A cloud-based solution refers to on-demand services, computer networks, storage, applications, or resources accessed via the internet and through another provider’s shared cloud computing infrastructure. The benefits of cloud-based solutions to end-users and businesses include increased capacity, scalability, functionality, and reduced maintenance and cost for computer infrastructure or in-house staff. Additionally, cloud-based solutions can enable companies to focus on revenue-driving initiatives rather than time-consuming, non-core business tasks. Cloud computer pricing models are categorized by servers in the cloud, sites/applications in the cloud, and storage in the cloud, and the majority of cloud providers tend to offer “pay-as-you-go” subscription based models which enables companies to closely manage costs as well as scale up and down as needed.
The ability to access cloud-based solutions from anywhere with an internet connection paired with the widespread adoption of smartphones and faster mobile networks has given users the ability to access cloud-based solutions from anywhere and anytime.