Cloud-native apps vs cloud-based applicationsyes, theres a difference – ETCIO

By Anurag Sinha

Cloud has been a game-changer in the digital world, creating an entirely new dimension for business operations and collaboration. By eliminating the scalability, flexibility, and access limitations of on-premises systems, cloud allows computing services to be delivered anytime, anywhere, and to any device. Although Cloud has been a global phenomenon for a while now, there are terms that end up being used interchangeably despite being extremely dissimilar. Two frequently misinterpreted terms are "cloud-native" and "cloud-based" applications. So, what are these applications? How do they work? And what makes them different?

What is a cloud-native app?

Designed from the ground up to operate in the cloud, these apps enable seamless accessibility and scalability and allow developers to deliver new features and services quickly and easily. Because these apps are built specifically for the cloud, they are developed with a mindset that is focused on failure, flexibility, and resilience.

Designed to take full advantage of the intrinsic characteristics of cloud technology, the cloud-native apps are usually built using a microservices architecture, which makes it easy for changes to be made to specific modules without causing performance issues or downtime of the entire application.

Key attributes of cloud-native apps include:

Key attributes of cloud-based applications include:

Lets look at key aspects that make them different:

Cloud applications, whether cloud-native or cloud-based, benefit from the core advantages of cloud computing. What makes them different is the underlying design: while cloud-native apps are developed especially to run in the Cloud; cloud-based applications are traditional applications that have been appropriately adapted for operation in the Cloud.

Although cloud-native applications are extremely sought-after in todays highly volatile era, what makes cloud-based applications a great option for organizations that already have a robust application in place but still want to make the most of Cloud characteristics without completely redesigning them for the cloud.

While neither of the two types of cloud apps is better than the other, what you choose depends entirely on your organizations goals and situation. Since every organizations cloud journey is different, clearly defining your goals and objectives, determining your requirements, creating POCs and roadmaps, and getting expert guidance are recommended to evaluate which model makes more sense for your business.

Irrespective of what type of apps you choose for your business, be aware that switching to a cloud app is bound to result in reduced costs, higher scalability, availability, and performance.

The author is Co-Founder & Managing Director, Wissen Technology

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Cloud-native apps vs cloud-based applicationsyes, theres a difference - ETCIO