What type of applications commonly utilize cloud computing?

Applications that require internet access for functionality are the primary types that take advantage of cloud computing. This is because cloud computing provides the infrastructure and services needed to access resources and perform computations over the internet. Such applications leverage scalability, on-demand resources, and shared services that characterize cloud environments.

Examples include web-based applications like cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), software that operates entirely online (e.g., software as a service like Salesforce), and even modern mobile applications that sync data with cloud servers. These applications are designed to function primarily via internet connectivity, allowing users to access them from multiple devices, as they store data and resources in the cloud rather than relying solely on local systems.

In contrast, desktop-only applications operate without internet access and typically store data locally, while mobile apps requiring local storage may restrict their functionality when offline. Likewise, standalone applications on a server do not utilize the cloud for their operations, as they rely on dedicated hardware and do not require internet access for core functionality.