Apps that require voluminous data to be stored such as posting pictures and sharing, chatting and several other similar apps demand cloud integration. It is necessary to host a server that stores all the data which is accessible. Since there is cloud integration, Backend as a Service can be used as well. Parse is one of the BaaS.

Parse is a Backend as a Service framework for mobile applications. This platform is an open source. Storage space is required for storing data of users in their respective account for apps with heavy data. The use of Parse cloud and API makes it easier to store the data as it eliminates the need for physical server.

After Facebook bought Parse, its popularity has increased which has also escalated the number of parse app developers. Some amendment in Parse extended its services for websites as well.

Features of Parse

Service is cloud based

Since there is no physical server and the data stored in Parse is actually stored in cloud, it can be handled and managed easily. Internet is required for accessing the data.

Cloud code

The additions and modifications in the apps can be made without reuploading it if it is built on JavaScript SDK. Similarly setting up a newer version doesn’t require the upload of the entire app again. Scheduling of uploads and emails can also be done in Parse.

Support for a wide range of platforms

Platform independent apps that include Android, Windows and iOS are supported by Parse. It helps the developers as apps for different operating systems can be developed on a single platform.

Hosting

Sub-domain for Parse applications is optionally provided by Parse to host projects that use Parse’s command line Interface. So, another feature of Parse development is that it doesn’t require hosting.

Dashboard

Apps made on Parse have their own dashboard that contains the required options. It can be modified according to the requirement of the user in the app. Documents, settings, and other options can be seen on dashboards built by Parse.

Analytics

Keeping track of updates and other several things is difficult and it requires a team. Parse allows the compilation of crashes, downloads, requests and other activities from one place.

Push Notifications

Push notifications include giving news, notifications, reminders and messages. It makes sure that the app is connected directly to the user. Parse helps in increasing the interaction between the apps and the users by the use of push notifications. Native and client SDKs of Parse are used in order to provide this service.

Privacy

The apps developed in Parse are secure. Privacy of the apps is taken care of supremely by providing different ID and key for different users. HTTPS or SSL are used for making the essential links. Parse also allows Class level permissions and Object level permissions during coding for privacy control.

Data Browser

Data browser allows the viewing and editing of applications data. Some terrific features like rich editor, sort data and filter for editing data easily are included in data browser making it one of the vital tools in Parse. Configuration of security settings for client permission by creating custom queries can also be done by the use of this tool.

Conclusion

Parse can be used for the creation of smaller applications that can store less amount of data. Other options rather than Parse can be used in case the applications to be developed need to store voluminous data. This platform now consists of a community of developers who contribute in improving this already modular platform.

As we become immersed in a world dominated by technology, it seems that our banks have been relatively late to the party in terms of innovation such as AI and machine learning – but all that is about to change.

Taking AI into account

Long considered to be old fashioned and stuffy, banking has already had something of a reputation for dragging its heels when it comes to entering the modern world. In popular films and TV programs, bank managers and staff are inevitably portrayed as fussy and stuck in their ways but, as 2020 looms ahead of us, even banks can no longer ignore the necessity of technology for retaining customers. We take a look at some of the ways in which AI is changing the face of traditional banking and financial technology or, fintech.

Sentiment Analysis

Like every other industry, the banking sector is starting to realise the importance of knowing what its customers are saying, thinking and feeling. Sentiment Analysis is the art of using artificial intelligence tools to trawl news sites and social media outlets in order to find reviews, comments and posts – and to then decipher the ‘emotion’ behind the words. I essence, this involves AI figuring out whether a post is positive, neutral or negative in order to learn from it and act upon it. Although Sentiment Analysis is still in its relative infancy and often struggles with subtle nuances such as sarcasm and irony, the technology is nonetheless sophisticated enough to get an accurate picture of customers’ emotional reaction toward a brand; in this case, a bank. Modern banking institutions such as Metro Bank are already using Sentiment Analysis tools such as Social Mention to great effect.

Credit where credit’s due

A large part of banking involves making decision on whether to grant customers credit in terms of overdrafts, loans and credit cards. Until recently, banks have made these decisions based on a somewhat antiquated credit scoring process linked to a customers’s credit report and, this credit score would rank from 0 (very poor) to 999 (excellent). The use of AI is set to make this process quicker, more accurate and more adaptable as it uses much more sophisticated parameters. For example, with old fashioned credit scoring, a customer could score low simply because they have very little or no credit history. Systems using AI are able to make more intelligent, unbiased decisions based on a number of factors to weed out high risk applicants and authorise credit for those who may not have passed the traditional test – making the bank more money in interest. It’s unsurprising that our banks have cottoned on to this after vehicle lending companies in America reported that losses were cut by 23% once AI systems were in place.

