Cloud services (also known as cloud computing) have become an integral part of everyday life and modernize the IT infrastructure. Cloud computing starts as soon as you want to watch movies online or send an email via an online service. A cloud for data transfer also gives you the option of storing data online and using it at any time, regardless of the device or location. Such cloud tools are usually freely scalable, which means that the size of the data storage can be adapted and expanded at any time. No additional hardware is required compared to traditional storage in the home network.
A so-called public cloud belongs to an external cloud provider and is operated by him. Computing resources such as servers and storage are provided via the internet. All hardware, software and other supporting infrastructure components are managed and owned by the cloud provider. Users log in via a web browser to manage their account and access all services. Own investments and software are not required for the public cloud.
With a private cloud, the cloud computing resources are used exclusively by a single company. Therefore, this cloud variant promises a high degree of control and security. Private clouds can be physically located in the company's local data center. The services and infrastructure components are managed in a private network that can, for example, be accessed via a separate intranet or a closed Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is an internal, organization-related cloud that makes its applications accessible only to authorized users. Another term for the private cloud is corporate cloud.
The term hybrid cloud refers to a mixed computing, storage and service environment, i.e. a combination of public clouds and private clouds that are connected via specific technologies for sharing data and applications. It offers enterprises more flexibility, different deployment options and helps to optimize existing infrastructure, security and compliance. The great advantage of a hybrid cloud is its agility: each customization is done very quickly and this enables competitive advantages.
Cloud services enable standardized IT solutions to be obtained inexpensively, quickly and demand-oriented. In comparison, the operation and management of your own IT infrastructure is always significantly more expensive in direct cost comparison. Cloud computing services can be divided into three different categories.
IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) makes up the simplest category of cloud computing services. Here, the entire infrastructure such as virtual computers, servers, networks, storage and operating systems are obtained from the cloud from one provider. All of this is rented in the appropriate size (e.g. as a virtual server) and billed on a user basis.
PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) is a cloud environment that provides a platform for developing applications on the internet. This includes an appropriate development environment on the basis of which web apps or mobile apps can be developed quickly and relatively easily without having to worry about the additional infrastructure such as servers, memory, databases or network components that are normally required for such a development.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) includes the provision of software applications via the internet. This mostly depends on the needs of the customer in the form of a subscription. Cloud providers host and manage predefined infrastructures and software applications. Users can easily and conveniently connect to the application via the web, usually using the web browser on their device such as a PC, tablet or smartphone.
However, not every cloud provider is the same. Various aspects play an important role when choosing the right provider. If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to data protection, you should not only pay attention to where your data is stored, but also where the storing company (i.e. the cloud provider) is located. With US-American solutions, there is always the danger that companies cannot rule out third-party access to their data due to the current legal situation, such as the Cloud Act. European and German solutions are forced to comply with the strict rules of the current EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Most cloud computing services run on demand and are provided as a self-configurable service. Even a large amount of computing resources can be assembled and deployed in a matter of minutes and with a single click. Waiting times for an increase in the required resources lie in the past.
In terms of security, German cloud providers in particular are leading the way by guaranteeing the most diverse data protection guidelines and thus protecting internal company data, apps and their infrastructure from possible external threats.
Another great advantage is the scalability. Companies that use a cloud service always have the optimal amount of IT resources they need - across all devices and at every location. If, for example, more storage space is needed or a new employee is added, this can be done in no time at all.
With cloud computing, all relevant data is stored at several redundant locations in the cloud provider's network. If this data needs to be restored at short notice, it can be done quickly, reliably and without additional costs due to additional data backups, etc. Cloud computing services are also state-of-the-art technology and are updated at regular intervals.
Local computer centers usually involve a corresponding administrative and setup effort. At regular intervals, software patches must be installed or new hardware must be set up, in addition to other time-consuming administrative tasks that affect the IT. Cloud computing eliminates many of these tasks by centrally providing the required resources. This creates free capacity for the IT team, which can then focus on important corporate goals.
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DRACOON is a German cloud service for companies. With the software you can securely store, manage and send all your company data. DRACOON offers you numerous advantages to ensure secure and EU-GDPR-compliant data storage. The client-side encryption prevents data from flowing off.
Save, share and manage your files in a GDPR-compliant manner for 14 days for free!
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