You’re probably reading this on your mobile phone. Afterward, you’ll open your favorite app and spend an hour or two there. In today’s world, the mobile app industry is evolving at lightning speed. So then, why wouldn’t businesses be pressured to ensure that the app is theirs? To deliver the best app experience to users, companies have begun using Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS). It’s been transforming the way developers manage an app’s infrastructure. In fact, the global MBaaS market was valued at $4.25 billion in 2023. It’s expected to grow to $18.52 billion by 2032!
In this blog, we’ll explore the details about mobile backend as a service. This will help you learn how you can utilize this technology for your mobile app. Let’s dive in!
Decoding mobile backend as a service
Imagine you have a brilliant idea for a mobile app. However, you’re stuck on focusing on its backend development. So, instead of working on the features and user experience, you find yourself at a crossroads. Now, mobile backend as a service is a cloud computing service model; how can it help you here? It can make the backend development much more manageable and reduce the app development costs. By simplifying the backend, frontend development becomes effortless.
MBaaS allows developers to link their apps to a cloud service. This, on its own, provides several benefits. We’ll learn about them further in this blog.
BaaS and MBaaS the same thing?
You may be confusing BaaS and MBaaS together. After all, they’re almost the same thing. The only difference is the devices they’re meant for. MBaaS is technically a type of backend service for mobile phones. BaaS is a platform for both mobile and web backends.
Due to this, Mobile backend as a service caters to mobile-specific needs and makes SaaS app development much easier. Backend as a service manages broader needs.
Key features of MBaaS
Since we don’t need to dive deeper into BaaS, let’s focus on MBaaS. So, here are the key features of Mobile backend as a service:
Database storage
As a cloud service, data in MBaaS is naturally stored and retrieved from cloud servers. This depletes any need for developers to set up their own database. This reduces the time and money that goes into managing the backend storage.
API Management
MBaaS allows API management by delivering an interface to create, manage, and launch APIs. This involves RESTful APIs that help the mobile app communicate with the backend. In this way, the app has smooth data exchange with extended functions.
Monitoring and analytics
MBaaS platforms come built-in with analytical tools. Developers can use these tools once the SaaS app development is complete and deployed. They can track the app’s performance, user behavior, and other essential metrics.
Serverless Functionality
As a cloud service, MBaaS provides serverless computing. This means developers don’t need to run backend code and manage it on the servers. Instead, with MBaaS, they can perform functions easily. They can even reduce unnecessary infrastructure costs and simplify scalability.
User Authentication
Would you use an app that does not need user authentication and gives no assurance of security? Almost no one would. Up to 61% of users have deleted apps due to privacy concerns. This is why MBaaS allows powerful user authentication. This involves user login and registration features. Google/Facebook login and traditional email methods are also a part of this.
Benefits of using mobile backend as a service
The features are already benefits on their own. But with these benefits, you’ll learn more about why you should use MBaaS. Whether you’re choosing a service provider or developing a custom backend development solution, MBaaS delivers a powerful solution.
Enhanced user experience
Your favorite app probably loads fast and performs well. In MBaaS, you get built-in features like push notifications, cloud storage, etc. This helps businesses deliver an improved user experience to their Users.
Reduced time and cost
Setting up and maintaining a custom backend development infrastructure can be costly. With MBaaS, you don’t have to worry about that. By using an MBaaS platform, you don’t have to invest all in. It offers a cheaper alternative by providing a pay-as-you-go model. This way, you only pay for the services you use. It also reduces app development costs.
Seamless Third-Party Integration
MBaaS platforms often allow integration with third-party services. This means that regardless of the type of app, developers can integrate third-party services. This includes other SaaS applications, social media platforms, payment gateways, and more. How is this a benefit? It reduces the time for developers. They don’t have to build these features from scratch.
Cross-platform compatibility
MBaaS platforms can support both iOS and Android platforms. This allows developers to build and manage one single backend for multiple platforms. This not only reduces time but also improves efficiency.
