What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to the on-demand provision of IT resources and services—such as computing power, storage, and applications—over the internet. Instead of investing in their own physical infrastructure, companies use flexibly scalable services from external providers and pay only for the resources they actually use. Bissantz helps companies integrate cloud technologies effectively into their data and BI environments.
| Feature | Details |
| Category | IT infrastructure / digital transformation / technology |
| Application | On-demand provision of computing power, storage, databases, and applications over the internet |
| Typical areas of application | Corporate IT, business intelligence, data analysis, software development, backup and disaster recovery |
| Related terms | SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, hybrid cloud, digitalization, big data, Microsoft Azure |
| Benefits | Cost efficiency, scalability, global availability, rapid deployment, access to innovation |
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
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.
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.
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:
Scalability: The cloud makes it possible to scale IT resources flexibly according to demand. Companies can adapt their capacity to current demand without having to maintain excess capacity.
Cost efficiency: Cloud computing can reduce IT costs because no investment in physical hardware is required. Instead, companies pay only for the resources they actually use.
Increased speed: IT resources and applications can be deployed quickly in the cloud, drastically reducing development and time-to-market cycles.
Global availability: Companies can make applications and services available worldwide and benefit from cloud providers’ global networks, improving the customer experience.
Improved collaboration: Teams can access cloud-based applications and data from anywhere in the world, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity.
Performance and reliability: Cloud providers operate powerful data centers that ensure a high level of reliability.
Promoting innovation: The cloud enables companies to access new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and big data quickly and integrate them into their business processes, increasing their capacity for innovation.
What are the risks of cloud computing?
Although cloud computing offers numerous benefits, there are also risks that need to be considered. With sound risk management and the choice of a trustworthy cloud provider, many of these challenges can be successfully addressed:
Data security and data protection: Storing sensitive data in the cloud can create security risks and therefore requires security measures to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks.
Vendor dependency: Companies may become highly dependent on the reliability and availability of their cloud provider. Technical problems at the provider can significantly affect their own operations.
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 carefully planned to prevent data loss or operational disruptions.
Compliance: Complying with legal requirements can be complex, particularly when data is stored across multiple jurisdictions. Companies must ensure that their cloud solutions comply with applicable 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:
Data backup and recovery: Cloud services automatically back up important data and enable rapid recovery in the event of outages or cyberattacks, minimizing data loss.
Big data analytics: Cloud platforms enable real-time analysis of large volumes of data, helping companies gain valuable insights for market research and customer management.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI and ML models can be provided through the cloud and used for language processing, image analysis, and forecasting without requiring local infrastructure.
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.
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.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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