The cloud marketplace started as a small, niche market with basic services. However, now it has grown into one of the most profitable markets for startups and established companies alike. The state of the cloud 2021 has advanced to 40 different cloud marketplaces that offer software service packages within their ecosystems.
The six top types of products that are sold in the cloud marketplace today are:
#1 Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a service (SaaS) refers to applications that are made available online without the need to purchase or download them. They are usually accessed through a thin client, which is created by the vendor.
An example would be Microsoft Office 365.
SaaS enables users with variable hardware and software environments to access business applications on different types of devices from any location at an affordable price.
#2 Web-based Applications
Web-based applications are online software programs that run on the web browser. They are also known as “cloud apps.”
Examples of web-based applications include Slack, Google Docs, and Trello.
Web-based applications allow users to access data and perform tasks that are hosted on the web.
#3 Developer Tools
Developer tools refer to powerful packages that developers use to create software products.
Examples include Jira, GitHub, and Photoshop.
Developer tools are on-demand and on-premise. They increase developer productivity, lower operational costs, and lend flexibility to businesses.
#4 Content Management Systems (CMS)
Content management systems (CMS) are used to manage the creation, publication, editing, and removal of content on websites. They are software packages that can be accessed through a web browser or content management service provider (CPS).
An example is Blogger. Another tool that is similar to a CMS, but has more functionality would be WordPress.
Content management systems are a great way to launch and host a website.
#5 Virtualization and Cloud Computing Software
Virtualization software allows users to access computer resources through virtual machines (VMs) installed on one physical machine. VMs are isolated environments that contain their own operating system (OS) and applications.
A popular example is VMware.
Cloud computing software enables users to watch, upload, download and share digital content and electronic documents through the internet instead of a computer’s hard drive. Examples include Google Drive and Amazon S3.
#6 Project Management Software, Collaboration Tools, and Other SaaS Packages
Project management software is a type of SaaS package that allows users to track and monitor projects, deadlines, and milestones. Examples include Asana and Trello.
Other popular types of SaaS packages in the cloud marketplace include collaboration tools (such as Slack), office software (like Google Docs), mobile access (to desktop applications like Spotify), and multimedia software (like Adobe Creative Cloud).
These types of software are popular among users because they are easy to use and accessible from all devices.
The cloud marketplace is a great place for businesses that have specialized software packages, but cannot afford the infrastructure to host them.
Conclusion:
Even though cloud marketplaces started as a small niche, they have expanded tremendously and now provide users with their own ecosystem of service packages.
The most popular types of software products sold in cloud market shops include SaaS, web-based applications, developer tools, CMSs, virtualization, and cloud computing software, project management software, and other SaaS packages.
