Cloud Based Application Vs Desktop Based Application

Applications have become the new norm without which even imagining life is impossible. 

There are a lot of apps that are installed on work or personal computer desktops. 

The cloud based apps can be operated through the cloud or internet while the desktop apps are installed on work or personal desktops. The cloud apps have the features of both the desktop and web apps. Though the cloud app is nothing but more advanced web app but it is not totally dependent on web browsers to function. 

For years companies have worked on downloaded data, stored data and run their programs on the servers and computers in company offices.  But as the technology has evolved over the years switching to the cloud counterparts has become inevitable. 

Cloud Based Application Vs Desktop Based Application

1. Internet Connectivity 

a. Desktop Apps do not require internet connectivity and the bandwidth    considerations 

b. Cloud Apps rely on the internet to transfer the data and the rendering of contents 

Verdict - The clear winner here are the desktop apps. 

2. Communication and Collaboration

a. In case of Desktop Apps, communication and working together are challenging. They rely on external resources for team work.

b. As Cloud based workspace is cohesive, these applications facilitate easy collaboration and communication. 

Verdict- Cloud Apps are the winner here.

3. Remote Accessibility to Data 

a. As Desktop Apps cannot be accessed through mobiles, remote accessibility of the data is restricted. There are certain web solutions that enable this but they are very slow.

b. Cloud apps enable the user to access info from any mobile as they can be accessed easily through a browser.

Verdict- Cloud based apps again take the trophy here.

4. Management of Configuration 

a. It is difficult to manage the configurations as the developer also has to work as system administrator in case of Desktop Apps.

b. As through Cloud Apps the entire workspace is in the clouds, the management of the combo of local build system, Integrated Development Environment, their links with tools and localized run time can be conducted very easily.

Verdict- Cloud based Apps here of course beat the Desktop Apps. 

5. Software Installation

a. On each system that a developer has, the software installation has to be executed in case of Desktop Apps. 

b. As the Cloud Apps are rendered on the browser with tools like CSS and flash rendering no software installation is called for.

Verdict- The Cloud based Apps are the clear winner here

6. Productivity of a Developer

a. The Desktop Apps utilize maximum resources and require high memory and speed of processing for complex apps which affect the workers’ productivity.

b. The service provider handles the processing and memory requirements in case of Cloud Apps which increase the productivity of developers.

Verdict- Of course, the Cloud Apps are much ahead in this case. 

7. Configuration and Upgrades 

a. Desktop Apps are single tenant ones that allow users to conduct configuration and upgrades empowering the users to offer both customization and functions.

b. The Cloud Apps are the multi-tenant apps where the app upgrade is executed by the SaaS providers.

Verdict- Both have advantages for the configurations and upgrades. 

8. Updates 

a. The Desktop Application requires it to be updated downloaded or manually 

b. The Cloud-based App automatically uploads by the provider of service. 

Verdict- Cloud App is the clear winner here. 

9. Execution on Various Platforms 

a. Desktop Apps need to be prepared separately on various platforms - Mac, Linux, Windows 

b. Cloud Apps are developed on the browsers; these run on various platforms 

Verdict- Cloud Apps win here as well.

10. Data Storage 

a. In case of Desktop Apps, data are stored on your computer which do not call for any bandwidth and are easily accessible 

b. Data are stored on the server, in case of Cloud Apps, as the processing is handled on the server and therefore it calls for high bandwidth to store frequent and large data on the cloud

Verdict- Desktop Apps beat Cloud Apps in this case

11. Data Storage Location 

a. Data stored on the internal storage of the system in case of the Desktop Apps - data storage location, user encryption and privileges are known to the user

b. Biggest conundrum of Cloud apps - vague info on recovery policy, data storage location, trustworthiness of the cloud service provider.

Verdict- The Desktop Apps win here

So each one comes with its own set of pros and cons. But the experts of reputed digital marketing company opine that the Cloud apps are the way forth and that is why from the pragmatic point of view you should learn to adapt to it. The good news is that these apps are going to further evolve with time and this is going to decrease the cons reflected today. So you can look forward to a brighter and more secure future with the Cloud Apps.