How Do Users Access Cloud Services? 

Users securely access cloud services by connecting with cloud client devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Some cloud clients rely on cloud computing for all or a majority of their applications and may be essentially useless without their cloud services. Examples of these types of cloud clients are thin client systems, which are computers that store their resources and memory on a central server instead of a localized hard drive, or browser-based devices such as Chromebooks. You can see cloud clients in action when visiting a medical office, watching your children use virtual classrooms and even when dining out in restaurants.

Many cloud applications do not require users to install specific software on the cloud client. In most cases, a secure web browser is all that is needed for interacting with the cloud application. Web user interfaces such as HTML5 can achieve a similar or even better user experience as native applications. Some cloud applications, however, support specific client software dedicated to these applications (e.g., virtual desktop clients and most email clients).

Though it is increasingly more common to access resources through a web browser instead of through installed software, older legacy software applications can still be accessed and used through cloud services. These older yet critically important programs can continue to be delivered via a screen-sharing solution. This enables clients to continue to access these programs until their organization can make the appropriate change or upgrade to either the best new version or more technically robust program.

How Cloud Services Can Benefit Your Company

Cloud services provide companies with flexibility to move into new solutions, allowing them to stay abreast or ahead of their marketplace. Adoption of cloud services also allows companies to work on their own time table regarding the use of legacy applications that are vital to the company.