Learn More About Mobile Backend-as-a-Service (mBaaS) Software
What is Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
Mobile backend-as-a-service (MBaaS) products equip developers with everything they need to create and deploy a mobile application. MBaaS is different from other development platforms in that its cloud computing architecture is specifically designed for mobile app development. This cloud computing architecture enables developers to connect to their application’s cloud storage and application programming interfaces (APIs). Organizations looking to utilize off-premise servers will connect their application’s backend resources to an MBaaS product. The service lowers a development team’s need to construct complex backend infrastructure. MBaaS utilizes custom software development kits (SDKs) to connect API endpoints to mobile applications, such as iOS and Android.
What does MBaaS stand for?
MBaaS stands for mobile backend-as-a-service.
What are the Common Features of Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
The following are some core features of MBaaS software:
Push notification: Push notifications are one of several backend services provided by MBaaS. Push notifications can enable messaging and content client side based on certain profiles that trigger messaging alerts, providing a great form of user management. This can range from small but rapid updates to crash reporting.
Geolocation: Another backend service provided by MBaaS is location or geolocation updates. BaaS providers often include this feature to monitor the physical location from where applications and devices are being accessed. As location services continue to become integrated into modern mobile devices, this feature will become increasingly important for MBaaS providers to have available.
Cloud storage: Cloud storage and cloud services are one of the key draws in investing in BaaS providers. By moving to the cloud, whether that be platform as a service (PaaS) or software as a service (SaaS), cloud storage provides organizations with significantly more flexibility and space in saving and storing data in the cloud.
What are the Benefits of Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
While there are many facets to consider, there are some key benefits that apply to the successful adoption of MBaaS software.
Serverless: MBaaS providers are serverless, meaning that organizations working with MBaaS providers do not need to worry about programs being server side. This saves organizations from spending time and money on challenges such as server administration, security updates, file storage, data storage, and increasing scalability.
Productivity: MBaaS products reduce the time organizations need to spend on mobile app development. This frees up developers’ schedules to focus on other key work needed within a particular organization.
Integration: MBaaS simplifies the process of connecting an application’s cloud storage with APIs. MBaaS platforms also make it easier to integrate with third-party systems, eliminating the need to duplicate efforts and functionality across different systems.
Faster time to market: MBaaS reduces the time it takes to go to market with mobile applications. This allows organizations to move into the market quicker, enabling them to add new products and services as well as release updates to products more rapidly.
Who Uses Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
MBaaS can be beneficial to both large, enterprise organizations as well as small businesses.
Enterprise development teams: Enterprise development teams can benefit from the organization provided by MBaaS. By having all backend operations simplified and accessible in one location, enterprise development teams do not have to worry about organizing a series of disconnected applications.
Small business development teams: MBaaS can be particularly beneficial for smaller organizations, as these companies lack the servers and infrastructure that larger businesses may possess. MBaaS can aid smaller businesses in accessing quality applications without spending beyond any budget constraints.
Challenges with Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software
Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges, and MBaaS is no exception.
Cost: MBaaS software may be an expensive investment. Pricing can vary and will be high depending on how many applications and programs MBaaS is likely involved in. Pricing can be even higher when factoring in any additional or customized needs an organization may have.
Low flexibility: MBaaS, and BaaS, in general, do not allow for a great deal of flexibility. These service providers, whether they be PaaS or SaaS, are often utilizing a fixed set of standard technologies and features. This means that there is limited ability for a service platform to customize and design products for specific customers’ needs.
Low scalability: BaaS automatically sets limits on how much mobile application development an organization is capable of doing. This is why some organizations see BaaS as a short-term solution rather than a final one.
Security concerns: Storing confidential user data with a cloud service platform, especially BaaS, can be dangerous. Organizations will need to adopt strict user management protocols to keep data safe and compliant.
How to Buy Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software
The requirements for MBaaS solutions can be fairly straightforward at times, as these tools do not offer too much customization. That being said, buyers seeking an MBaaS solution should consider several key factors. Important considerations include, but are not limited to, the pricing model, the user experience, and the ability to integrate with the web apps the organization currently uses.
Compare Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Products
Create a long list
Buyers should start by seeking out different service providers for the right fit given the timeline, scope, and resources the organization has at its disposal. Once these factors are identified, buyers can then use G2.com and other online resources to research the top products on the market.
Create a short list
After identifying these key factors, buyers can then dig deeper into finding a service provider that fits their specific needs. Companies should consider the bandwidth of developers on their team. Companies should also consider what preexisting software they already have on site, as well as what additional software they may need to purchase.
Conduct demos
Companies should walk through a demo of each product they are considering purchasing. This allows them to get an up close and personal view of a service provider, its functionality, and how it fits into the current backend and frontend infrastructure at the company.
Selection of Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software
Choose a selection team
The selection team should include a mix of roles and titles that would interact with MBaaS. First and foremost, at least one member of the development team should be involved, as the development team would be most likely to interact with MBaaS regularly. Other roles may be dependent on BaaS use cases. If the tool purchased is to assist in user experience, as an example, roles such as site administrators and product managers may also need to be involved.
Negotiation
While some vendors will have a set cost pricing model to follow, others may be open to negotiation. Organizations should do their research prior to the negotiation phase to ensure that what they are asking for is a reasonable price.
Final decision
Ultimately, organizations will need to decide which product they want to go forward with. Companies should consider what specific features, use cases, and capabilities they are looking for depending on their organizational needs.
Implementation of Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software
How is Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software Implemented?
MBaaS software is often implemented through Paas or SaaS. MBaaS is designed for mobile devices, including IoS and Android devices. MBaaS can also be open source, which will be important as open-source software continues to rise in popularity.
Who is Responsible for Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software Implementation?
Developers are often key members of the implementation and development process, as they are the ones who will be using them regularly. In reality, anyone involved in backend processes across the organization could ultimately become involved.
What Does the Implementation Process Look Like for Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
Companies should plan to run tests multiple times prior to going live in order to collect test data. This test data helps ensure that their connection to the MBaaS provider and application are running smoothly.
When Should You Implement Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software?
Organizations should implement MBaaS once they have conducted initial testing. Once up and running, developers will be eager to utilize MBaaS, as it saves them time and allows them to focus on other, more engaging activities.
Mobile Backend-as-a Service (MBaaS) Software Trends
Internet of things (IoT) and MBaaS
IoT technology is on the rise and will impact MBaaS. As IoT-powered devices continue to become popular with customers, MBaaS providers will be expected to be able to support any IoT-based mobile applications an organization may need.
