When it comes to technology, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Just ask anyone who was caught on the wrong side of the smartphone revolution.
If your startup relies on technology to function, you’ll eventually have to make the decision on which platform to build your applications, websites, and other digital products on.
Deciding on which platform to use for your business doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, you may already be using the right tool for the job. What you need is proper guidance to ensure you make the right choice for your company.
The Pros And Cons Of Using Ruby On Rails For Your Business
Ruby on Rails was initially created for use within bigger companies. The idea behind it is to utilize the advantages of a server-side script (i.e. safety, security, and reliability) with the simplicity and conveniences of a client-side script (i.e. accessibility, platform independence, and rapid development).
While this might be a perfect fit for large organizations looking to centralize server maintenance and provisioning, for small businesses and startups, Ruby on Rails can cause more problems than it is worth. For example, if you are just getting started with your business, why subject yourself to the complexity of setting up a web server when you could just as easily use a simple WordPress installation to host your website?
Unless you have a lot of experience with servers and websites, it may be a safer bet to use a tool that is already well-rounded in terms of functionality when building your business. A good example of this would be React.js.
Consider The Economics Of Hosting Your Business On A Server
Another important point to consider if you are running a business is the cost of hosting. When you utilize a hosting service such as Amazon Web Services or Google Compute Engine, you pay a monthly fee for the privilege of having an internet server reside within their data centers. For small businesses, this usually isn’t a problem. For larger businesses or organizations, it can be cheaper to lease a server.
On the other side of the coin, you have the cost of maintaining a data center. Aside from the initial capital cost of purchasing the hardware, you will also need to pay for electricity, cooling, and personnel to monitor and maintain the server. In most cases this is also billed to you on an annual basis.
The Bottom Line
In every business there is a need for a tool to help it operate more efficiently. For startups and small businesses this may mean focusing on building a product that is easy to use and can get the job done. For larger businesses this may mean looking at areas of weakness and converting them into strengths.
In the sections above we’ve discussed the pros and cons of using Ruby on Rails for your business. Ultimately, it comes down to this: Use the right tool for the job.