Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)

What is Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)?

Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) is a cloud computing platform that connects company’s mobile app with the relevant database and servers through SDKs and APIs.

Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)

Mobile backend as a service, or MBaaS, is an important tool for both web app and mobile app developers. It provides a means to connect those apps with cloud storage, as well as APIs for additional functionality and features. It also delivers the means to provide push notifications for apps, user management and more. It is sometimes called backend as a service, or BaaS, rather than MBaaS.

Why Does MBaaS Matter?

When discussing applications, there are two sides. There’s the client, or user facing side, which is called the front end. Then, there is the server side, or the back end. MBaaS deals with the back end of things. It can handle app logic, as well as app data management. The most important thing to understand is that MBaaS saves a great deal of time for developers. It ensures that there is no need to set up a custom backend. It’s already there and waiting. Developers can then focus on the front end, where the user’s focus will be in the first place.

So, MBaaS is nothing more than a cloud provider creating a basic backend that handles logic and data management, which can then be added to the back of any mobile application. This ensures that things like push notifications, user management, geolocation and login, analytics and all the rest are handled for you. It might not seem like that much, but for developers pressed for time, MBaaS can be a true lifesaver.

Breaking It Down

There are two types of MBaaS provider out there. One deals with lightweight, consumer focused apps. These could be anything from social media apps like Facebook or Snapchat, to games like Candy Crush, and everything in between. The second type deals with enterprise level applications, and is beginning to take over the role of the on-site mobile enterprise application platform, or MEAP. These developers provide turn-key functionality for mobile apps developed for use within or by enterprise level businesses, without the hassle of dealing with things like API management.

How Does MBaaS Work?

While there are two types of MBaaS providers out there, both work in a similar manner. Think of them as being able to create a reusable skeleton for your apps, over which unique skins can be placed. The basic functionality that all apps need is there for you, from API calls to the ability to scale up bandwidth for high user loads, which saves an immense amount of time during the development phase. This frees you, the developer, to focus on the GUI (graphical user interface), and the user-specific functionality that is necessary for the app.

Like most other cloud-based solutions, MBaaS delivers quite a few advantages and benefits. Those benefits include:

  • Cost savings
  • Time savings
  • Faster deployment
  • Scalability
  • Customization based on specific backend needs
  • Increased security

As you can see, MBaaS delivers a great deal of value to both app developers and their clients.