Providing temporary use of web-based software applications for use by financial service providers in the field of investment fund management; providing temporary use of on-line operating software for accessing and using a cloud computing network for use by financial service providers in the field of investment fund management; hosting computer software platforms for use by financial service providers in the field of investment fund management; providing temporary use of on-line non-downloadable software for use by financial service providers to conduct investment fund transactions, to manage and obtain investment account information, and for financial research and analysis