What is a cloud – data and services from the “cloud”
Cloud computing is omnipresent, because we use the “cloud” consciously or unconsciously every day, whether to store personal and business data such as documents, photos and videos, to stream movies, music and games or for applications and software.
The cloud is used to store all this data not locally on your own device, but centrally on remote servers in large data centers operated by cloud providers such as STACKIT.
STACKIT, the Schwarz Group’s cloud and colocation provider, primarily offers its services to companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Whether infrastructure services (IaaS) such as virtual machines, networks and storage solutions or platform services (PaaS) such as Cloud Foundry: STACKIT is the right choice for companies that value flexibility, data security and independent European cloud solutions! With STACKIT, you can store, access and process your data from anywhere. On the one hand, the cloud saves storage space on your own devices and, on the other hand, gives you more scalability and security.
The IT resources are managed and maintained by professionals for you – and if you need more space or performance, you can simply add it without having to invest in new hardware.
The most important explanations of cloud terms in this article
- Cloud: Flexible storage and workspace on the internet that can be accessed from different devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets, regardless of location. It is an IT model, a global server network on which data such as documents, photos, videos, music, games and programs/software are digitally stored and made available.
- Cloud computing: The use of IT resources such as storage space, computing power or software via the internet instead of locally on your own devices.
- Cloud provider: Companies such as STACKIT that provide cloud services.
- Cloud storage: Storage space in the cloud that can be used for applications and data such as documents, music, photos, videos or software.
- Data center: A special building or a room technically equipped with many servers. This is where cloud providers operate their IT infrastructure.
- Server: Powerful computers that provide services and data in a cloud so that users can access these resources flexibly and as required.
- Cloud infrastructure: All the software and hardware – such as servers, networks and storage – required to manage cloud services.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS involves ready-made software applications such as Office programs or email services that are used directly from the cloud.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): A platform in the cloud on which developers can build and operate their own applications, such as a website, without having to worry about the technology.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Cloud service where virtual storage, networks and servers can be flexibly rented.
- Edge computing: Type of data processing close to where it is generated, for example at the edge of a network or in machines or devices on site. The advantage is that bandwidth is saved and the network is relieved. In addition, data can be evaluated in real time and does not have to be sent to a remote data center. This is particularly important for applications that require fast responses.
- Colocation facilities: Specialized data centers with power supply, cooling and fast Internet connection where companies can house their own IT equipment and servers so that they do not have to operate the hardware in their own company building.
What are the advantages of cloud services with STACKIT?
Cloud solutions from STACKIT offer many attractive advantages, especially for companies in Germany, Austria and the EU.
Scalability
Cloud solutions from STACKIT offer many attractive advantages, especially for companies in Germany, Austria and the EU.
Flexibility
Cloud infrastructures make it easier for companies to access IT resources and open up the ability to use various business areas in different ways and to respond to customer requirements and changing market conditions in a targeted manner.
Technological performance
STACKIT supports modern cloud technologies and impresses with its high-performance infrastructure for demanding requirements and applications. The platform is designed for business-critical processes and high workloads, which is particularly important to large companies.
Costs
STACKIT’s cloud services give you full efficiency and transparency in terms of costs. There is no upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure; you only pay for the services you actually use (pay as you go).
Data protection and data sovereignty
Data is stored digitally and in compliance with the GDPR in professionally secured data centers and automatically backed up at regular intervals (backups). The data is optimally protected against emergencies, outages or cyberattacks and companies retain complete control and transparency.
Agility
With STACKIT cloud services, companies can quickly launch new applications and services and develop innovations. This creates competitive advantages on the market, for example.
Independence
As part of the Schwarz Group, STACKIT is an economically stable cloud provider. Companies retain full control over their IT infrastructure.
Reliability
With STACKIT, customers can rest assured that the cloud services operate in accordance with the highest security requirements.
STACKIT cloud solutions and their functions
The term cloud comes from “cloud computing” and refers to a virtual platform that makes IT resources such as storage, network and computing power available flexibly and from any location on the web. In technical terms, these are servers that cloud providers such as STACKIT make available in data centers and that can be accessed from various devices (PC, smartphone, tablet) via the Internet.
Storing information and files in a cloud not only offers clear advantages in the private sphere, but also for companies in particular. Companies and developers benefit from the ability to create and test applications such as a website without having to manage and maintain the infrastructure. By using a cloud, the storage requirements on your own local devices can be reduced. At the same time, the cost of hardware such as in-house servers and IT staff can be reduced.
