Mobile Backend As A Service or MBaaS?

MBaaS is an abbreviation of mobile backend as a service which refers to a platform that handles backend tasks and infrastructure of your mobile applications. In this article, we are going to discuss what is the right definition of mobile backend as a service and how it works. In addition, the pros and cons of using MBaaS would also be discussed here.

What is MBaaS?

If we look at the typical definition of MBaaS, then it is an infrastructure of cloud computing that helps mobile applications ingress to resources like database, storage and servers. Mobile applications need this access to run their operations. This mobile backend as a service approach utilizes SDKs and APIs to hook up backend resources with mobile applications in the cloud. Hopefully, this simple explanation of MBaaS will help you to understand this backend service concept easily.

How Does Mobile Backend As A Service (MBaaS) Work?

It is also a fundamental question that usually both newbies and developers ask from the MBaaS providers. At first, MBaaS network both frontend and backend frameworks of mobile applications with the help of software developer’s kit (SDKs) and application programming applications (APIs). Then backend service providers take care of all server-related and backend tasks of a mobile application, and developers would only need to handle frontend duties.

With MBaaS, developers or companies no need to worry about their server-end tasks like push notifications, logic, analytics, data management, logins and geolocation.

Benefits of Using Mobile Backend As A Service (MBaaS)

Are you sceptical about the use of Mobile Backend As A service and willing to explore its pros? Then you should read these benefits of using MBaaS.

Saves Money & Time

If we run a comparison of a custom backend project and MBaaS project, then it is easy to evaluate the backend services are more efficient as compared to the DIY project. Lab University of Applied Sciences, Finland did research and compared this efficiency. According to them, a business-to-customer application project took 88.5 days, 5 persons and cost $56,833 when MBaaS provider Kinvey designed it. However, a custom service provider completed the same project in 246 days. The cost of custom developers was also very high, and it was around $156,588.

Enhances Your Focus on Core Tasks

With the use of mobile backend as a service, you can’t give more attention to the frontend operations, but it also improves your focus on the core functions of your business. When you improve the user-interface of your application and your other core services, then your clients definitely notice this positive change. This positive change leads to more sales as well.

Offers Security & Easy Integration

If you are concerned about the cybersecurity and data breach matters of your mobile applications, then you should consider MBaaS. The provision of complete security is an essential component of mobile backend as a service integration. On the other hand, if we look at its integrations, then it makes social media networking, push notifications and database management integrations very easy for users.

Worthy Service for SMB’s

It is a misconception about the MBaaS that it is only good for large scale project and tech giants, but in actual, it is worthy for SMB’s. Yes, instead of paying around $80k annually to a custom backend mobile application developer, small and medium-size businesses should prefer to take services of MBaaS providers. MBaaS providers don’t complete application development in a short time but also allow enough opportunities for app marketing.

Limitations of Using MBaaS

It is also vital to discuss the cons of using MBaaS. Let’s have a look:

• When companies go with MBaaS instead of custom development, then they don’t have control over their software stack and infrastructure.
• MBaaS offers less customized features as compared to DIY development.
• With the use of MBaaS, the threat of service shut down always exists because this service could go down anytime and you can face data loss, breach or even would have to move large amounts of data.
• Moreover, it’s also been noticed that MBaaS is not much suitable for large-scale mobile applications.

In short, this article discusses different aspects of mobile backend as a service. Withal, this is still an ongoing venture where you would find a lot in upcoming years.