# Getting Started -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: "Introduction" description: "Learn about getting started with Catalyst Cloud Scale that provides components for your application storage, security, integration, and deployment needs." last_updated: "2026-06-16T09:55:12.024Z" source: "https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cloud-scale/getting-started/introduction/" service: "Cloud Scale" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Catalyst Cloud Scale ### Introduction Cloud Scale, powered by Catalyst, is a service by the Catalyst development platform that contains a host of components to provide you with application storage, security, automation, and hosting solutions. Cloud Scale offers you complete Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) support and ensures you manage your resources optimally. The entire backend infrastructure, powered by Catalyst, enables you to focus more on building your application logic without worrying about backend setup or infrastructure requirements. With Catalyst, you have access to a highly-integrated, user-friendly console from where you can create and manage the complex functionalities of your application. You can perform several actions such as configuring an automated job scheduler or user authentication, executing database queries, or even managing a powerful relational database easily from the console. Building your application with Catalyst Cloud Scale ensures you have the freedom to initialize, create, and develop projects locally using the Catalyst CLI, in addition to the console. You can work with several Cloud Scale components through the CLI and deploy your project to the remote console, as and when required. You can also access the Cloud Scale components through code using Catalyst SDKs and APIs. Catalyst offers server-side SDK support in the following programming environments: * Java * Node.js * Python You can also build client applications with the client SDKs that Catalyst provides: * Web * Android * iOS * Flutter You can host the web apps, and the mobile apps with Web Client Hosting and Mobile Device Management. Note: Along with Cloud Scale, Catalyst provides you with a host of other services like Catalyst Serverless, Catalyst Zia Services, Catalyst DevOps and more, each providing you with a different set of features and components that aid you through the various stages of your application building and management. You can try implementing some Catalyst components and start building simple microservices using our Tutorials section. You can start building applications using Catalyst Cloud Scale by accessing this Quick-Start Guide. Note: Push Notifications and Mobile Device Management are currently not available to Catalyst users accessing from the EU, AU, IN, or CA data centers. <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: "Components of Catalyst Cloud Scale" description: "Learn about getting started with Catalyst Cloud Scale that provides components for your application storage, security, integration, and deployment needs." last_updated: "2026-06-16T09:55:12.024Z" source: "https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cloud-scale/getting-started/components-of-cloud-scale/" service: "Cloud Scale" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Components of Catalyst Cloud Scale Powerful relational database management system Simple scalable cloud storage for your app data Ephemeral storage for frequently accessed data Powerful search system for your app's database User-friendly console to test ZCQL queries <br /> Multifaceted, secure end-user authentication system Advanced API management tool for your app's endpoints Automatic token handler that authenticates integrations with Zoho and third-party services <br /> Automated job scheduler to manage routine application tasks Event bus service to automate custom action executions <br /> Customizable, built-in email client for application emails Ready-to-implement push notification service for app users <br /> Easy-to-use, versionable web application hosting service Secure mapping service for custom domains with Catalyst apps Secure, versionable Android, iOS, and Flutter app hosting service <br /> As represented above, Catalyst Cloud Scale contains the following components, each aimed at aiding various facets of application building: ### Storage Components Catalyst Cloud Scale offers storage solutions by providing you with File Store, to store app data in the form of files and folders, and a powerful relational database management service called Data Store. Additionally, you can also employ Cache, a storage component for ephemeral data storage, and database tools like ZCQL Query Console to handle database operations. You can also use the Search component to perform search operations in the indexed columns of the Data Store. ### Security & Identity Components Components like Authentication enable you to implement multiple user authentication methods easily and manage the end-users of your application. You also benefit from a powerful API management tool, API Gateway, which enables you to create and define custom APIs to access the endpoints of your application. You also have access to the Connections component, leveraging which you can easily establish secure integrations with Zoho and other third-party services all while Catalyst handles the necessary token operations to maintain the integration. ### Trigger Components Catalyst Cloud Scale offers Cron, an automated job scheduling component, and Event Listeners, an event bus service that can listen for specific events and automatically execute operations based on your configurations. ### Notification Components With Mail, you can engage with your end-users by sending emails from within the application itself, and configuring SMTP settings and custom domains of the sender's email client directly from the console. You can also test and configure push notifications to send to your end users using the Push Notifications component. ### Host & Manage Components Mobile Device Management (MDM) enables you to easily host Android, iOS, and Flutter apps from Catalyst, and the Web Client Hosting hosts the client component of a Catalyst web application and enables you to manage its versioning. You can use the Domain Mappings component to map your application's domain with the production URL of the Catalyst application and let users access the application securely through that domain. Note: Push Notifications and Mobile Device Management are