Parse is an Open-Source BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) platform and a part of the Software Development Kit (SDK) that will enable developers to build a mobile backend for all sort of apps. These apps can run on Windows Phone 8, Windows 8, Android and iOS. Parse not only assists developers to deploy apps quickly, it can also effortlessly bring down boiler plate code when attempting to update apps with additional features.
This backend tool named Parse shares its name with Parse Inc., a company that was acquired by Facebook which later announced the closing down of its services by January 2017. Thus, if you are on the lookout for time-tested and reliable substitutes of Parse, here are 13 app development options that can be availed by you in 2018.
1. Appcelerator
If you as a mobile app developer are looking for an all-in-one platform that will become an instrument to churn out mobile API, you can check out Appcelerator. Through Appcelerator, you can not only deliver native apps but also offer real-time analytics. Tagged as a cross-platform tool, Appcelerator employs JavaScript through which developers can offer a host of features to users.
Along with push notifications, you can also stay connected with data sources and provide custom analytics which are linked to User Interface. Founded in 2006, Appcelerator is the new kid on the block of Axway; a B2B company that acquired Appcelerator.
2. Built.io
Promising integrated platforms and back-end services, Built.io helps mobile app developers come up with amazing user experiences. Launched in 2007, Built.io can be deployed on VMware vCloud Air, Amazon Web Services and IBM SoftLayer. While this is an MBaaS platform, you can also churn out content management solutions through Built.io.
Incorporating pluggable architecture that facilitates custom-made projects, it is through Built.io that you can meet your business needs. You can bank upon this back-end choice to come up with APIs that can be connected with the overall ecosystem of enterprises.
3. AnyPresence
Launched in 2010, AnyPresence is an enterprise platform facilitating digital transformation. It is through its BaaS concept that developers can come up with cross-platform applications. Allowing you to offer application programing interfaces, AnyPresence has been making its strong presence felt as a patronized enterprise-level app.
A higher-level enterprise coupled with strong customer support and developer features are the hallmark of this tool.
4. Kii
Recognized as a single-window full stack platform for all your app and smart device requirements, Kii is poised to deliver greater user experiences. You can employ the mobile backend services of Kii to deliver scalable and high-performing mobile apps that can run on multiple operating systems.
Kii is a comprehensive option which can help you develop, scale and test alongside optimize your requirements and implement them. With Kii, you can substantially cut down your mobile app development period, which in turn helps you cut down operational and developmental costs.
5. CloudMine
If you are looking to build a healthcare application in a short time without any financial hardships, then CloudMine can be your top bet. All thanks to the Micro-services and SDKs offered by CloudMine that you can not only cut down your development time but can also secure your data storage.
Tagged as a Platform-as-a-Service option, CloudMine brings to the table a host of features including advanced analytics, big data processing, data normalization, real-time streaming and self-serviced data recovery. Partnering with Apprenda, a PaaS provider, CloudMine which was launched in 2011 is a top choice for building engaging mobile apps that are driven to add value to your healthcare business.
6. Appery
Next in the list of alternatives to Parse is Appery; a choice that will help you create new RESTful APIs which require very little programming in MySQL, SAP, Oracle, SharePoint or LDAP. Identified as an Enterprise Level MBaaS platform, Appery helps you come out with secure, reliable and scalable online apps that can be seamlessly deployed across premise servers.
Proud of its state-of-the-art technologies, Appery can become your first choice to build mobile web apps and hybrid apps that promise a superior user experience. Catering to the development needs of over 300,000 global developers, Appery offers MBaaS mobile backend services along with server code, push notifications and database functions.
7. Kony
In keeping with the next-gen needs of the banking industry, Kony which was incorporated in 2007 offers digital banking experiences through its industry-specific apps. Tagged as a leading enterprise mobility company, Kony makes its strong presence felt in the sphere of mobile application development. Kony is a trusted name amongst global banking clients looking to offer custom-made digitized solutions.
While you can build multi-channel apps with Kony, you can also deliver them at a rocket speed. Mindful of agility, flexibility and security, Kony comes as a blessing to financial institutions through its unique Mobile Fabric MBaaS Integration feature.
8. Telerik
To offer modern User Interface (UI) to all its clients is the unwritten promise kept up by Telerik at all times. Through Telerik, you can build up-to-date user interface for mobile apps. Making use of JavaScript and .Net, Telerik blends the capabilities of productivity and reporting tools that are patronized by over 2.1 million developers from across the globe.
Set up with stringent security and encryption measures, Telerik can handhold enterprises eyeing to scale their operations. Global giants like Dell, Microsoft, Sony and IBM are the esteemed clients of Telerik.
9. Kumulos
If it is your dream to deliver simple yet affordable and powerful mobile apps through an effective mobile app performance platform, then Kumulos can be your top choice. Identified as a one-stop-shop to manage the performance of commercial and technical mobile apps, Kumulos helps you derive the best business results.
Through push notifications, you can assist your clients build and implement marketing campaigns that will attract the attention of new customers. Incorporating the Backend-as-a-Service concept, Kumulos is built on MBaaS technology has the support of KScript, RESTful API and Hookup as part of mobile SDK.
10. Kinvey
Another alternative that is very close to the functionalities of Parse is Kinvey; a leading mobile app development platform. Established in 2010, Kinvey can build mission-specific apps which can digitize your entire business without any hassles.
Kinvey brings a lot to your table in the form of Cloud storage, customized business logic and push notifications.
11. FireBase
Firebase comes with a plethora of benefits. With a commitment to deliver better mobile apps that will help you grow your business, FireBase keeps up this promise at all times. Built on Google infrastructure, FireBase provides databases, analytics along with crash reporting and messaging services.
For all those developers who are looking to sync their web-based and mobile apps with real-time data, Firebase comes as a top pick. Along with authentication, Firebase offers static hosting; a feature that makes it a typical replacement for Parse.
12. SkyGear
Looking to build apps on a reliable backend? Then, look no further and sign up with Skygear; an open-source SDK for web, IoT and mobile apps. Equipped with a plethora of backend functions, Skygear, an MBaaS platform simplifies the task of adding new features to your existing apps. The luxury of building apps faster makes Skygear stand out from other platforms. It is through a simple click that you can launch your application, without getting bogged down by deployment issues.
With Skygear as a perfect substitute for Parse, you can add a long list of reusable plugins and effortlessly code chat apps along with messenger bots and social platforms.
13. Backendless
Founded in 2012, Backendless is another MBaaS platform that can substitute Parse. If you are looking to develop mobile apps backed by a powerful cloud backend, then it is time you check out the functionalities of Backendless. Offering a perfect blend of reliable and secure hosting services, Backendless delivers the best file storage solutions to its clients. With Backendless, you can not only generate dynamic content but can also store static files.
Specially designed for enterprisesrunning on venture capital, Backendless offers scalable app solutions that not only streamline but also accelerate your application development.
Closing Thoughts
It will not be an overstatement to quote that the mobile app development is a limitless domain, characterized by rapid changes. Poised for an exponential growth, this territory of mobile app development is dictated by state-of-the-art tools which will eventually push the demand for mobile apps. Since Parse is no longer an option to you, you as a developer will benefit a great deal by weighing the benefits of the above-mentioned tools that will come handy in 2018.