Cloud applications are software applications that run in the cloud (that is, in a cloud computing environment) where applications or software are provided as a service, over a network like the internet. Applications in the cloud are typically accessed by end-users through web browsers, mobile applications or lightweight desktop applications.
Different types of software applications can be run in the cloud, some common cloud software services include Microsoft Office 365, Google Apps and Onlive (a gaming platform). Software companies like Oracle and IBM and other IT firms, also provide industry and niche specific applications in the cloud.
The most important point or issue for most businesses is mainly how to get the right type of software or applications that a business can use effectively and securely too, while the business’ operations and sales grow.
To know the cost effectiveness of any application or software, each organization or firm will need to review what it already has in-house, and the cloud-based options that are available to it, the cost of those options, the business’ needs, and the cost of installing and setting up the same applications without the use of the cloud. To do this effectively, an organization or firm will need the services of IT professionals.
A major concern with the cloud is security, since information and data are generally store in remote locations and may be stored too in several centers and/or locations, which may not be ideal for very sensitive information/data, and does not help too with the growing concerns on privacy.
Some of the possible solutions for resolving the security concerns and issues that relate to cloud computing may include the deployment model/method used for the cloud. A public cloud provides access to the public through a platform like the internet. While a community cloud share its infrastructure amongst several organizations with the same or similar concerns. A hybrid cloud may consist of two or more different types of clouds, and a private cloud may be managed or operated by a single organization.
Each type of cloud provides different levels of securities with differing cost implications (which will depend on the number of users within a cloud). The fewer the typical number of users in a specific type of cloud, the more a user is most likely to pay for using the service. For example a private cloud is more likely to cost a single organization, a lot more than using the services of public clouds.
A business may therefore need to get some additional information on the type of platform (cloud) an application uses in order to compare its cost effectively with similar applications. Each business will need to maintain a balance between its security needs and what it can afford.