currently not available to Catalyst users accessing from the EU, AU, IN, or CA data centers. <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: "Benefits" description: "Learn about getting started with Catalyst Cloud Scale that provides components for your application storage, security, integration, and deployment needs." last_updated: "2026-06-16T09:55:12.027Z" source: "https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cloud-scale/getting-started/benefits/" service: "Cloud Scale" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Benefits * Build applications that have no scaling restrictions: A primary concern you will face during post-production will be handling scaling on demand, and at the same time ensuring that the cost incurred is optimized by not having to pay for server downtime. However, Catalyst Cloud Scale comes equipped with auto scaling. Cloud Scale handles the backend infrastructure and server requirements by automatically allocating required resources during high traffic and killing instances when they are not utilized. * A flexible development environment: Catalyst Cloud Scale ensures you have a hassle-free and flexible development environment. You can either use the Cloud Scale components from the console or access it through code using Catalyst APIs. You can also build and deploy applications locally using the CLI. All of the components are free when used in the development environment. Using function templates and the boilerplate code aids you in cutting down setup time. From the console, you can also automate parts of your application by implementing components such as Cron and Event Listeners. * Host your application with ease: You can use the Web Client Hosting component to host your client component as a web app. You can host different versions of your application and easily manage versioning requirements like hosting an updated version or rolling back to an older version. Furthermore, using the Domain Mappings component you can map the application's domain with the production URL of the Catalyst application and let users access the application securely through that domain. You can also easily host your application as an Android, iOS, or a Flutter application using Mobile Device Management. * Storage made simple: The Data Store component is a powerful cloud-based relational database management system. You can easily perform any data manipulation you require directly from the console or even using the Query Console. Using the File Store component you can store app data in the form of folders, and Cache is an ephemeral storage component you can employ to ensure that actively used data is retrieved faster. All of the storage components do not require any complex coding or backend support as it is expertly handled by Catalyst Cloud Scale. You can use the Data Store and File Store store to store sensitive user data, as it will be stored in a manner that is compliant with all relevant data and privacy protection laws, such as HIPAA and GDPR guidelines. * More than one authentication type: Using the Authentication component, you can securely add end-users to the application easily and ensure that access to your application and microservices is secure throughout. Catalyst Cloud Scale offers two native authentication types where Catalyst comprehensively handles the security component of your application. You also have the freedom to enable a third-party authentication service of your choice for your Catalyst application and manage it using the Cloud Scale Authentication component. * Access to the whole of Catalyst: By using Catalyst Cloud Scale, you will also have access to other services of Catalyst like Catalyst Zia Services and Catalyst DevOps. For instance, by signing up with Cloud Scale, you can easily add powerful AI services like Identity Scanner, Face Analytics to enhance your application. <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: "Use Cases" description: "Learn about getting started with Catalyst Cloud Scale that provides components for your application storage, security, integration, and deployment needs." last_updated: "2026-06-16T09:55:12.027Z" source: "https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cloud-scale/getting-started/use-cases/" service: "Cloud Scale" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Examples of How Catalyst Cloud Scale Can Improve Businesses 1. **Improving Customer Engagement**<br />In any business, customer engagement plays a pivotal role in ensuring paying customers are retained. If there is a lack of engagement, the chances are high that businesses miss out on building and securing regular customers. With Catalyst Cloud Scale, you can build an effective customer engagement system. For example, if you have a list of users that have subscribed to your business, present in a CSV file, regularly maintained by the customer facing employees. For better customer engagement you can use the customer list in the CSV file and send them thank you emails or promotional content. You can do this quickly and easily by building a microservice using Cloud Scale. The microservice can operate in a manner where once the file is uploaded, an Event Listeners triggers an event function that performs a bulk write operation in the Data Store. From the data gathered here, using components like Mail and Push Notifications, you can send emails and push notifications to your customers from within your application. Furthermore, using Cron you can also ensure these emails are sent periodically, ensuring consistent engagement. 2. **Simplifying Recruitment Processes**<br />Companies often have to invest time and resources in filtering their potential candidates by conducting several rounds of interviews or other forms of assessments. The task of keeping track of individual prospects' progress and updating them can be cumbersome and time-consuming. However, this arduous task can be streamlined and simplified by building a recruiter application using Catalyst Cloud Scale. The application can be built in a manner where you use the Authentication component to authenticate directly and add prospective candidates to your recruitment app by sending them invite emails using the Email Template feature. You can also comprehensively secure all end points of your application using API Gateway. Using Cron, Push Notifications and Mail you periodically alert candidates on their upcoming assessments instead of handling this task manually. The Data Store can be used to store candidates information. In the event where