What is a data storage app?
A data storage app is a web, mobile, or desktop application that enables users to store and access their data. Data storage apps usually offer users the ability to create custom folders and subfolders, store multiple file types including text documents, spreadsheets, images, audio recordings, videos and more within those folders. Depending on the user’s permissions level in these apps they may also be able to share files with other co-workers or customers. They can also selectively sync files between computers and mobile devices by creating rules for syncing based on file name patterns or date ranges.
Data storage apps are similar to cloud storage apps, digital locker apps, and file sharing apps. Dropbox is the most popular data storage app, but there are also many more niche options, including ownCloud, Nextcloud, Syncthing, and Seafile.
Examples of data storage apps built with Crowdbotics:
- An app for an exterior consulting business. It will include a mobile app for the evaluators in the field. They will take pictures and collect data about the site.
What is the typical cost to build a data storage app?
A data storage app usually costs about $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $35,000 or as high as $40,000. A data storage app with a low number of features (also known as a minimum viable product, or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.
For example, here are some previous data storage app price quotes from Crowdbotics:
How long does it take to build a data storage app?
A data storage app usually takes 500 hours to build. However, a data storage app can be built in as few as 467 hours, or in as many as 533 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your specific app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, complex logic, or non-standard release platforms.
For example, some previous data storage apps build with Crowdbotics received the following hourly estimates:
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Crowdbotics has quoted and built hundreds of applications for teams of all sizes. Browse our historical estimates by industry and app type to understand possible costs and considerations.
How to successfully grow your data storage application
A data storage app can grow by establishing itself as a convenient alternative to other apps. Many users are also concerned about privacy, so it’s important for a data storage app to emphasize how their user’s data is protected. The best way to do this is by storing data in the cloud instead of on personal devices, which makes the information more vulnerable to hacking and theft. By presenting itself as an alternative to these more vulnerable options, a data storage app can position itself as a secure option that users will be more willing to trust.
Risks and challenges of building a data storage application
A data storage app faces legal and reputational risks associated with the collection and retention of sensitive user data, the potential loss or exposure of that data, and compliance with applicable privacy laws. Data storage apps should take strong measures to ensure that they secure all user data transmitted to the app as well as all user data stored locally. It is wise for data storage apps to create a privacy policy that addresses the types of sensitive information it collects, how this information is used, and how it is secured.
