For apps that require data to be saved, Backend-as-a-service is used by many. But Parse displays stronger attributes for developing robust cloud backend.
It is a common requirement for most apps that require data to be saved locally to include a backend so that the same data could be shared with other users and even synchronized between devices. It requires a great deal of time to build the backend and some require some resources too. Fortunately, there are several platforms that provide ready-made customizable backends you can integrate with your apps. Backend as a Service’, or BaaS.
Backend as a Service provides diverse services in one package and just not provide backend cloud storage only for your data, but offer different services including push notifications, analytics, social site integration and the like.
The BaaS platform is easily scalable and can handle huge amount of users and one can make any number of changes to your application’s functionality and even easy to change the dashboard.
BaaS – Some disadvantages
But usage of BaaS has been known to be expensive. While most of the services offer free packages, but things can suddenly turn costly for the enterprise with a large number of users. One will even experience vendor lock-in and even have to give up some of the features if you opt for one of the platforms.
The dependence of your app on the third-party BaaS platform is a huge disadvantage. There might be some changes to its service and you might be forced to accept them or look for another solution. Migrating your data to another provider in case of the shutdown and to build your own backend, are huge hassles too.
Many providers have now opted for Parse to provide the required backend for iOS applications. Building an application with Parse is better than any other BaaS platform and one can use it for user registration, authentication, and user data storage.
Parse is also extremely popular as a Backend as a Service platform. The service offers three diverse products in one incredible package including Parse Core, Parse Push and Parse Analytics.
Parse Core is aimed to handle data saving and social media integration and helps developers to write code to run in the cloud thus delivering custom server-side logic.
Parse Push is known for sending push notifications and one can customize, schedule and send push notifications to a select band of users or all as required.
Parse Analytics helps in app’s data tracking during installations, active users’ data, user retention information, push notification open rates and the like.
Parse is an effective BaaS platform that can be utilized by iOS Developers seamlessly across the board and is scalable enough for all requirements.
