The Benefits of Remote Hosting (Questions/Answers)

What Is Remote Hosting And What Does It Offer?

Whether you know it or not, you probably already make use of remotely hosted software on your phone or tablet. Why not do the same for the software and applications you use at work?

Prior to the introduction of cloud computing, anything technology-related was a lot more work for those using it. That’s really the core benefit of the cloud as a whole – it took all the work and stress that came with needing effective hardware and software and moved it off-site. Away from businesses and users, so that they didn’t have to worry about it, but they could still access it whenever they needed to.

One such solution based on this model? Remote hosting.

What Is Remote Hosting And How Does It Work?

Remote hosting is a method for delivering software applications, databases, and files to users from remote servers that are housed off-site in data centers. This is opposed to the traditional, pre-cloud model in which all software was hosted directly on the user’s PC or laptop, or in nearby hardware.

When needed, the user can access the application and their data by securely logging in to the remote server via the cloud, usually through an Internet browser. Once logged in, the user can make use of the software, access and modify data, and more, all without having to actually be at the data center, or install the software on their own device.

What Are The Top 6 Advantages of Remote Hosting?

Like all solutions offered by the cloud, remote hosting provides a number of key advantages when compared to the conventional method of hosting software and data.

Advantages include:

1. Minimal Maintenance
   By hosting a user’s software, applications, and data externally in another organization’s server room or data center, the onus of maintenance is shifted to that organization. Instead of having to maintain server space, execute updates and patches, address and eliminate issues, replace failed hardware, and other tasks associated with maintenance, someone else takes care of it all.

   It’s a comprehensive model with few downsides for the user. You get all of the benefits with none of the downsides, meaning no money has to be spent on maintenance or the personnel to handle it.

2. Low Risk
   In addition to the point above, there’s also the benefit of not having to commit to one service or solution. Remote hosting is generally offered via a pay-as-you-go model that allows the user to only pay for use, and so they can more flexibly try out an application at low financial risk.

   Compare that to the initial investment required to purchase software (and or the hardware needed to host it), and the difference in financial commitment is clear.

3. Convenient Access
   A hallmark of cloud solutions, one of the key advantages of utilizing remotely hosted solutions is that it allows for easy, anywhere access to software, applications, and data.

   Regardless of where the user is (at the office, at home, in transit, on vacation, etc.), or what device their user (desktop PC at work, personal laptop at home, tablet or smartphone on the go), so long as they have an Internet connection and their credentials, they can access work whenever they need to.

4. Cost Effect
   Accessing software via a remote hosting service is undeniably more affordable because it allows the user to avoid costly software licenses that are based on a concurrent user model. It’s worth noting that while some remotely hosted applications will still charge per user, the user’s business will not have to try to estimate how many licenses will be needed for the entire staff, which eliminates guesswork and keeps expenses low.

   Furthermore, there’s no need to pay for all of the infrastructure required to host software locally – servers, cabling, network materials, etc. – or the staff to handle its maintenance.

5. Simple Support
   Just as with maintenance, support in a remote hosting model is simple and effective. Why? Because the company hosting the software in question is the one that takes care of it. Whether it’s a newly released patch that needs to be processed or a configuration issue that needs addressing, the provider takes care of it, instead of the user.

   This once again removes additional work from the user’s plate and makes it a part of the provider’s service, covered by the monthly rate.

6. Effortless Integration
   It doesn’t matter what software or hardware a given business is relying on – remotely hosted solutions allow for easy integration between platforms. The key is that it is accessed through the desktop browser, meaning whether it’s on a PC or a Mac, brand new or 8 years old, virtually anything in use today will clear the extremely low bar needed to work with remotely hosted software.

So, what’s the bottom line when it comes to remote hosting for applications? Answer this question: would you rather handle a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process yourself? Or pay a small monthly fee to have someone else handle it for you?

You probably have your answer.

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