Custom backend development
Server-side systems built from scratch, with full ownership of the code.
App Backend & API Development · AI-First · Results-Driven
App Backends & APIs,Engineered For Scale
Short answer: App backend development builds the server side of a mobile app — the APIs, database, authentication, push notifications and business logic the app on the phone talks to. The frontend is only as good as the backend feeding it: slow or unreliable APIs make even a beautiful app feel broken. Good work means secure, well-documented endpoints that stay fast as users grow. Judge it on architecture and API design. We build app backends in-house, matched to the app consuming them.
App Backend and API Development
App backend development is the engineering of everything a mobile app relies on but doesn't run on the device: the server, database, user accounts, and the APIs that move data between them. When you open an app and it loads your profile, saves an order or sends a notification, that's the backend responding through an API. App backend development turns those needs into secure, scalable server infrastructure — typically REST or GraphQL APIs over a database — so the app has a reliable source of truth.
The core of the job is API design and data modeling. Endpoints should be consistent, versioned and documented so the app team can build against them without guessing; the database should be structured and indexed to stay fast as records multiply. Authentication, rate limiting and input validation protect user data, while push notifications and background jobs handle work off the device. Watch for chatty APIs that drain battery and data, and unversioned endpoints that break older app versions. Expect docs, tests and monitoring.
Because we build the app and its backend together, the API is designed around exactly what the screens need to fetch — no over- or under-fetching bolted on later. Security and observability are wired in from the first endpoint, not patched after launch.
What we build
What App Backend Development Covers
Authentication & user management
Sign-up, login, sessions, roles and secure identity for your users.
Learn more →Databases & data modeling
Reliable data storage with schemas designed to scale from day one.
Learn more →Real-time & push notifications
Live updates, messaging and push that keep users engaged.
Learn more →File storage & media
Uploads, images and video handled with secure, fast delivery.
Learn more →Payments & billing
Subscriptions, one-off charges and invoicing wired into the backend.
Learn more →Third-party integrations
CRMs, maps, messaging and external services connected to your API.
Learn more →Services
App Backend Development Services
Full-cycle app backend development services — from a first API to a scaled, cloud-native platform behind your app.
API design & development
Well-structured REST and GraphQL APIs, documented and versioned for the long run.
Backend for an existing app
Add or rebuild the backend behind a mobile or web front-end that has outgrown its stack.
Cloud infrastructure & DevOps
Deployment, autoscaling, CI/CD and monitoring on AWS, Azure or GCP.
Backend modernization & migration
Replace legacy servers and databases with a secure, maintainable platform.
Support, monitoring & scaling
Care plans for uptime, performance, security patches and new endpoints.
Technology
Our Backend & API Stack
The exact toolset depends on your goals — these are the platforms we use most, and we work with whatever your team already relies on.
API Layer
Data & Persistence
Async & Messaging
Infra, Deploy & Observability
Chosen per project — not a fixed menu. Have a preferred tool or platform? We’ll work with it.
Built to last
Secure, Accessible & Built to Last
We build on modern, well-supported frameworks with security and accessibility baked in — dependency hygiene, input validation, HTTPS and WCAG-minded UI — so your product is safe and usable from day one.
You own all the code and assets. Everything ships with documentation and a clean handover, so your team (or ours) can maintain and extend it without lock-in.
Who we build for
Industries We Build For
20+ years across sectors — in Houston and internationally.
Transparent pricing
Estimate your project in seconds
Pick what you’re building for an indicative range, then request an exact quote. No email wall.
Simple prices for typical tasks
- App APIfrom $10k
- Backend + authfrom $18k
- Realtime / scalefrom $25k
- Care planfrom $1k/mo
Proof
700+ projects, 20+ years
See the products and growth work we’ve shipped across industries — and request a case study relevant to yours.
How we work
Fixed scope. Sprints. Working software.
- 01
Scope & fixed estimate
A short discovery call turns your idea into a clear spec and a firm range — free.
- 02
Design & architecture
UX, data model and stack chosen for your scale, not ours.
- 03
Build in sprints
Working software every 1–2 weeks — you see progress, not promises.
- 04
Launch & scale
We ship, measure and keep improving with care plans.
FAQ
App Backend & API Development questions
How much does app backend development cost?
A dedicated backend or API typically runs from about $9,000 for an MVP to $40,000+ for a complex, high-traffic system. Cost depends on the number of endpoints, integrations, authentication and scale — use the estimator above for an indicative range, then book a call for a firm quote.
What is an app backend?
An app backend is the server-side half of an application: the servers, database, APIs and business logic that store data, authenticate users and power every feature. Users never see it directly, but it is what makes login, payments, push notifications and real-time updates work.
What is the difference between a backend and an API?
The backend is the whole server-side system — servers, database and business logic. An API is the doorway into it: a defined set of endpoints your app, website or partners call to read and write data. We build both together so they fit cleanly.
How long does it take to build an app backend?
A backend MVP or first API set usually ships in 4–6 weeks; a fuller, integrated platform in 2–4 months. We work in 1–2 week sprints so you get working, testable endpoints early and often.
Can you build a backend for an app we already have?
Yes. We regularly add or rebuild the backend behind an existing mobile or web front-end — designing the APIs, database and auth it needs, then connecting it without disrupting your users.
What technologies do you use for backends?
We build with Node.js, Python and modern cloud databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase and MongoDB, exposing REST and GraphQL APIs — chosen for your scale and maintainability, not lock-in.
Can you build a backend that scales?
Yes. We build cloud-native backends on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud with autoscaling, caching and monitoring, so your API stays fast and reliable as traffic and data grow.
Do you build app backends for companies outside Houston?
Yes. We are based in Houston, TX and have delivered 700+ projects nationwide and internationally over 20+ years, working with local and fully remote teams alike.
Do you offer app backend development in Houston?
Yes. We are based at 9800 Richmond Ave in Houston (Westchase / Energy Corridor) and work with Houston businesses locally as well as clients across the US and worldwide.
Work with one team
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Get started with app backend & api development
Book a free consultation — we’ll scope your build and give you an honest range.
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