Applications, as most people know, are computer programs that
perform a specific set of tasks. Examples include Microsoft Word, a
word-processing application, and QuickBooks, an accounting program. In
past years, users would install these programs on their own hard drives.
In other cases, businesses would deploy a multiuser version of the
software on a terminal server that their employees would access via a
local network. Terminal servers saved companies the trouble and costs of
manually calibrating, patching, and repairing each individual desktop
PC and all of its applications. However, terminal servers also have a
few downsides, including their inaccessibility to off-site users and
their requirements of the purchase and maintenance of additional
hardware. On the other hand, hosted applications-software installed on
off-site servers and accessed via the Internet-do not share any of these
limitations. It has the greatest reliability, performance, and
cost-efficiency of any software deployment method.
For a couple reasons, they weren't always a preferable deployment method. The Internet, in its infancy, wasn't always as fast, reliable, or cost-effective as it is today. Early web hosting applications were unresponsive and prone to outages. In addition, server technology was also relatively primitive at the time. Processing and data storage were less efficient and flexible and cost more per unit compared to now. Businesses probably came away with (and perhaps still hold) an unfavorable view of hosting applications if they tried out one of these earlier, flawed manifestations, even though they bear almost no resemblance to the more mature hosting applications of the present.
Thanks to the wide availability of broadband Internet, the flexibility of Virtualization technology, and the ever-smaller, ever-cheaper, and ever more potent processors and storage hardware, they have surpassed other deployment methods as the best way to implement and access business-critical software. Unlike the local installation and terminal servers, hosted applications can be accessed via the Internet from anywhere-at home, on the road, and at the office. In contrast to locally-installed apps, they are centralized and can be easily secured, updated, and added or removed. Businesses with hosted applications, as opposed to terminal servers, can consolidate their resources and reduce their costs by installing and supporting multiple applications on a single server-or conversely can increase the power and storage capacity of their hosted apps by hosting a single application on multiple servers.
To switch to hosted applications, businesses only have to find and contact a suitable hosting provider. The hosting company will take care of the process of transferring existing files and software licenses to the new deployment. Most hosted apps can be installed within minutes. The traits that businesses should look for in a hosting company include experience, flexibility, reliability, and supportiveness. The hosting provider should be knowledgeable and well-equipped; should adapt their solutions and services to a company's specific needs; and should always be ready to deliver quick and thorough technical support. That way, businesses will be able to fully enjoy all the benefits of hosted desktop applications.
For a couple reasons, they weren't always a preferable deployment method. The Internet, in its infancy, wasn't always as fast, reliable, or cost-effective as it is today. Early web hosting applications were unresponsive and prone to outages. In addition, server technology was also relatively primitive at the time. Processing and data storage were less efficient and flexible and cost more per unit compared to now. Businesses probably came away with (and perhaps still hold) an unfavorable view of hosting applications if they tried out one of these earlier, flawed manifestations, even though they bear almost no resemblance to the more mature hosting applications of the present.
Thanks to the wide availability of broadband Internet, the flexibility of Virtualization technology, and the ever-smaller, ever-cheaper, and ever more potent processors and storage hardware, they have surpassed other deployment methods as the best way to implement and access business-critical software. Unlike the local installation and terminal servers, hosted applications can be accessed via the Internet from anywhere-at home, on the road, and at the office. In contrast to locally-installed apps, they are centralized and can be easily secured, updated, and added or removed. Businesses with hosted applications, as opposed to terminal servers, can consolidate their resources and reduce their costs by installing and supporting multiple applications on a single server-or conversely can increase the power and storage capacity of their hosted apps by hosting a single application on multiple servers.
To switch to hosted applications, businesses only have to find and contact a suitable hosting provider. The hosting company will take care of the process of transferring existing files and software licenses to the new deployment. Most hosted apps can be installed within minutes. The traits that businesses should look for in a hosting company include experience, flexibility, reliability, and supportiveness. The hosting provider should be knowledgeable and well-equipped; should adapt their solutions and services to a company's specific needs; and should always be ready to deliver quick and thorough technical support. That way, businesses will be able to fully enjoy all the benefits of hosted desktop applications.
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