cloud
/klaʊd/noun
The cloud is a collective term for computing power, storage, databases and software available over a network, usually from an external provider's data centres.
We run the application in the cloud so we can increase server capacity when demand rises.
Cloud computing means using IT resources over a network instead of installing and managing them on your own servers. A cloud provider offers computing power, storage, Glossary · In briefdatabaseA database is a structured collection of data that software can store, retrieve and modify. A database management system controls access to that data.Read more or complete software. You use capacity when you need it and can often increase or reduce it quickly.
The underlying hardware sits in data centres. The main difference from owning a server is how you use that infrastructure. The provider manages some of the physical technology and offers services through a portal or Glossary · In briefAPIAn API is a defined way for software to exchange data or call functions in other software without needing to know how that software works internally.Read more. Which management tasks remain your responsibility depends on the service you choose.
Which types of cloud service are available?
With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), you rent resources such as servers, storage and networks. Platform as a Service (PaaS) adds managed components on which to build and run applications. Software as a Service (Glossary · In briefSaaSSaaS stands for Software as a Service: software a provider manages centrally and makes available to users over the internet.Read more) provides complete software over the internet. A platform such as AWS offers several of these forms.
Public, private or combined
In a public cloud, a provider uses shared infrastructure for multiple customers whose environments are kept separate. A private cloud is set up for one organization, for example to meet specific management or data requirements. A hybrid cloud connects both forms. The setup alone does not determine how secure or reliable a system is: configuration, access management, Glossary · In briefmonitoringMonitoring systematically tracks software, infrastructure or processes through measurements and checks. Deviations can trigger alerts so an administrator can investigate.Read more and agreements about data are still necessary.