Scalability and Flexibility
Are you planning to scale your app as your business grows? An MBaaS platform can benefit you greatly. It scales as the app’s user base grows. This allows an easy focus on the frontend development and ensures that the app performs well under load. This flexibility allows for limited custom backend development without major redevelopment efforts.
Disadvantages of using mobile backend as a service
The purpose of this blog so far has been to educate you on how MBaaS can benefit your app. Yet, it’s vital to know the disadvantages, too.
Limited customization
Some may say that MBaaS’s built-in solutions simplify the backend development. However, this is not always the case. These built-in features restrict developers from completely customizing their app’s backend. Due to this, mobile backend as a service may not be the right option for every app. Especially one with specific requirements. So, if your business aims to have greater control over its app’s backend infrastructure, MBaaS will be limiting.
Performance constraints
When you choose an MBaaS provider, keep in mind that they manage resources for multiple clients. This shared infrastructure can sometimes compromise performance. Apps that have high traffic might experience latency issues and slower response times. So, if your app requires constant user interactions, MBaaS is unsuitable. This could be gaming, financial, or messaging apps.
Lesser control
Third-party integration can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. This is because you have to rely on those backend services. It gives you lesser control over security policies and database management. If your selected mobile backend as a service provider changes its services or pricing model, your business will need to adapt quickly. This could lead to unexpected challenges.
Security issues
Not all MBaaS platforms comply with strict industry regulations. Using a mobile backend as a service provider means giving sensitive user data to it. This could mean legal and security risks for businesses that handle confidential info. So, generally, when choosing an MBaaS service provider, it’s vital to prioritize security.
Migration challenges
Imagine if your MBaaS service provider changes its pricing or tweaks its services a bit. You find it hard to adjust, so you opt to migrate to another MBaaS or in-house backend. This is where you’ll learn how complex and time-consuming migration can get. It will require a lot of reworking. As a business, you need to plan ahead before you commit to an MBaaS solution.
Popular MBaaS Providers
You know what to watch out for. Here are a few of the popular MBaaS providers:
Firebase
A Google-owned mobile backend as a service? It’s Firebase! It’s an MBaaS platform that delivers a built-in backend infrastructure.
Features
- Users can store and sync their data to the cloud and access it across different devices.
- Allows you to monitor and track your app’s analytics.
- Allows users to register and authenticate themselves.
AWS Amplify
Owned by Amazon, AWS Amplify is a popular MBaaS service provider. It helps simplify the mobile application development process, too.
Features
- You can monitor your app’s analytics using Amazon Kinesis and Amazon Pinpoint.
- Amplify Studio allows authorization and data modeling.
- It allows users to sign in to the app with different third-party accounts.
Backendless
Backendless is an MBaaS platform that provides a complete backend infrastructure. It allows you to build apps without any worries about server management.
Features
- Has a messaging system for sending messages to individuals or groups.
- Delivers strong user policies and API security to manage data access.
- Geo-location features allow apps to be location-aware.
Kinvey
Kinvey is a reliable and popular MBaaS platform. Like all the other tools mentioned here, it lets you build apps and provides built-in features.
Features
- Allows developers to run business logic code without managing servers.
- Keeps users engaged via push notifications.
- Integrates with enterprise systems.
Conclusion
So, Mobile backend as a service comes with several benefits. It naturally brings disadvantages that can be avoided with the right type of expertise. This is why Linkitsoft is here. With a reliable and experienced software development company by your side, you can develop powerful MBaaS mobile apps. People spend 90% of their time using a mobile phone dedicated to mobile apps. One of those apps could be yours, too. Your business can generate revenue, and your users will have access to the best features out there.
Contact Linkitsoft today and tell us everything you need for your mobile app. We’ll save you the hassle of choosing an MBaaS service and developing your app according to your needs. The result would be a high-performing app that your users love.
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