How Managed Cloud Solutions Simplify Working with Business Software and Apps

TL; DR: We have managed web hosting, but what about managed application hosting? Well, say goodbye to the hassle of downloading software, keeping up with security requirements, and constantly updating for new patches. Managed service providers, such as Apps4Rent, handle all the backend components of your favorite workplace software, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and virtual desktop support and hosting. We talked with Apps4Rent Sales Manager, Nash Ahmed, about how the web hosting company aims to revolutionize managed cloud hosting for businesses everywhere with its reliable — and cost-effective — solution.

At the risk of sounding like a complete nerd, web applications are one of my favorite inventions. I use them all the time. For instance, I’m using Google Docs to write this and will later hop on Canva to design custom graphics. I love my other web apps, too — especially Honey, for online shopping coupons, and Spotify, for listening to my favorite podcasts every day.

Thanks to the rise of cloud technology, accessing these tools has never been easier. If we rewind 20 years, I’d be on Microsoft Office, listening to my iPod, and clipping coupons manually. Now, with just a click or a web address, everything I need is available instantly, without the hassle of purchasing, downloading, or managing software separately.

As someone who’s worked within an organization, I understand that businesses also depend heavily on apps and software. Tools like Zoom or Trello are among the more common apps for easy companywide communication and collaboration.

But in reality, having every employee download and manage software or operate their own virtual desktops is impractical, especially when working remotely. (Customizing each computer and handling software updates can also be pretty overwhelming for a non-tech-savvy person.)

That’s where Apps4Rent comes in. Apps4Rent is a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) that hosts software applications for businesses

“People have become very familiar with the cloud and have used it to make their lives easier, especially since the pandemic,” noted Nash Ahmed, Sales Manager for Apps4Rent. “When you’re on local infrastructure, you have to manage it somehow to keep your software up-to-date. But cloud hosting eliminates all these costs and efforts, so you don’t need to worry about managing anything or losing access to important data.”

With Apps4Rent managing everything, you can host your favorite software in the cloud — whether it’s QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, or a virtual desktop — without worrying about any technical aspects.

Apps4Rent began as a managed service provider and quickly expanded to include web hosting and data center management. Today, it specializes in Microsoft hosting and was the first to offer SharePoint in a shared multitenancy environment at an affordable price, starting at just $8.95 per month for unlimited users.

But Apps4Rent isn’t just using Microsoft’s tools — they collaborate hand-in-hand to craft custom software solutions. As a recognized Microsoft ISV (Independent Software Vendor) partner, it has a ton of solutions available for download right on the Azure Marketplace.

Becoming a Microsoft partner isn’t like signing up for a gym membership. First, you have to join the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). Then, to get designations (like the ones we’ll talk about below), you need to earn points. For example, you need a minimum of 70 points out of 100 to receive a Solutions Partner designation.

This basically means Apps4Rent has done its homework to earn its spot as a certified Microsoft partner.

As a Solutions Partner for Infrastructure, Apps4Rent helps clients move their infrastructure workloads to Azure, similar to how a moving company enables you to move homes. Apps4Rent is also a Solutions Partner for Modern Work, which helps customers boost productivity and transition to hybrid work setups with Microsoft 365.

On the software-building front, Apps4Rent is also a certified Solutions Partner for Data & AI and Digital & App Innovation.

For Data & AI, Apps4Rent assists customers in juggling data across multiple systems to craft bespoke, reliable analytics and AI solutions. As for Digital & App Innovation, it means Apps4Rent has successfully showcased its expertise in modernizing existing applications and building custom cloud-native apps from scratch.

So, in other words, Apps4Rent isn’t just building on top of Microsoft — it’s building with it. So, no matter what solution you use, you’re getting the utmost compatibility.

