Understanding The Difference Between Cloud Applications, Web Applications and Desktop Applications

Understanding The Difference Between Cloud Applications, Web Applications, and Desktop Applications

Cloud Apps

Cloud Applications can access online services on multiple devices.  The information or pictures that are stored in a cloud application can be accessed on several devices such as a computer, smartphone or a tablet by syncing the data.

A Cloud app usually has features such as

1.   Data is stored in a cloud and not on your device.
2.   Data can be cached locally so you don’t have to be connected to the internet to access information.
3.   Cloud applications Can be used to access services such as cloud storage, and application development platforms.

Some common Cloud-based apps are Onenote, Evernote, SugarSync, Salesforce, Dropbox, and NetSuite. Other examples are web email apps where you can download an app to access your email such as Google, Yahoo, Microsoft Hotmail, etc.

Web Applications

Web apps are almost designed to be used from a web browser. The web browser relies on the web server components installed on the backend to function. In other words, you have to use a browser such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc… to open the application.  All Data is stored on the applications server. You can sign in on any browser on any device and access your data.

Some examples of Web applications are electronic banking and online shopping applications. You usually access these via a browser.

Desktop Applications

Desktop Applications are installed directly on your computer and cannot be accessed via another device.  And nothing is stored in the cloud.  The only backup you have of the data is if you create a backup of the data yourself.

Examples of desktop applications are Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, basically, anything that you have to download and install software for is a desktop application.

Hope this clears up any questions.

Until Next Time,

Megabite