Definition
A hosted application, also known as a cloud application or web-based application, refers to software that is accessed and managed through the internet rather than being installed and stored on a user’s local device. These applications are hosted on remote servers, typically maintained by third-party service providers. Users can access hosted applications via web browsers, making it convenient, cost-effective, and easily scalable for businesses and individuals.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “Hosted Application” is:hoh-sted ap-lih-KAY-shun
Key Takeaways
- Hosted applications are deployed and managed on remote servers, allowing users to access and use the application through the internet, reducing the need for local installation, updates, and maintenance.
- By using a hosted application, businesses can save on infrastructure costs and enjoy the benefits of greater scalability and flexibility, as the service provider takes care of all technical aspects and updates.
- Security and data protection are vital aspects of hosted applications, as sensitive information is stored on remote servers. Service providers must provide robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, data loss, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Importance
The technology term “Hosted Application” is important because it refers to software applications that are deployed, managed, and accessed via the internet rather than being installed on local devices or servers.
This significantly reduces the burden on users for installation, maintenance, and upgrading tasks, as the host provider is responsible for these aspects.
Hosted applications enable businesses and individuals to leverage the latest software technologies, facilitate collaboration among users, and easily scale according to their requirements.
The increased accessibility and cost effectiveness of hosted applications have democratised their usage, allowing even small organizations to utilize advanced software tools for increased efficiency and productivity.
Explanation
Hosted applications, also known as cloud applications or web-based applications, serve a crucial purpose in today’s ever-evolving technology landscape by allowing businesses and individuals to access software programs and systems without the need for installing or maintaining them on their own infrastructure. This off-site storage and delivery model has become an increasingly popular choice due to its cost-efficiency, flexibility, and accessibility. Hosted applications enable service providers to centrally manage, maintain, and update the software, allowing users to focus on their core work without having to worry about technical issues or time-consuming updates.
The purpose of leveraging hosted applications is to improve operational efficiency, streamline business processes, and enhance collaborations between teams by offering a seamless and consistent user experience, regardless of the user’s location or the device they are using. In order to achieve these objectives, hosted applications are designed with functionality that meets the specific needs of the users. Examples of hosted applications include customer relationship management (CRM) software, email and communication platforms, human resource management (HRM) systems, and various software suites tailored for specific industries and businesses.
The true value of a hosted application lies in its ability to be accessed through a simple internet connection, providing users with ubiquitous access to resources and data, while allowing businesses to scale their technology needs according to their growth and capacity demands. In addition, hosted applications often come with customizable features and options, which enable organizations to tailor the applications to better suit their unique requirements. This customization further boosts the overall productivity and operational efficiency, ultimately providing a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.
Examples of Hosted Application
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Google Workspace is a collection of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Calendar, Google Meet, and more. These applications are hosted on Google’s servers, allowing users to access and work on their documents and data from any device with an internet connection. Google Workspace is popular among businesses, educational institutions, and individual users, and it eliminates the need for local installations and frequent software updates.
Salesforce: Salesforce is a leading Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that provides a suite of cloud-based applications for sales, customer service, marketing, and other business functions. As a hosted application, Salesforce enables businesses to manage their customer interactions, track sales opportunities, and analyze performance metrics from any device, anywhere. The Salesforce platform also allows developers to build custom applications and create integrations with other software systems, leveraging the scalability and flexibility of the cloud.
Microsoft Office 365: Office 365 is a subscription-based service that offers access to a variety of Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as other productivity tools. These applications are hosted in Microsoft’s cloud, and users can access them from any device with an internet connection. Office 365 allows for easy collaboration and sharing of documents, and it is updated regularly with new features and improvements. The service is widely used by businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions for a range of tasks, from creating presentations to managing email communication.
FAQs on Hosted Application
1. What is a hosted application?
A hosted application, also known as a web application or web app, is a software application that runs on a remote server and is accessible through a web browser. It allows users to access and use the application over the internet without having to download or install it on a local device.
2. What are the benefits of using a hosted application?
Using a hosted application offers several benefits, such as easy access from any device with a web browser, reduced IT infrastructure costs, automatic updates, and better security since the application provider manages data encryption and security measures.
3. How does a hosted application work?
A hosted application uses a client-server architecture, where the client (user) interacts with the application through a web browser and the server hosts and manages the application, data storage, and processing. Data is transmitted between the client and server over the internet using standardized protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS.
4. How secure is a hosted application?
A hosted application’s security depends on the security measures implemented by the provider. Reputable providers use encryption, firewalls, secure sockets layer (SSL) technology, and regular security audits to keep user data and application code secure. However, it’s essential for users to choose strong passwords and maintain good security habits to protect their accounts and data.
5. What is the difference between a hosted application and a cloud application?
A hosted application is a software application accessible through a web browser, while cloud applications refer more broadly to any software, service, or resource available over the internet. All hosted applications can be considered cloud applications, but not all cloud applications are hosted applications, as some may require local installation or have different access methods.
Related Technology Terms
- Cloud Computing
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Application Service Provider (ASP)
- Remote Access
- Data Center
