piece from scratch. However, navigating Azure can be complex — as can figuring out its price structure.
Each one of Azure’s tools has a different baseline price, and that price can go up or down depending on the scale of your operation. Creating an AI chatbot for a few dozen users may be free; creating a data storage app for thousands of users could cost tens of thousands of dollars per month.
Create Your Cloud Application with DuploCloud
If you’re looking for a cloud application platform that could automate your DevOps workflows, accelerate your time-to-market, and cut your operating costs by up to 75%, then DuploCloud can help. Our low-code/no-code DevOps automation platform offers comprehensive cloud migration services, as well as full integration with AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure. DuploCloud can assist in scaling your software over time, ensuring smooth deployments, and strengthening security protocols. Get in touch with us to request a demo today.
