Decentralized network applications are coming, so what are the pros and cons you should be aware of before they arrive?
Web 3.0 is coming, and when it finally arrives, it will bring a huge change to the way companies build and deploy websites , Web Applications and Mobile Applications . It will be a complete game changer. And with the continued rise of blockchain, a decentralized web (also known as Web 3.0) is almost certainly on the horizon.
This also means that your company will have to start considering applications designed specifically for a decentralized network . A decentralized application (also called dApp) uses a back-end code in decentralized technology, where it receives and acts on data via blockchain. One of the basic principles of dApps is that they are not controlled by a centralized server or authority (thus, decentralized).
Whether you have already considered dApps or are just now becoming aware of their rise, what are the pros and cons of using them?
Let's break it down.
The Pros of Decentralized Applications
There are many pros available for decentralized applications.
Security
Because dApps do not rely on a centralized server for authentication, they are considered considerably more secure than a traditional application. This means that not only does your business enjoy greater security, but your users also experience a much more secure service. This will go a long way in helping your company’s reputation, which will help your customers gain more loyalty.
And given how rampant security breaches are now, anything a company can do to lock down data should be considered an obligation.
Cost benefit
Think of it this way: with dApps you don't need a server because the application is hosted on servers across the decentralized web. This means your business can save money because you won't need to rent server space or maintain a data center.
dApps also offer much higher transaction speed, meaning you get large-scale applications with built-in failover without having to do all the extra work.
Easy to develop
Many of the very complex protocols used by dApps have been abstracted away, so developers don't have to deal with much of the lower-end functioning of apps. This is dictated by the fact that these applications work on a decentralized network.
dApps are also faster to develop and deploy.
Less downtime
If the decentralized web delivers on its promise, dApps could eliminate downtime completely. Since dApps do not require connectivity to a single, centralized server, companies can ensure absolutely minimal disruptions to services. Imagine never having to worry about your app crashing. Ever. This alone should make dApps worthy of your consideration.
Never lose data
Since your dApp is hosted on an entire decentralized network, there is never any worry about data loss. If one node on the blockchain goes down, there will be many others with their dApp data synced, so you won't lose anything.
The Cons of Decentralized Applications
Now that you've read about the advantages of dApps, let's take a look at the disadvantages.
Steep learning curve
dApps run in a very complex network environment. Blockchain alone is very challenging to do right. But ultimately, this is a completely different type of infrastructure that will require an entirely new way of thinking on the part of your developers, operations, and administrators.
Your teams will need to have a solid understanding of decentralized networks, which will be a source of much frustration at the beginning of this migration. The learning curve will be steep at first, so you'll need to be prepared for a slow ramp-up.
A big change in security
Decentralized networks require a different way of thinking about security. You are not dealing with a single server or data center, but a global network, which means your application must be resistant to attacks. This means your developers and administrators will have to learn a completely new way of thinking about security. Instead of traditional security techniques, your teams will have to think more about security global transactions using technology aimed at blockchain applications.
Lower user experience
dApps are a very different metaphor for apps and are not always capable of offering the best user experience. For example, end users will have to learn a completely different method of logging into your application. Instead of traditional username/password authentication, they will have to get used to working with public/private key authentication methods. This will cause confusion and complaints that your company will need to be prepared for.
Slower speeds
dApps can be slower than traditional apps. This is due to the widespread nature of the decentralized network. Instead of instant authentication and transactions, users will have to accept a slightly slower experience. This will, of course, improve over time and with improvements in the underlying blockchain technology.
Conclusion
It's not a question of if, but when the decentralized web will come to fruition. It will happen, and when it does, your business will need to be prepared for the ups and downs that come with it. But given that the pros outweigh the cons, every company across the world should be excited about what this new technology has to offer. Engaging with dApp development services can prepare and equip your business to effectively navigate and capitalize on the decentralized web.
