When you think of cloud computing, you likely see images, videos and emails that are on the network. These servers are mostly for storage, but they also offer computing power that makes it possible to run programs and other applications. Cloud applications are a kind of software that runs its processing logic and storage of data on different systems. Some of that processing takes place on an user’s device, like a desktop or laptop computer, and some takes place on the server that hosts the application.
Cloud-based applications are typically designed with collaboration tools that allow multiple people to work on documents at the same time. This can increase productivity and enhance collaboration. Many of them automatically update to include the latest security patches and functionality which can save IT staff a lot of time.
Cloud applications can be scaled up and down very quickly. This flexibility is very useful for businesses with unpredictable or seasonal needs. It can also help lower operational costs since hardware can be bought and not used during slow periods.
Additionally, cloud services typically utilize a subscription-based model, where users pay for what they use. This can be more cost-effective than purchasing software licenses for each device or OS. This also increases business agility since companies do not have to spend large sums upfront to get the system up and running. Many cloud providers also provide disaster recovery services to their customers. This can help protect them against local outages or even physical disasters.
