3.4 Explain methods of application architecture and delivery models.
📘CompTIA ITF+ (FC0-U61)
Application delivery methods describe how software is installed, accessed, and where the data is stored. There are two main types:
- Locally installed applications
- Cloud-hosted applications
1. Locally Installed Applications
These are applications that are installed directly on a computer or a device. You don’t need the internet to run them (unless they need updates). There are two subtypes:
A. Standalone Local Applications (Network not required)
- Definition: The application is installed on a single computer. It works completely independently.
- Key Features:
- The application runs without network or internet.
- Data files are saved on the local computer.
- Updates or changes are done locally.
- Examples in IT environments:
- Microsoft Word installed on a laptop for document editing.
- Adobe Photoshop installed on a workstation for graphic design.
- Local database software like SQLite for single-user database testing.
✅ Important for exam: The main idea here is everything is on the computer itself. No network is needed to use it.
B. Local Network Hosted Applications (Network required, Internet not required)
- Definition: The application is installed on a central server inside the company network. Users access it from their computers connected to the same network.
- Key Features:
- Internet access is not required.
- The application is installed on a local server (local network or intranet).
- Files can be saved either on the server or locally.
- Examples in IT environments:
- ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system installed on the company server for employees to access inventory or accounting data.
- Shared accounting software like QuickBooks installed on a local network server.
- Internal ticketing system for IT support hosted on the company’s intranet.
✅ Exam tip: Remember, the application requires a local network, but doesn’t need the internet.
2. Cloud-Hosted Applications
These applications are hosted on the internet and users access them through a browser or a thin client. The application itself is not installed on your computer.
Key Features:
- Internet access is required to use the application.
- The service is often provided through SaaS (Software as a Service).
- Data and files are stored in the cloud rather than locally.
- Updates and maintenance are handled by the cloud provider automatically.
Examples in IT environments:
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail) – Users edit documents directly in the cloud. Changes are automatically saved online.
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel online versions) – Software runs in a browser; files are saved in OneDrive.
- Salesforce CRM – Customer data and applications are fully cloud-based.
- Slack or Teams – Collaboration apps running entirely online.
✅ Exam tip: The cloud-hosted model is defined by internet access required and files stored online, so users don’t need to manage installations or updates.
Comparison Summary Table
| Feature | Locally Installed (Standalone) | Locally Installed (Network) | Cloud Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Required | No | Yes (local network) | Yes (internet) |
| Internet Required | No | No | Yes |
| Application Location | On local computer | On server in network | On cloud provider server |
| File Storage | Local computer | Server or local | Cloud |
| Updates | User/IT handles | IT handles | Automatic by provider |
| Example | MS Word installed on PC | ERP software on server | Google Docs |
Exam Key Points to Remember
- Locally installed applications:
- Can run without the internet.
- Can be standalone or network-hosted inside the company.
- Cloud-hosted applications:
- Require internet access.
- Updates and storage are managed by the provider.
- Files are saved where the application resides:
- Local computer → local install
- Network server → local network install
- Cloud → cloud storage
