Cloud Computing.com

cloud application

By Kinza Yasar

What is a cloud application?

A cloud application, or cloud app, is a software program where cloud-based and local components work together. This model relies on remote servers for processing logic that is accessed through a web browser with a continual internet connection.

Cloud application servers are typically located in a remote data center operated by a third-party cloud services infrastructure provider. Cloud-based application tasks might encompass email, file storage and sharing, order entry, inventory management, word processing, customer relationship management (CRM), data collection, or financial accounting features.

How cloud apps work

Cloud applications use a client-server architecture. Users interact with the program via a client interface, such as a web browser or mobile device app, but the application's compute cycles and data is stored in a remote data center typically operated by a third-party company. A back end ensures uptime, security and integration and supports multiple access methods.

Cloud applications are fast and responsive and don't get to permanently reside on the local device. They can function offline but can be updated online.

While under constant control, cloud applications don't always consume storage space on a computer or communications device. Assuming a reasonably fast internet connection, a well-written cloud application offers all the interactivity of a desktop application, along with the portability of a web application.

Benefits of cloud apps

Cloud computing offers several advantages for businesses. Common benefits of cloud apps include the following:

Cloud app designs

Cloud applications are categorized into three primary designs, each built to fulfill specific requirements and functions. The three cloud infrastructures include the following:

Software as a service (SaaS)

This is the most common type of cloud app. SaaS applications run remotely with software housed on third-party hardware and users can use a specialized client or a web browser to access these programs.

SaaS can be a great option for companies or individuals who prefer software subscription models, require minimal customization, or do not want to be responsible for managing cloud platforms, software, or infrastructure.

Because SaaS eliminates the need to invest in a strong on-premises IT infrastructure or make permanent software purchases, it lowers users' upfront expenditures. Examples of SaaS applications include Dropbox, Evernote, Salesforce, WIX, Google Docs and Google Drive.

Platform as a service (PaaS)

With PaaS, developers can create, launch and maintain apps on a platform without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It provides a comprehensive environment for development and deployment, replete with frameworks, libraries and tools, making it an ideal option for developers and programmers.

Examples of PaaS vendors include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service and Heroku.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

In IaaS cloud computing services, the infrastructure -- including physical servers, networks, virtualization and storage -- is managed by a provider on behalf of the user via a public cloud or a private cloud. While the provider handles outages, maintenance and hardware issues, the user can control things such as OS, apps and middleware by gaining access to the infrastructure through an API or dashboard.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Compute Engine are a few examples of IaaS providers.

Cloud apps vs. web apps

With the advancement of remote computing technology, the lines between cloud and web applications have become blurred. The term cloud application has gained great cachet, sometimes leading application vendors with any online aspect to brand them as cloud applications.

Cloud and web applications access data residing on distant storage. Both use server processing power that may be located on-premises or in a distant data center.

A key difference between cloud and web applications is architecture. A web application or web-based application must have a continuous internet connection to function. Conversely, a cloud application or cloud-based application performs processing tasks on a local computer or workstation. An internet connection is required primarily for downloading or uploading data.

A web application is unusable if the remote server is unavailable. If the remote server becomes unavailable in a cloud application, the software installed on the local user device can still operate, although it cannot upload and download data until the service at the remote server is restored.

Examples and use cases of both cloud and web applications include the following:

Cloud apps vs. desktop apps

Cloud apps and desktop apps have distinct characteristics and advantages. Here's a comparison between the two app types:

Testing cloud apps

Testing cloud applications prior to deployment is essential to ensure security and optimal performance. The following reasons highlight why testing should be performed on the cloud apps:

Complexities in cloud environments, including challenges related to visibility and misconfigurations, can pose security risks. Discover the steps involved in performing a thorough cloud security assessment.

18 Mar 2024

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