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Why Realtime Data is Important

In this modern era, the demand for messaging applications that can handle real-time data has increased significantly. There are so many interesting stories on how the requirements for reporting are complicated but crucial. You need to load every report with a huge amount of data. And, this data has to be refined as much as possible. The process is definitely painful and arduous. Yet, the need for real-time data is not going to disappear because of the complexity involved. 

There are multiple reasons why real-time data and communication is necessary in the current world of business. Here are a few reasons why the use of real-time data is inevitable.

Importance of Real-Time Data

People are venturing into instant messaging protocols. This gives them a better experience than obsolete SMS technologies. Most of the recent messaging protocols are designed with features like group chats, voice calls, video calls and media sharing. In fact, people are offered the freedom to communicate with video messages and voice messages too. These changes prove that the demand for real-time data is high. And, this demand is met with the help of chat functionalities in web and mobile applications. These applications go beyond standard chat-based applications. 

Let’s understand this with an example. The renowned brand “Uber” has an interesting messaging facility on its website. This instant messaging option is all about offering greater privacy and convenience. The chat feature allows drivers and riders to communicate in real-time. This means, details about your location, and identity can be shared very easily. When compared against traditional text messages and phone calls, the ability to share data in real-time appears to be more useful and exciting. Uber is not the only brand with this facility. With time, more and more companies are keen on introducing this facility to their products and services. For example, Twitch is a web-based application. This application has currently enabled the ability to engage in group discussions. Once again, all the messages and details are shared in real-time. This opportunity allows customers and Twitch to build a stronger relationship. These real-time messages offer a sense of connection and community within the platform. 

Apart from these two companies, there are so many other streaming applications like YouNow, Meerkat and Periscope that rely on real-time data. Meanwhile, you also have social media applications like Twitter and Instagram that allows businesses to share data from time to time. Another interesting place where real-time data becomes crucial would be dating applications. It is vital, especially in dating applications as real-time communication is much needed for the success of the same. This includes Pure, Grindr and Tinder. After all, don’t these sites show the increased need for real-time chat windows? 

Technology Behind Real-Time Data

Now, let’s understand more about the technology that goes behind the real-time applications, and methods of sharing data. 

Hosted Services for Real-Time Features 

First of all, you have access to hosted services that offer real-time data. These are solutions that let you access real-time messaging capabilities in an easy and quick manner. With just a few lines of code, developers will be able to integrate hosted real-time services into their systems. What makes these systems essential is that people are waiting for these features, where they can interact with businesses immediately. 

When your customers see chat services enabled in your website or mobile application, they will be excited to connect with you. Your customer service involvements will be seen by the clients. As a result, the chances of them engaging in business with you will be high. On the other hand, developers who need to integrate real-time messaging services into your system will find it easier with the hosted options. These reduce the amount of complexity involved in the development process. 

Self Hosted Services

Next would be the self-hosted services. As suggested by its name, these are services designed and customized by businesses. The solution ranks somewhere between third party tools and bespoke software. With the help of self-hosted messaging services, you will have the freedom to deploy your very own messaging platform. Once again, there are many perks in using this technology for your real-time messaging services. 

For instance, you will be able to add more features and customize the messaging solution to suit your business. This is a responsible job that many businesses engage in. What happens when customers see your customized messaging service is very interesting. Firstly, it implies that you have the technology, resources, effort and urge to impress customers. Two, you don’t need to worry about the updates offered by the third-party tools. Since you are responsible for developing and customizing the solution, everything will be under control. Three, you can respond to customer feedback easily. If your client wants you to include a special feature in the chat or messaging window, you will be able to deal with it promptly. And, all of these steps will translate to more business in the long run!

How to choose a real-time messaging or data service?

When you are ought to choose a real-time system for your business, there are few things you should focus on:

1. Is the real-time protocol highly independent? Independence plays a vital role in communication protocols. There are so many protocols to choose from. You have BOSH, COMET and MQTT. These are three renowned protocols for communication. They help in exchanging data in real-time. When you choose a protocol, ensure that it is compatible with your system.

2.  Real-time data needs to be shared across multiple applications. This means you should support cross-application sharing too! This is a solution that is vital in many industries. Unfortunately, you need to consider a variety of languages and client-side technologies.

3. Next, your real-time data should not be boring. It has to be loaded with rich media content. This means you need images, videos, audio, stickers and locations in the real-time communication data. Such content will spice up the communication for your customers, and potential users.