Cloud

In short: Cloud (cloud computing) means using IT services such as computing power, storage or programs over the internet from a provider instead of running everything yourself.

In more detail: The resources sit in the provider’s data centres, are provisioned on demand and paid for by usage. You connect with a browser or app without knowing which individual server it runs on.

In Depth

Service models

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): virtual servers, storage and networks to rent.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): a ready environment where you only put your own code, e.g. hosting platforms.
• SaaS (Software as a Service): finished programs in the browser, e.g. email or online office.

Deployment

• Public cloud: from one provider for many customers.
• Private cloud: only for one organisation.
• Hybrid cloud: a mix of both.

Pros and cons

Advantages are fast scaling, no own hardware and access from anywhere. Disadvantages are ongoing costs, dependence on the provider and the question of privacy and server location (see GDPR). A database can also run in the cloud, for example at Neon.

See also: server, NAS, virtualisation