1. Why it is called cloud
The origin of the term cloud can be traced back to the habit of representing the internet as a cloud within network diagrams. Of course, there is also a more precise definition: Technically, cloud computing is about virtualisation and the central management of data centre resources such as computing power or storage as software-defined pools. Cloud computing is one of the most important innovative trends in corporate IT – and is a technology that enables companies to be modern and fit for the future. This is the idea behind it: IT resources are provided on demand via the internet or intranet and billed according to actual consumption.
2. What is behind the cloud
Behind the cloud are powerful data centres with very high computing power and a lot of storage space. In addition, various services are stored and applications can be activated. Other components of the cloud are networks, big data, databases, server solutions and managed security.
3. This can be defined in the cloud
The size: storage capacities and computing power can be adjusted at any time and without effort, depending on current needs and the market situation. The advantage: you do not have to invest in fixed local IT infrastructure. The cloud convinces by its high flexibility, changes are possible at any time and spontaneously – and at the push of a button.
The content: The content of the cloud can be defined individually. Do you want to launch a new product? Offer a new internet service? Do you want your employees to be able to access data to enable mobile working? You decide which data is in the cloud.
Control access and expand collaboration: For SMEs, it is particularly essential to network and expand collaboration with business partners and suppliers. You can determine whether there should be content that only suppliers, partners or employees can access,
4. Who is responsible for security
The cloud provider is responsible for managing security.
5. This must be taken into account for the highest possible security
When choosing your service provider, you should ensure that ISO guidelines are adhered to. Standardised norms such as ISO 27001, ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 define the handling and processing of highly sensitive data. Find out whether your cloud hosting provider is certified accordingly. Make sure that the data centre is located in Germany. Due to the federal data protection laws that refine the EU data protection directives, Germany is at the forefront in terms of security. Consequently, the rule is here: look for “Made in Germany”. By the way: Contrary to popular belief, cloud solutions are very secure and excellently protected against hacker attacks. This is also because the cloud provider is responsible for security and its structures, resources and capacities are specifically designed for these requirements.
6. These service models of cloud computing exist
The term cloud computing is not just about one offer but comprises a wide range of services that aim to meet various IT needs of an organisation. Some companies provide customers with a cloud, while others, like Netfira, provide a service model that operates in a cloud. The three main service models are Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): The service involves the provision of data centre infrastructure by a cloud provider. The resources are accessed via private or public networks. The components of the infrastructure provided include, for example, servers, computing and network capacities, communication devices such as routers or firewalls, storage space and systems for archiving and securing data.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): This is a special manifestation of the cloud computing concept. It can be understood as a link between classic infrastructure services (Infrastructure-as-a-Service, IaaS) and application software from the cloud (Software-as-a-Service, SaaS). Cloud providers provide customers with a platform on which they can develop, operate and manage applications without having to worry about the necessary infrastructure.
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