When you think of cloud computing, you probably think of images, videos, photos and emails that are on the network. These servers are typically utilized for storage, but some of them provide computing power to run applications and programs. Cloud applications are software that store and click to read processes data on multiple systems. Some of that processing is performed on an end-user’s device like desktop or laptop computers while other processing takes place on the server hosting the application.

Cloud-based applications are typically built with collaboration capabilities, which allows multiple users to work simultaneously on a document. This can boost collaboration and productivity. Many of them also automatically update to incorporate the most recent security patches and features, saving IT staff a great deal of time.

Cloud-based applications can be scaled up or down in a matter of minutes. This flexibility is extremely beneficial for businesses that have seasonal or changing needs. It can also help reduce operational costs because hardware can be bought and not used during slow periods.

Additionally, cloud services typically follow a subscription model where users pay for what they use. This is more affordable than purchasing software licenses for each device or operating system. This can also increase business agility because companies do not have to spend large amounts 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 disasters.