A cloud application simply directs to any software application deployed in a cloud environment rather than being hosted on a local server or machine. More specifically, a cloud application is a software that runs its processing logic and data storage between two different systems: client-side and server-side. Some processing takes place on an end user’s local hardware, such as a desktop or mobile device, and some take place on a remote server. Some cloud applications are developed to engulf almost zero storage space on a local device.
Using API (Application Programming Interface) calls, a cloud application may rely on other cloud services for specialized processing. Cloud applications offer a user experience with reduced resource needs, more convenience in updating, and the ability to access functionality across different devices. Let’s know about the functionalities of Cloud Applications:
- In a remote data centre, data is stored and the occurrence of compute cycles is operated by a third-party company. A back end assures uptime, safety, and integration, and sustains numerous permit procedures.
- Cloud applications deliver immediate responsiveness and don't require to reside on the local device permanently as they can operate offline but can be updated online.
- While under constant control, cloud applications don't always consume storage space on a computer or any computing device. With a quick internet connection, a cloud application delivers all the interactivity of a desktop application, along with the portability of a web application.
Types of Cloud Services:
As Cloud Application Services are divided into three different forms mentioned below.
More specifically, a cloud application is a software that runs its processing logic and data storage between 2 different systems: client-side and server-side. Rather than maintaining software and different platforms on each of your employee’s computers, you can access these services from anywhere via the cloud. The three major cloud services are-
Software-as-a-service (SaaS):
SaaS is a widespread form of cloud computing that provides a web application and all its underlying IT infrastructure and platforms to its users. Examples of SaaS include consumer-facing services like Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365 and company services that offer human resource software, content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and some integrated development environments (IDEs).
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS):
PaaS gives you a platform on which to develop, run, and manage your apps without having to build and maintain the infrastructure or environment they need to run. For instance, a developer uses PaaS as the base to make the latest application that combines with a current Oracle database your company is already operating.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS):
IaaS denotes a provider that addresses the infrastructure for you the virtual servers, network, virtualization, and storage via a public cloud or private cloud. Here, you can access the infrastructure through an API or dashboard, and the infrastructure is rented.
Challenges:
- Downtime - When an application is installed in the cloud, an internet connection is needed to access it. An unplanned internet and technical outage, therefore, cause a significant business interruption by disrupting access to cloud applications, during which all of your applications and data would be unavailable.
- Control - Cloud infrastructure is owned, managed, and operated by the cloud service provider, and the organization has no actual control over back-end infrastructure.
- Security - As companies expand their number of cloud application deployments, it becomes more challenging to constantly observe the security status of the IT infrastructure and assure that applications in the cloud do not include exposures that could be destroyed via cyber-attacks.
Benefits
- Cost Reduction - Cloud application deployment can be accomplished relatively quickly with little to no up-front investment in IT infrastructure. Cloud services deliver adaptable cost models, so businesses only spend for the storage and ability that they use.
- Reliability - Cloud service providers have the infrastructure in place to guarantee high levels of service up-time and availability for your applications, including readily available backup servers in case of an unplanned service interruption.
- Ease-of-Management – CSM Tech today implemented Cloud Management Platform (CMP) solutions to streamline the management of cloud applications and services deployed across multiple cloud environments.