Here are some of Apps4Rent’s most popular plans:

• QuickBooks Hosting: Best software for small business accounting. Starts at $14.97/mo.
• Office 365: Get 24/7 free end-user support on all plans. Starts at $4.75/mo.
• Virtual Desktop: Hosted desktops with an option to add GPU. Starts at $22.47/mo.
• Free Office 365 Migration: Find out if you qualify for free migration here.

“Cloud hosting is cost-saving and more scalable, so it’s ideal for remote teams,” said Nash. “Employees can do their jobs without worrying about logistics. For instance, a company using QuickBooks can distribute it to bookkeepers worldwide without relying on file-sharing services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.”

So, instead of installing QuickBooks on your computer, you can access it remotely through a web browser. This allows the business owner to use QuickBooks from any device, collaborate with their accountant, and focus on growing the business.

Without Apps4Rent, each team member would need to install QuickBooks separately, and the owner would have to manage updates, backups, and other maintenance tasks.

“Businesses can outsource this kind of management to a cloud solution provider like us so they can focus on their business and core operations, rather than spending precious time reporting problems or installing updates,” Nash added.

The cloud has an overwhelmingly positive reputation. But it falls short in a few aspects — one of them being security.

Nash emphasized that while there are specific vulnerabilities (as with any hosting), Apps4Rent implements necessary security measures and provides customer education about cybersecurity.

“Now, even a two-user company can get the same level of security as a company with thousands of users,” Nash explained. “Our solution is a managed solution where we not only help customers save money, but we also make sure they have access when they need it. It means we take care of backup, security, and updates.”

Nash said Apps4Rent firmly believes in security being a shared responsibility between the provider and customer.

“We educate our customers because it’s important for them to understand that security is a shared responsibility. While they can’t rely solely on Apps4Rent for all security aspects, we provide training whenever needed,” he added.

Nash explained that Apps4Rent offers a free onboarding call with every sign-up, regardless of size. During this call, an engineer explains the purchased product, demonstrates its use, and answers any questions. Whether the customer signs up for a $24 product or a $2,400 product, they get the same onboarding experience.

Cloud services also significantly improve disaster recovery and security.

Nash noted that small businesses that often struggle with security management can benefit from the advanced security measures implemented by leading cloud providers, such as encryption, access control, and regulatory compliance (such as HIPAA or GDPR).

“Cloud provides robust discovery and disaster recovery options,” Nash emphasized. “It ensures the data is backed up and can be restored quickly in case of a hardware failure, a natural disaster, or any other emergency.”

Now, even a two-user company can get the same level of security as a company with thousands of users.

Nash Ahmed, Sales Manager for Apps4Rent

Apps4Rent operates two data centers in New Jersey and New York and collaborates with Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud for additional global data center access and improved redundancy.

These partnerships enable Apps4Rent to offer reliable, top-tier SSAE-certified data centers with up to a 99.9% uptime guarantee, along with ongoing monitoring and maintenance of servers and applications.

Apps4Rent is excited to launch its first proprietary product, App Adder.

Unlike App4Rent’s usual offerings, including Microsoft products, QuickBooks, and Azure, App Adder is developed entirely in-house. It will be a web-based tool that provides access to any of its available applications through a single portal.

Users can access it through a custom URL with a username and password and multifactor authentication. Once logged into the App Adder portal, there will be a virtual environment in the cloud. This environment will allow them to access various applications, such as QuickBooks Online. App Adder will also offer data backup solutions.

Nash shared that the service is currently in the testing phase and has received positive feedback from early users.

“We are still testing it but we are getting good results so far,” he explained. “We think once finished, it will be very competitive.”

Although the pricing is not yet finalized, Nash predicts it will be less than $20 per organization. Once it launches, interested customers will be able to try the product for free. (I don’t know about you, but free demos are my favorite kind of thing.)

In the meantime, check out Apps4Rent yourself and get a custom quote based on your needs. This is a game changer for organizations with remote employees who rely on multiple tools and software, as well as those needing robust data backup and security solutions for their cloud hosting.