final thought
they need to allow for a rapid
increase in popularity if it takes off.
Connectivity
‘Reliable
and fast
connectivity
is a vital
factor to
consider
when
choosing
where to
host an App.’
Reliable and fast connectivity is
a vital factor to consider when
choosing where to host an App.
Nothing is worse than spending
time on content that can’t be
delivered to users due to sluggish
connections. Rapid connectivity is
also essential in order keep Apps
continuously updated, whether
that be with security patches or
new functionality. If Apps aren’t
running efficiently or kept up to
date, this can seriously impact
on the user rating. By making
connectivity a priority, this will help
the App run smoothly and reduce
the chance of downtime.
Scalability
So, the App is live. Developers
have spent months preparing
it for use. It is innovative and
promises to change the lives of
its users. But what if the server
goes down as a result of a lack
of storage capacity? A common
mistake is failing to recognise the
importance of having a scalable
hosting solution. The success of an
App is often unpredictable, and if
there is an unanticipated explosion
of downloads, developers don’t
want to be left scrambling for more
storage space. A successful App
needs to be able to grow with its
end users, without impacting the
overall user experience.
household name. But there’s a lot
to consider when creating an App.
Besides the functionality – whether
they are looking to disrupt the
way an entire industry works or
simply provide entertainment – it’s
important that developers consider
which technology and data storage
Security
Most Apps will store some sort
of user data – whether that be
sensitive financial information,
health data or simple details such
as users’ email addresses or their
whereabouts – and this can be very
dangerous in the wrong hands. We
have seen both Uber and Deliveroo
fall victim of a cyber attack in
recent years and so developers
need to be aware that their App
may be seen as a valuable target.
Security is therefore crucial, and
the importance of this increases
together with the number of users
and the amount of data that is
handled and stored.
From physical to cyber threats,
App developers need to be
aware of who has access to this
information. The consequences
of a data breach attack are
well documented and can be
catastrophic. Not only would
this scenario significantly impact
reputation, the investigation into
what happened and resolving the
issue can dramatically impact a
company’s bottom line. This is why
security needs to be a priority when
developing and hosting an App.
Migration
Some Apps may start off being
hosted from one server and
need to move elsewhere as they
evolve and collect more data. At
this stage, it is vital that the App
transition is managed properly by
a specialist. This will ensure there
is no downtime experienced by the
users and keep the developers safe
in the knowledge that their App
and important data is secure at all
times. It’s not worth risking it.
Ensuring these areas are
considered when developing
and hosting an App is vital, since
connectivity, scalability and
security are all key components
for success. For those looking to
host their App with an external
provider, these are the areas
that should be considered when
deciding who to go with. Of course,
getting the foundations right
can’t guarantee success, but it can
certainly provide a platform from
which to build and grow.
May 2017 | 49