At a glance
- enables scalability, cost efficiency, global availability, and rapid deployment
- facilitates access to innovative technologies such as AI and IoT
- three deployment models: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud
- three service models: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
What would you like to know about Cloud computing?
Your input is sent to an AI service to answer it and is stored to improve the answers. Please do not enter any personal data. Privacy policy
Cloud computing definition
Cloud computing means providing IT resources over the internet (the cloud) that can be accessed and paid for as needed. Instead of investing in their own physical infrastructure, such as servers, storage, or networks, companies and individuals can use cloud computing services. This gives them access to a wide range of services provided by cloud providers, including computing power, data storage, databases, software applications, and analytical tools. Cloud computing therefore represents a transformation of the IT landscape, enabling companies of all sizes to implement innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively.
„With DeltaMaster on the Azure platform, we access our analyses through the browser regardless of location. At the same time, we retain full control over our data storage.“Head of Controlling
Industrial company
What types of cloud computing are there?
There are different types of cloud computing, each offering different benefits:
| Model | Description | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| Public cloud | Operated by third-party providers; resources are provided over the internet | Fast-growing companies with variable demand |
| Private cloud | Exclusively for one company; hosted in its own data center or by an external provider | Companies with strict compliance and security requirements |
| Hybrid cloud | Combination of public and private cloud; workloads can be moved flexibly between the two models | Companies that need to combine scalability and data security |
- Public cloud: A public cloud is operated by third-party providers and offers companies computing resources such as servers and storage over the internet. Companies therefore do not need to operate their own IT infrastructure and benefit from high scalability. This cloud environment is particularly suitable for companies with rapidly growing requirements that need to respond flexibly.
- Private cloud: A private cloud is used exclusively by a single company. It can be hosted either in the company’s own data center or by an external service provider. This option offers a high degree of security and control because the entire infrastructure and data remain within the company’s private network. Private clouds are therefore particularly suitable for companies with strict compliance requirements.
- Hybrid cloud: A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds and enables flexible use of both models. Companies can move workloads between the two cloud types depending on their requirements and security needs. This combination provides a balanced solution that combines the scalability of the public cloud with the security of the private cloud and offers a high degree of flexibility.
Trusted by market leaders and hidden champions
How does cloud computing work?
Cloud computing is based on providing computing resources over the internet that can be used and billed as needed. In the data centers of major cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure, thousands of physical servers are hosted and divided through virtualization into independent, flexible units (virtual machines). Companies can therefore access computing power, storage space, and applications over the internet without having to operate their own physical servers or infrastructure.
Network technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), which manages network resources flexibly and efficiently, and content delivery networks (CDNs), which deliver data to users worldwide more quickly, enable fast and secure data transmission in the cloud. Automation and orchestration ensure that cloud resources are provisioned and managed automatically. Measures such as data encryption and access controls are also used to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
What are typical cloud services?
Cloud computing primarily comprises the three different cloud service models Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS):
| Service model | Content |
|---|---|
| IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) | Basic computing resources: virtual machines, storage, networks |
| PaaS (Platform as a Service) | Development platform including infrastructure, databases, and middleware |
| SaaS (Software as a Service) | Fully developed applications provided over the internet; no local installation required |
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides basic computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networks over the internet. These resources can be rented as needed.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform on which developers can build, test, and deploy applications. In addition to the underlying infrastructure, this includes development tools, databases, and middleware.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS provides fully developed applications over the internet. Users do not have to take care of maintenance or updates.
What are the benefits of cloud computing for companies?
Cloud computing offers companies a wide range of benefits that make their IT infrastructure more efficient, flexible, and future-proof. Key benefits include:
What are the risks of cloud computing?
Although cloud computing offers numerous advantages, there are also risks that should be considered. With sound risk management and the choice of a trustworthy cloud provider, many of the following challenges can be successfully mastered:
- Data migration and integration: Migrating data to the cloud and integrating it with existing systems can be complex and time-consuming. Migration strategies should therefore be well planned to prevent data loss or operational disruptions.
- Data security and data protection: Storing sensitive data in the cloud can entail security risks and therefore requires security measures that prevent data leaks and cyberattacks.
- Dependence on the provider: Companies may be heavily reliant on the reliability and availability of the cloud provider. Technical problems at the provider can significantly affect your own operations.
- Compliance: Complying with legal requirements can be complicated, especially when storing data across multiple jurisdictions. Companies must ensure that their cloud solutions comply with data protection laws.
Cloud computing examples – areas of application and best practices
Cloud computing has become an almost indispensable part of modern business applications. Examples of areas in which cloud services are used include:
The business intelligence software DeltaMaster uses the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform to make data quickly and easily accessible. This can significantly increase efficiency in analysis, planning, and reporting. Through its use of cloud computing, DeltaMaster provides users with fast access via web browsers and a mobile app and enables easy scaling as requirements increase.
Where would you like to use Cloud computing?
Your input is sent to an AI service to answer it and is stored to improve the answers. Please do not enter any personal data. Privacy policy
Cloud computing and Bissantz
Bissantz’s BI software DeltaMaster uses cloud computing specifically to make analysis, planning, and reporting accessible through web applications. The solution is based on the Microsoft Azure platform and enables high-performance and secure delivery through browsers and mobile devices, while providing full control over data storage.
By combining cloud infrastructure with automated BI logic, systems can be scaled, deployed more quickly, and used regardless of location. Companies benefit from flexibility, performance, and availability without compromising security and governance. Cloud computing thus becomes an enabler of modern BI processes: data is available wherever decisions are made.
| Function | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Web-based analysis, planning, and reporting | BI processes also accessible via browser and mobile devices |
| Provision via Microsoft Azure | high-performance and secure cloud infrastructure |
| Full control over data storage | flexibility and availability without compromising security and governance |
| Scalable, location-independent usage | systems can be deployed faster and used independently of location |
„The cloud deployment significantly accelerated the implementation of our BI without us having to operate our own servers. Performance and availability convince us in daily operations.“IT Manager
Retail company
Frequently asked questions
What is cloud computing in simple terms?
Cloud computing means renting IT resources such as computing power, storage, or software over the internet instead of operating them yourself—and paying only for what you actually use. Think of it like electricity from a power outlet: always available, on demand, without having to maintain your own infrastructure.
What data protection requirements apply to cloud use?
Companies in the EU must ensure that their cloud solutions comply with the GDPR, particularly when storing personal data. Relevant criteria include the server location, data processing agreements, and the provider’s certifications.
Is cloud computing secure?
Reputable cloud providers invest heavily in security measures—often more than individual companies could. Key factors include data encryption, access controls, certifications, and clear contractual arrangements. Risks primarily arise from misconfigurations or inadequate access management on the user’s side.
How does Bissantz use cloud computing in DeltaMaster?
DeltaMaster is based on the Microsoft Azure platform and makes BI functions accessible through browsers and mobile devices—scalably, with high performance, and securely. Companies can therefore use analysis, planning, and reporting regardless of location without giving up control over their data storage.
Summary
Cloud computing is now the technological foundation of modern IT infrastructures: it enables companies to access computing power, storage, and applications flexibly, cost-effectively, and at scale without having to operate their own hardware. The available services range from IaaS and PaaS to SaaS. Bissantz consistently uses this infrastructure with DeltaMaster as the foundation for a powerful, location-independent, and secure business intelligence platform.