Fraud Prevention

One of banking’s biggest enemies is fraud – in particular card fraud which cost banks £566 million in 2017. Despite a number of security measures put in place, banks have, until recently, been relatively ineffective when it comes to stamping out fraud. Happily, a hero has arrived in the shape of AI which has proved to be incredibly effective in this area. New AI fraud detection systems are able to analyse customer behaviours including what they buy – and where they buy it, in order to establish patterns and prevent fraud by freezing transactions which are considered suspicious. The machine learning aspect of these systems allows for constant updating of customer patterns and is capable of examining interactions with many different conditions and variables. for example, if you always shop at a certain supermarket at 3pm on a Saturday, the bank’s algorithm will recognise this as typical behaviour. However, if for example, you tend to take out cash once a day – but suddenly your debit card is used to withdraw cash two or three times in a day, AI will identify this as possible fraud.

The personal touch

In today’s world, offering a personalised service to customers is considered essential in every corner of industry and, the world of banking is no different. Where once this would mean the bank cashier greeting you by name as you arrive at the desk clutching your bank book, these days, it’s all about the AI. As with other sectors, banks are using chatbots to ease the load of human staff and offer customers a faster, self-service option. Clever AI systems can analyse a customer’s account history at the speed of light in order to provide notifications, advice and offers in real time. This kind of personalised banking has proved highly effective for banking giants such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase.
When it comes to the use of advanced technology in banking, there are those sceptics who feel that fraudsters and criminals will simply harness the same technology in order to commit their crimes. Although this may be the case, there’s no doubt that AI is, on the whole, making systems safer for both the banks and their customers.

Don’t you think nowadays apps and their development have improved the education sector? Today the market is focusing on many educational apps. The environment or the consumers are also using such apps with great interest. Time is changing and the influence of technology is also seen in the educational sector.

Here we will discuss some of the reasons why educational apps are required.

Reinforce learning Experiences

The modern e-learning apps encourage students and increase their interest in learning by making learning easy and fun. These apps have some extra features like daily quizzes and practice papers that help students improve their grades. The best thing about such apps is they make student practice daily and enhance their skills.

Enhance communication between parents and teachers

While in the educational institutes there is limited time and place for parents and teachers to interact. But with the educational apps any parent can connect to teachers anytime they wish. This increases the communication between them and helps for taking a better decision for the student. Parents will also be totally up-to-date about their children without sparing extra time to visit institutes. These apps can also be used to provide all necessary or new information regarding anything about the institute to parents or among classmates.

Access to education anywhere, anytime

With these apps, students or anyone will be able to utilize every single second of their leisure time. If you have a doubt related to anything during previous years you should wait for the next day to meet the teacher and get your query solved. But now when there is an app for this any student or anybody can solve any of their queries anytime. So now with the availability of such apps education is limitless.

Educational apps are divided into 3 major categories.

Student Management

Such educational apps promote learning which includes students in different activities like language learning, memory training and brain teasers. The best part of such an app is with a single app you can target people of multiple age groups at a time. Some of the features like assignment tracking and e-book learning make it more effective and interesting to follow.

Teaching Enhancement

The best part of these apps is that teachers can get all the learning module directly on their smartphones. They can check these apps and other details anytime they need. The teacher’s performance and dedication also increases with such apps.

Optimize institutional activities

Most of the educational institutes are also getting benefited with the help of such apps. Many educational institutes have their own apps that their students are using. This is increasing the education system, the institute and the teaching standard and professionalism. The app also helps institutes improve and monitor backend systems and incorporate the latest learning programs. This also helps in online fee management and many other activities of the institute.

Thus these educational apps are a great reform in the system. This is not only useful to students but also teachers, parents and institutes. Most of the educational institutes are coming up with such apps and the trend of development and improvement is such institutes is high. All you need is a good and unique educational app that can be built by a good app development team with skilled app developers. If you are a student try using such educational apps and enhance your career. And if you are planning to have such an app for your institute then try finding a good app development agency soon. This will help you create a good and simple to understand educational app.