A Guide to Mobile App Backend Development and the Available Options

A Guide to Mobile App Backend Development and the Available Options 

A mobile application is not capable on its own to execute great functions in the absence of a backend no matter how appealing or attractive the app’s UI is. If there is no strong backend, then an application is not able to process data,  offer security, or engage with users in real time. Therefore, if you want your business app to perform dynamic functions you need to comprehend what goes inside a mobile app backend development process and how you may invest in it.

This article will delve into how backend development for a mobile app works in detail, and what options you have to build a strong backend to support your business application.

Mobile App Backend: What All It Incorporates?

In basic terms, backend development is behind the scene setup of a mobile app development project. An app’s backend has three components – servers, middleware, and databases that can be accessed via the internet using an Application Programming Interface. (API)

The mobile app backend is responsible to take care of the following functions:

• Data storage and processing
• Data sharing and synchronization across platforms
• App’s business logic maintenance
• Content and media updates in real-time

The mobile app backend is the place where all the major actions occur. Though a user never witnesses the backend of a mobile app, all the functions that the app’s front end carries through are fueled by the backend. 

Let us have a look at the basic components below.

Web Servers

Whether your app is on-site or in the cloud, it will still need a server to act upon. It listens to the requests of the users and provides resources that the entire network needs to function. These resources consist of databases, file storage, web services, security, and encryption. 

Generally, servers are the complete package of the related programs to download requests for FTP, and establish and publish web pages. What kind of server you need for your mobile application depends on your business type and needs. 

For instance, a shared cloud server will be suitable for you in case you want to launch a small-scale solution. But to develop a highly scalable and global solution, you need a dedicated physical server to assure zero downtime and top-notch performance.

Database

The database is an imperative component of a mobile app that acts to make it dynamic. Whenever an app user requests the front end, the database accepts that query, fetches the data, processes the query, and delivers it back to the user. 

Middleware

Middleware works over the function on the server and establishes a connection between an app’s backend and its front end. It simplifies the connectivity between the server and client and it can be tackled in various layers – both presentation and business layers. 

Middleware permits cloud apps and on-premise applications to connect and offer services such as data integration and error handling. A reliable middleware is capable of ameliorating user engagement, process management, content management, authentication, etc. 

Let us now consider what options are available to you to invest in mobile application backend development. 

Alternatives That You have in Backend Development

A backend can be developed in three ways – using a third-party SASS provider, MBaaS solution or you can even go for custom backend development. You can choose any of these options depending on your scalability needs and business goals. 

Cost-Saving Options

As opposed to the general conception, mobile app development is not expensive. All you need is to search for an option that fulfils your business needs and saves you some amount of money. Two types of common mobile app backends are third-party services or SAAS and MBaas. These options are used commonly by companies.  

Third-Party Services or SAAS

SAAS are third-party service providers that provide off-the-shelf backend solutions for front-end apps. Being an app owner, you are required to pay to register and buy a subscription and you are all set to use the backend right away. 

Below-mentioned business types can use such services:

• Online Shopping Apps

If in pursuit of building an online shop then third-party backend services are quite suitable for your needs. There is no need to develop a custom backend from the beginning. 

Take the example of Shopify. It’s a platform that offers off-the-shelf backed-up solutions for your app. In addition, it also facilitates processes such as payments, shipments, and updating content or products. 

• Weather Apps

To have a weather app, you can develop a frontend and it can get data from an already existing service such as OpenWeatherMap. You are required to pay a monthly subscription fee to avail of the services but there will be no obstacles in your way. 

• Content-Based Apps

For a content-based app, you can opt for a Headless Content Management Service like Contentful. It has a simple process like that of creating a Facebook account. The frontend application can receive the content via API.  

2. MBaaS (Mobile Backend as a Service)

Though third-party backend solutions are enough in themselves to make apps. However, if you think your app’s functionality is much more demanding then consider the MBaaS option before you make up your mind about a custom backend. MBaaS solutions are well-suited for apps that require proper authentication and authorization, store customer data, etc. 

It’s a far more flexible option than SaaS and offers you refined scalability and customizability. You get a basic structure that you can customize as per your business needs. 

Here are the types of apps for which you can use MBaaS:

• Messaging or Real-Time Applications

To develop a messaging app like Whatsapp, the process is quite lengthy and tedious, so you should better ease your tasks with the help of a proficient server-side service. MBaaS solutions are adept at offering server storage, RESTful APIs, and messaging protocols that are indispensable for a messaging application. 

• Gaming Application

Gaming apps can be launched without having the need to invest in developing your backend with an efficient MBaaS platform. Various MBaaS solutions can be used for game apps, the best one is AWS. 

• On-Demand or Mobile Commerce Apps

Today, there is a huge popularity of apps like Zomato, Uber, and Lyft. However, it is not feasible to create a custom backend for every app idea. You can opt for an MBaaS platform such as Firebase to make your task easy. 

Many big brands like Alibaba and Lyft are prominent clients of Firebase as the solutions have a backup of Google and have some great functionalities. It’s a perfect choice for startups due to its affordability and functionality. 

3. Build a Custom Mobile App Backend

The custom mobile app is an influential but expensive option that offers you absolute control and flexibility. There are many things that are difficult to achieve with a SAAS or MBaas solution, so they can be easily built with the help of this option. But the cons involved are high cost and effort. 

How Can Elephy Tech Help You Develop an Efficient Mobile App Backend?

At Elephy Tech, we support different businesses in developing a strong backend to strengthen their apps and run their operations efficiently. Firstly, we check out the business needs and then recommend the most suitable type of backend for you. 

Get in touch with us to know more about our expertise.