Cloud Computing

Comparing the data cloud and on-premises solutions

The on-premises model is the opposite of cloud computing. It’s a term that had to be specially invented after the use of data clouds became increasingly popular and the existing system needed a specific name to differentiate between the two. With an on-premises solution, license holders usually rely on data centers or other hardware providers for their data storage purposes.

The rise of today’s Internet giants Facebook, Google, and Amazon in the early 21st century led to a growing demand for systems that have the ability to manage and transfer sometimes very large data loads, while being reliable and flexible and at the same time ensuring a high level of security. Amazon started investing in cloud-based applications early on. Today, the tech giant is the world’s biggest provider of cloud computing services.

Variety of services available with cloud computing

Cloud computing allows companies that operate with large volumes of data to access highly flexible IT infrastructures without high acquisition and maintenance costs. At the same time, cloud computing also makes it possible to access data entirely remotely.

Cloud computing comprises the following four services:

#1   Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): With this option, users can choose between different hardware resources for their software applications. However, they usually have to install and maintain the resources themselves.

#2   Platform as a Service (PaaS): This model makes flexible environments available in the cloud for developers and others to use.

#3   Software as a Service (SaaS): Entire software packages are offered in the cloud. These run on the provided infrastructure; users don’t have to install them on their own computers.

#4   Function as a Service (FaaS): With this form of cloud computing, only individual functions of larger applications are moved to the data cloud.

What types of cloud computing are there?

There is a total of four different cloud types based on who is providing the cloud, what services it contains, and who it is intended for.

Public cloud

The services offered by a provider via a public cloud are usually also intended for the public and are thus freely accessible. Google Docs is an example of a public cloud service. However, most freely usable webmail tools also work according to this principle.

Private cloud

Closed, private clouds are the opposite of public data clouds. They are mainly used wherever certain security aspects have to be met (for example data protection).

Hybrid cloud

Since private clouds often can’t offer all the added value that public clouds can, but public clouds have some weaknesses when it comes to security, hybrid clouds represent a happy medium between the two cloud types. However, company processes also need to be clearly classified for a hybrid cloud solution to work effectively.

Community cloud

Community clouds can be used across a defined group of users. They are not as widespread, but they make it possible to work on particular projects or tasks on a cross-company basis.