A comparison of the various cloud infrastructures
Cloud management refers to the organized monitoring, administration and control of cloud computing resources, services and infrastructures, whether in a public cloud (public), a private cloud (private) or in hybrid cloud environments.
Public Cloud
Private Cloud
Hybrid-Cloud
A public cloud (public cloud) is public and freely accessible. Here, the customer’s data is processed together on the cloud provider’s servers. Webmail services or SaaS applications such as Google Docs are examples of such public clouds.
The private cloud stands for services in which resources such as network capacity, computing power and storage are not shared with other users. Here, a cloud computing environment is provided exclusively for a single company or institution. As a result, customers generally benefit from the typical cloud advantages such as scalability, data protection, flexibility and access rights.
A hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private clouds. Companies often use public cloud services for data and applications where data protection does not play an overriding role, while sensitive data that requires a high level of protection is operated in a private cloud. The key to operating a hybrid cloud is usually a clear separation between the individual areas so that non-critical and data protection-sensitive workloads can be clearly distinguished from one another.
Which cloud service models are available for which target groups?
Software as a Service: A SaaS solution offers users the opportunity to use software that is located on the servers of corresponding providers. The program is usually operated via the browser.
Platform as a Service: PaaS applications are aimed in particular at IT developers. In this case, the cloud offers a programming and runtime environment on which users can develop or run their own software applications.
Infrastructure as a Service: An IaaS offering gives IT departments or a provider of other cloud services access to server environments, storage space and computing power to develop and operate their own software. Classic areas of application are server hosting, big data analysis or databases.
Everything as a Service: XaaS encompasses all of the above cloud service models. This cloud technology approach is therefore a collective term that combines all areas of cloud computing.
Tips, tricks & important information for your cloud with STACKIT
Cloud products are an ideal solution for the entire team, as they can significantly optimize collaboration. Other team members have secure, flexible and location-independent access to shared data and documents. They can work together in real time from any location and edit files together. The central storage and synchronization of data also ensures that all team members are always up to date and version conflicts are avoided.
Data protection and security also play a key role in the cloud. This is particularly important for companies, which must ensure that only authorized users have access to the stored files. The strict data protection requirements of the GDPR must also be observed when handling personal data. Public cloud services that store information and data outside the EU are therefore completely out of the question. However, appropriate security measures must also be in place for European clouds. STACKIT uses mechanisms such as encryption to guarantee that sensitive company data is securely protected, thus reducing risks. STACKIT meets all GDPR requirements, is certified in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001 and operates all services entirely within the German legal system.
Further tips for optimal use of all cloud functions:
- Create clean folder structures.
- For added security, you should set up automated backups.
- For important documents or presentations, you should save new file versions instead of simply overwriting old versions.
- Make sure you take additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, encrypt cloud files and consciously set access rights.
- Keep an eye on cloud storage limits for optimal performance.
STACKIT cloud storage solutions – scalable, cost-efficient solutions
Cloud storage solutions have firmly established themselves as indispensable resources in the digital world, and not just in Germany. The individual products provide a secure, cost-efficient and scalable method of storing data via the web. The modern IT technologies allow users flexible access to their data – regardless of time zones and geographical distances – and promote productive collaboration in real time.
STACKIT combines everything that modern cloud services have to offer – supplemented by what international providers do not offer to a sufficient extent: digital self-determination, trust, transparency and maximum security. STACKIT is more than just a provider of storage and servers. Rather, it is a platform for companies that want to make their digital data, applications and software solutions available flexibly and securely over the long term.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about cloud solutions from STACKIT
What cloud solutions are available?
STACKIT offers various cloud solutions that are specially tailored to the requirements of companies and meet the highest European data protection and security standards. From cloud services such as IaaS and PaaS, colocation services, database services and much more, STACKIT offers a wide range that can be used by each customer individually and according to their needs.
Is a cloud infrastructure secure?
Providers attach great importance to the security of a company’s files. STACKIT also meets the highest European and international security standards. In addition to access security, protection against data loss and resilience are also a top priority. STACKIT is an excellent choice, especially for companies with high data protection and compliance requirements.
How are cloud and cloud management connected?
Cloud refers to the provision of IT resources via the internet. Cloud management is the structured administration of these resources and services.
