Cloud apps, or cloud applications, are apps (self-contained software or programs dedicated to one specific purpose) that are hosted on an advanced dynamic cloud server platform. 1&1 has many cloud applications which can be accessed and installed directly from our 1&1 cloud infrastructure and that fulfil a wide range of applications and requirements. Our cloud based apps range from popular CMS apps such as WordPress, Joomla, and Magento, to apps for specific uses such as design and development functions, chat functions, or photo sharing. What's more, our cloud native apps are not restricted to 1&1 specific functions. The 1&1 Cloud App Center hosts over 100 cloud apps from the most sought after app development companies, always up-to-date and conveniently accessible from one location within the 1&1 cloud infrastructure hosted on our cloud server.

Because the cloud based apps are hosted on a cloud server, accessing and installing them is quick and easy. This ensures that cloud apps are always ready to launch almost instantly, as opposed to non-cloud applications hosted on a non-virtual dedicated server. This is possible thanks to the SSD memory utilized by cloud servers, which is much faster than traditional HDD storage found on many dedicated servers. Additionally, 1&1 maintains all software updates so every time you launch the cloud app from the 1&1 cloud infrastructure, you already have the latest updated version of the app automatically.

All of the apps within the 1&1 Cloud App Center are accessible without any kind of minimum contract period—allowing you to use the app for however long it suits your purposes. Finally, the 1&1 cloud infrastructure on which the cloud apps are operated provides dedicated resources and anytime access, all managed through our incredibly efficient and intuitive 1&1 Cloud Panel. This ensures easy set-up and operation of all cloud apps and also includes help functions if required.

There are many cloud based apps to choose from, including cloud applications to assist in easing accounting procedures that are suitable for many different countries. A few of these apps include Invoice Ninja, Noalyss, and SimpleInvoices. Some or our cloud based apps which help to optimize project management and improve internal communication include intelligent collaborative platforms such as Horde Groupware Webmail, Let's Chat, and Mahara groupware. These range from email services to calendar functions, contact management tools, chat software and other communication tools. We also have several project and website development apps, some of the most popular include Docker developer tools, GitLab, Coiad, and Parse Server, among many others. 1&1 also has cloud applications designed to work with specific website CMS, including options for Wordpress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento, among others. Finally, many of the cloud apps in the 1&1 Cloud App Center are also useful for added security measures, like the Sharelock password management app. With over 100 cloud apps to choose from, you can find an app to meet just about any need in the 1&1 Cloud App Center.

Downloading and launching any of the apps within the 1&1 Cloud App Center is incredibly quick and easy. First, visit the app center and select the cloud application that you are interested in. You can then select your desired computing power (VM Size) in the blue box on the right hand side. The options range from 1&1 Cloud server M to 1&1 Cloud Server 5XL. The features of each option are displayed beneath the selection field in the blue box to help you make an informed decision. Finally, when you have finished with these customizations, you merely have to click the yellow "launch application" button to complete your selection and gain access to the cloud app. Shortly afterwards, the cloud application is acknowledged by the VM.

After the app has been launched, the infrastructure is managed via the intuitive and easy-to-use 1&1 Cloud Panel. Within the 1&1 Cloud Panel you can also configure the CPU count, RAM and SSD, load balancing, backups, and other cloud applications.

All folders and databases for all cloud applications have options to create backups on a regular basis. Backups for all systems can be created at any time and can be individually configured and stored. Within the 1&1 Cloud Panel, there is also an image function for customized snapshots, which essentially captures the state of the program so that, as changes are made, it is always possible to go back to an older version at any time, or to partially consolidate older settings with updated changes. These snapshots can be created manually or set up as an automatic function to be carried out daily, weekly, monthly, etc. 1&1 also offers a 1&1 Professional Backup service, which is backup software allowing for the manual creation and management of backups. So you can rest assured that your data is always safe and secure with 1&1.

The cloud applications are stored on our cloud servers and are automatically installed upon request. Therefore, there is no need to look for external hosting options to host your cloud based apps. Not only does that make things easier for you, but you can rest assured that your data is stored securely, since 1&1 servers are located in our various high performance data centers throughout the U.S. What's more, through the use of geo-redundant technology, we ensure that if there is ever a component failure in one location, another server in a separate location automatically takes over so that you don't experience any downtime. 1&1 prides itself on the most reliable and secure services for all of its customers—allowing you to concentrate on what matters most, without concern for your important data.

All cloud applications run on the latest version of CentOS, which is currently CentOS 7. CentOS is a Linux based operating system that is committed to maintaining open source communities. Therefore, all of the apps that you find in the 1&1 Cloud App Center are also open source. Open source software is software with source code that has been made available to an open network of users. Licensing and copyright of open source software permit the alteration (for any purpose) and distribution of the software (to anyone). This allows for the software to remain free to use and accessible by all, instead of having to pay for a product key to use the software and then having to purchase new updated versions. It also encourages innovation and feature development from a much larger community of software programmers—including yourself.