Key issues that concern the feasibility of Mobile Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has seen unprecedented growth over the last few years. The technology has enabled the availability of a range of services like storage, databases, and IT services through the internet. Cloud-based services are now hosting the technological infrastructure of companies, all accessible through electronic devices that have access to the web.

Mobile cloud computing is the bringing together of mobile development and cloud computing. With the help of cloud computing, applications can be developed and delivered to phones and other devices, regardless of the different operating systems. As the next big step in cloud computing technology, mobile cloud apps are not held back by device storage restrictions and allow users to collect data from different sources. In fact, the mobile cloud sector is likely to reach $118.7 billion by 2026.

Despite the immense potential to take mobile user experience to the next level, the development in this area is still in the conceptual phase, and not without a few concerns.

Here are some of the challenges in the way of mobile cloud computing becoming a reality:

Architecture: Mobile cloud computing, as a concept, is still in the initial stages. Thus, having a planned mobile cloud architecture is a crucial requirement for unleashing its full potential, to achieve unrestricted computing on any device and from any location. The mobile cloud computing infrastructure must support multiple mobile platforms which have their own network connection requirements, making the creation of a sole cloud infrastructure or framework expensive. The applications developed then must also be compatible with different operating systems such as iOS or Android. Companies can take the help of professional cloud architects for the formation of an architecture that will suitably support the organization’s needs.

Effect on mobile battery: Impact on battery life is one of the major challenges facing the implementation of mobile cloud computing. Battery power remains limited in most high-end smartphones as well. Users might not prefer mobile cloud apps as it consumes more battery in smartphones due to high network usage.

Data congestion and connectivity issues: Congested mobile data traffic due to the increasing use of cloud resources also impacts the feasibility of mobile cloud computing. Increased mobile data traffic disrupts the communication between mobile and cloud endpoints. Seamless communication is a necessity when it comes to executing apps using mobile cloud computing. However, developers are likely to face problems if they are using wireless networks like 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi as they tend to be slower. Weaker mobile networks could also make accessing mobile cloud apps difficult. In India, the maximum number of mobile internet users opt for 4G, while the rollout of 5G is ongoing. However, the effect of 5G on mobile cloud computing remains to be determined.

It’s only onward and upward for cloud computing from here, with every type of cloud service expecting to see growth. Over the past years, the size of the burgeoning cloud computing market has exceeded $146 billion, with more and more companies going for cloud-based tools. Mobile cloud computing optimizes cloud computing to beef up services on smartphones or tablets through increased processing power and added functionalities. Solving some of the above issues can help accelerate the growth of mobile cloud computing, which will have a far-reaching impact on customers and businesses.

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