Overview

ArcGIS Online provides ArcGIS users with a set of foundation services that are deeply integrated with ArcGIS. As an ArcGIS user, you have immediate access to map services, task services, software developer kits (SDKs), and other content via the Web. ArcGIS Online services are available as standard, no-cost services for internal and noncommercial external use. ArcGIS Online premium services require the purchase of an annual subscription and can be used internally or externally for commercial use.

ArcGIS Online Sharing is a central Web-based repository through which ArcGIS users can easily search and share GIS, maps, layers, and tools. ArcGIS Online Sharing is in public beta.

With ArcGIS Online, you can

• Jump-start your GIS projects without additional investments in infrastructure or staffing. ArcGIS Online services are hosted by ESRI and powered by ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Data Appliance, and new content is updated and added continually.
• Save money because you don't have to worry about software and data acquisition, management, and updates.
• Save time because you have access to ready-to-use content to build your applications.
• Develop Web applications quickly by leveraging ArcGIS Online map and task services and ArcGIS Web Mapping APIs.
• Access prepublished maps and reference layers; browse templates, user guides, and tutorials; and view metadata through the ArcGIS Online Resource Center.
• Easily organize, find, and share geographic information to collaborate with other ArcGIS users who share a common interest.

Provide your high-resolution imagery and street maps to ESRI. Let us publish your professional imagery and street maps to the ArcGIS community as part of the ArcGIS Online free hosted map services. Learn more.

Need content from ArcGIS Online locally or behind your firewall?

• ArcGIS Data Appliance gives you much of the same data available through ArcGIS Online on a preconfigured network storage device that connects to your existing network. Learn more.
• DataDoors for ArcGIS is an online application through which you can order most of the raster data, then download it locally. Learn more.