When you think of cloud computing, you likely picture videos, photos and emails that reside on a network. These servers are primarily utilized for storage, but some of them provide computing power needed to run applications and programs. Cloud applications are software that stores and processes data across multiple systems. Some of the processing takes place on an user’s device, for example, a desktop or laptop computer, and some takes place on the server hosting the application.
Cloud-based applications are typically designed with collaboration capabilities that allow multiple users to work on documents simultaneously. This can improve productivity and enhance collaboration. Additionally, many of them automatically update themselves to include the most recent functionality and security patches. This could save IT staff a lot of work.
Cloud-based applications can be scaled up or down extremely quickly. This flexibility can be very beneficial for businesses that have changing or seasonal demands. It helps reduce operating costs by not having to purchase equipment that may be in use during slow times.
Cloud applications usually have a subscription system where users pay for the services they use. This can be less expensive than purchasing an entire software license for every device or operating system. This can also increase business agility since companies do not need to invest large sums upfront to get up and running. Additionally, many cloud providers provide disaster recovery services to their customers that can protect against outages locally and even physical catastrophes.