Smart Applications Vs Traditional Applications: Which is better & Why

Did you know that by 2026, the size of the global smart city platforms market is expected to have grown from USD 156.1 billion in 2021 to USD 258.2 billion, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.6%.

For simple tasks, traditional apps have long been the preferred choice since they are dependable and predictable. But smart applications are changing the way we work by making procedures more data-driven, productive, and simple as sectors seek automation and smarter insights.

A surprising statistic is that 80% of companies that use AI-powered apps say their operations have significantly improved. Therefore, the key question is: is it time to adopt smarter apps or should you continue using tried-and-true traditional apps?

We will analyze the variations, assess the benefits and drawbacks, and explain why choosing the appropriate application type is crucial in a cutthroat market in this blog. 

A smart application is an innovative type of software that gathers tremendous amounts of data from IoT devices and utilizes it in a dynamic way to gather actionable insights and to deliver rich customer experiences. 

These insights are delivered as features in applications that would enable the user to complete a task efficiently. Do keep in mind that the ‘user’ is not necessarily human, it can be a machine as well. In such cases, the smart app infused with cognitive intelligence automates business and operational processes. 

What truly makes an app smarter is its data-driven abilities. That is why processors and sensors are integral parts of smart device architecture which helps in collecting and processing data and retrieving information actionable for users. 

Smart applications collect and process data not only from user inputs but also from their surrounding environment and behavioral activities.

• Smart applications examples include sensory data, location-based information, and personal user behavior.

These applications leverage advanced technologies to deliver intelligent functionality, including:

• Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive insights.

• Intelligent Automation to streamline processes.

• Mixed Reality for immersive user experiences.

• Cloud-Native Computing for scalability and flexibility.

• Internet of Things (IoT) to integrate with smart devices and ecosystems.

With smart applications becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, it's important to work with a top mobile app development company. Such companies have the expertise and experience to build smart apps that meet the unique needs of your business and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Traditional applications, now termed as ‘legacy applications’ refer to the applications that were created in the earlier days of computer networks. They have a monolithic architecture and run on a mainframe environment or in a client-server environment.

In simple terms, they are outdated applications with manual scalability, oversized capability, non-immutable, and hard-to-predict properties. Moreover, traditional applications don’t allow growth as they are generally difficult and expensive to change or re-factor to interact with newer systems.

Many enterprises still rely on those traditional applications in the back end. However, they are significantly different from smart applications in various ways. Let's explore the key differences between smart and traditional applications.

1. Data Orientation

As mentioned earlier, smart applications are data-driven and they use data science and ML to obtain actionable insights.

On the other hand, traditional applications can be considered data-blind. Legacy apps don’t utilize any technologies or perform any analysis for designing and documenting user experience.

2. Architecture

Smart applications are based on microservice architecture, which features many loosely coupled and independently deployable smaller services.

The value of microservice architecture lies in the fact that it promises quicker and easier software updates in a cost-effective manner. Since components can be scaled independently of one another, it prevents cascading failures or errors.

Traditional applications with their monolithic architecture are highly interdependent, which makes them less scalable and flexible to new changes.

3. Evolution

Smart applications are advancing every day. With the recent breakthroughs in data science, ML, and AL, smart apps are also evolving at a rapid pace to meet the dynamic needs of the digital era.

In contrast, traditional applications remain legacy apps. Unless there is any bug or security fix, traditional apps are retained in their standard infrastructure.

4. Personalization

As established, smart apps leverage intuitive and responsive interfaces to deliver a personalized user experience.

Contrarily, traditional apps follow a one-size-fits-all approach toward user experience.
Scalability

Smart Applications: Using cloud-based infrastructure and adaptable services, these applications are made to easily scale with company needs.

Traditional Applications: Rigid architecture and on-premise reliance make scaling difficult.

• User Interaction

Smart Applications: Provide conversational interfaces, such as voice assistants and chatbots, for smooth communication that adjusts to user preferences.

Traditional applications: Usually have limited interaction possibilities and rely on preset procedures and static menus.

• Integration 

Smart Applications: Facilitate a connected environment by effortlessly integrating with other tools, platforms, and smart devices.

Traditional Applications: Need a lot of work to be compatible with other systems and have limited integration capabilities.

• Real-Time Functionality

Smart Applications: Process data in real time, allowing for immediate updates, forecasts, and insights.

Traditional Applications: Usually run in batch processing mode and lack real-time capabilities.

Suggested Read: 10 Top IoT App Development Companies in 2023

With Smart Application Development, you're not just adopting technology; you're unlocking a treasure trove of benefits for your business. Let's delve into what these advantages entail.

Reimagine user experience

Smart apps are always learning and are completely aware of their users, devices, and surroundings. This allows them to provide a more natural and personal experience.

Redefine business models

They make use of contextual and cognitive intelligence. This facilitates the development of innovative business processes, the reduction of process time, and the automation of manual touchpoints. Smart apps recognise when intervention is necessary, when choices must be made, and when interactions/transactions must be carried out.

Improved operational efficiency

The smart architecture of these applications enables businesses to increase productivity by intelligently automating operational procedures based on real-time data. Moreover, smart apps are autonomous, adaptable, and resilient.

With a roadmap for building a successful mobile app, you can create a smart app that delivers a superior user experience, revolutionizes your business model, and boosts operational efficiency.

Should You Build a Smart App?

Well, it depends on your customer persona. If they could benefit from functionalities such as sensor technology, augmented reality, or any other form of interactive technology, then building a smart app could prove beneficial to your business.

After all, applications are created to satisfy the needs of your customers. Your customers need assurance that you care and what better way to do that than to build a smart app around their needs and expectations.

If you're considering building a smart app to better serve your customers, check out our comprehensive Guide on Mobile App Development.

Having a smart device app development  can certainly give you a competitive edge over countless businesses relying on traditional apps. However, the journey to develop one can be overwhelming. 

Enter Toobler, a frontrunner in Smart App development. With their seasoned team of experts, you're guaranteed top-tier guidance and execution. Contact us and kickstart your smart app journey today!

1. What is a smart application?

A smart application is a software program that delivers intelligent features and enhances user experience by utilizing cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics. 

Unlike traditional apps, these are more efficient and customized since they can analyze data, adjust to user preferences, and automate procedures. Virtual assistants, predictive analytics software, and Internet of Things applications are a few examples intended to provide more intelligent, instantaneous answers for various tasks.

2. What is a traditional application?

A traditional application is software created to carry out particular activities with manual input and predetermined instructions. These applications' capacity to adapt or learn from user behavior is limited because they rely on static data and lack cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. 

Manual updates and interventions are frequently necessary for traditional applications to continue functioning and satisfy user needs. Calculators, desktop word processors, and outdated corporate management systems are examples.

3. What is SmartApp used for?

A smart app can improve user experiences by utilizing cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. It provides individualized solutions, automates procedures, and analyzes real-time data. 

SmartApps are frequently utilized in e-commerce, healthcare, home automation, and corporate operations. They enhance productivity, convenience, and innovation across a range of industries by facilitating predictive decision-making, smooth integrations, and effective job management.