a candidate scores a failing grade, an Event Listeners can be used to execute an event function to send an email through Mail informing the candidate. Using the Roles feature in Authentication you can then deactivate the failed candidate's credentials and revoke their access to the application. Furthermore, using Mobile Device Management, you can host this application as an iOS, Android, or a Flutter app, and the Web Client Hosting component will enable you to host the application as a Web app. 3. **Generating Awareness on Safe-Usage of Drugs**<br />The health care industry consistently puts out various prescription drugs each year. Sometimes, it can be daunting for patients to know which over-the-counter drugs are FDA approved and safe to use. However, using Cloud Scale, you can create a Catalyst application that notifies users on the viability of these drugs. The Data Store component is a powerful relational database system that can store all the necessary information. Search and Query Console can be used to modify and sort through the vast volume of data. File Store can contain certain application data like images of drugs or other information that can be retrieved and displayed to the user. You can also automate the process of periodically updating the Data Store to remain on par with newer drugs using the Cron component. You can find out more on how Catalyst Cloud Scale has benefited several businesses across various sectors by clicking here. <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- title: "Quick Start Guide" description: "Learn about getting started with Catalyst Cloud Scale that provides components for your application storage, security, integration, and deployment needs." last_updated: "2026-06-16T09:55:12.027Z" source: "https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cloud-scale/getting-started/quick-start-guide/" service: "Cloud Scale" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Catalyst Cloud Scale - A Quick Start Guide This section covers the overall steps involved in creating and developing your Catalyst applications by leveraging the Cloud Scale components from the Catalyst console. You can engineer, test, and deploy robust applications and microservices using the various components of Catalyst Cloud Scale. 1. **Create a project** - Access the Catalyst console to create a new project. After the project creation is complete, you will be able to access all components of Cloud Scale and other Catalyst services from the console. Note: You can familiarize yourself with the various components and gain a more functional understanding of Catalyst by using the step-by-step guides present in the Tutorials section. Additionally, you can also create a new project in the local environment by initializing it from the CLI. You must first install Catalyst CLI and log in to your remote account before you can access the Catalyst commands and work with your application locally. 2. **Accessing Catalyst Cloud Scale components** - You can access and implement any of the Cloud Scale components based on your requirements. For instance, you can utilize Data Store, to implement a powerful relational database management system in your application, or use File Store to store your app files in folders. You can also use Cache if your application requires ephemeral storage. You can configure an event bus service or automate redundant parts of your application and schedule jobs to be automatically executed using Event Listeners and Cron respectively. You can also configure various types of authentication to allow your users to log on to your application securely. You also have the option to communicate with your end users from the console using the Mail and Push Notifications components. Note: Each of these Cloud Scale components have detailed help sections to ensure you can utilize Cloud Scale to build applications quickly and easily. 3. **Developing your application** - You can initialize the project locally using the Catalyst CLI, and start coding your business logic into Catalyst Serverless Functions, with either Java, Node.js, or Python, using an external IDE of your choice, or directly create them in the console. You can also utilize code templates from Catalyst SDK and employ prebuilt API endpoints from Catalyst API to incorporate Cloud Scale components in your business logic. You also have the option to use Catalyst Codelib, which are ready-made microservices that can be incorporated into application directly. You can also enhance your application using AI/ML powered components of Catalyst Zia Services. 4. **Test the application** - You can test the client components of your application locally before deploying it to the remote console using catalyst serve. You can also debug and test your functions using the catalyst shell command; catalyst functions:shell. Note:: You also have the option to configure automated test cases in the exclusive testing environment present in Catalyst DevOps' Automation Testing component. You can also perform logging, application monitoring, and other operations management through Catalyst DevOps. 5. **Host your application** - You can then host your application using the Web Client Hosting component in the development sandbox. You can also manage different versions of your application here and easily upgrade your application or roll it back per your preference. You can continue to monitor your application and optimize it as required using Catalyst DevOps. Note: You can also host Android, iOS, and Flutter applications using the Mobile Device Management component. 6. **Migrate your application from development to production** - When your application is ready to be migrated, you can deploy it from the development to the production environment in a streamlined manner as instructed in this help document, and you can use the Domain Mappings component to map your application's production URL onto your own custom domain securely. Additionally, Catalyst will provide group SSL certifications for all the domain that you map under your application, free of cost. However, before you deploy to production ensure you have set up Catalyst payments. Note: The sequence of steps specified here might differ based on your business or application logic, or your specific use case. The flow mentioned in the deploying and testing phases of the application can be altered based on your requirements. This is a generic set of guidelines that is suitable for a typical small to mid-scale, client-based application, or microservice. <br />