Deployment Options for Real Time Applications: What’s Best?

So you’ve created a great new RTC application. Now what? What’s the best way to deploy it? As with most things in life, there’s no one perfect way. The best deployment solution for you depends on a number of factors, like what your app does, what your environment is like and what you’re familiar working in.

There are three overall ways to deploy your new RTC app, each with its own set of pros and cons.

App Deployment Services

Pros: Using a PaaS, in WebRTC sometimes known as a Cloud Communications Platform, will make things as easy as possible to create and deploy your app.

Cons: This offers the least amount of control over settings and capabilities in your app, as you are forced to adopt whatever limitations come with your chosen platform.

If you’re not sure where to TURN when it comes to deployment, you should probably use a complete PaaS to save yourself time and potential problems. Especially if you didn’t get the pun in that sentence.

Cloud Hosted WebRTC Platforms

Pros: All-in-one cloud hosting for STUN/TURN servers allows for easy, instant deployment of your RTC app. A notable example is Xirsys.

Cons: You get what you pay for and convenience isn’t cheap. Many cloud-based platforms charge on usage minutes, which can add up fast. Others charge on bandwidth, which is a little more affordable. You also don’t get the level of control you would with your own servers.

If you’re rolling out an enterprise-level app, cloud hosting is probably not for you just for the level of control offered, and pricing. If you’re just starting out or launching an app as a small, independent developer, cloud hosted deployment may be a wise use of your time.

Self-Deployment

Pros: Self-deployment gives you the most control over your entire environment and all settings. If your app is complex or has unique needs, and you’re an advanced developer, this is a huge bonus.

Cons: With great power comes great potential for everything to go terribly wrong.

If you’re not a pro at configuring your own STUN and TURN servers, VPS, or troubleshooting server issues when they happen, this is probably not the best option for you.

In summary, one size does not fit all, and each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose wisely.