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What is a Cloud?

Cloud Computing Explained Simply

Digital cloud computing symbol | Networking, data cloud and technology

May 27, 2026, reading time: 7 minutes

Fast Facts: What is Cloud Computing?

  • Definition: Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources (such as storage, computing power, or software) over the internet, instead of using local hard drives.
  • The 3 Service Models: 
    • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Virtual servers and networks.
    • PaaS (Platform as a Service): Development environments for programmers.
    • SaaS (Software as a Service): Ready-to-use applications via web browser.
  • Key Business Benefits: Maximum flexibility, seamless scalability to match demand, and cost efficiency through a usage-based "pay-as-you-go" model.
  • Data Sovereignty with STACKIT: As a European hyperscaler backed by the Schwarz Group, STACKIT guarantees 100% GDPR-compliant data processing in highly secure German data centers for ultimate digital independence.

Cloud computing is ubiquitous as we consciously or unconsciously use the "cloud" 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 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. 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.

Professionals manage and maintain the IT resources 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

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

STACKIT provides cloud services with optimal performance and enables resources to be scaled and utilized according to demand.

Flexibility

Cloud infrastructures make it easier for companies to access IT resources, enabling them to utilize various business areas in different ways and respond effectively to customer needs and changing market conditions.

Technological Capabilities

STACKIT supports modern cloud technologies and offers a high-performance infrastructure designed to meet demanding requirements and applications. The platform is engineered for business-critical processes and heavy workloads—a key priority for large enterprises in particular.

Costs

With STACKIT's cloud services, you enjoy full efficiency and transparency when it comes to costs. There are no upfront investments in hardware or infrastructure; you only pay for the services you actually use (pay-as-you-go).

Learn more about the STACKIT price model

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. The data is optimally protected against emergencies, outages, or cyberattacks, and companies retain full control and transparency.

Agility

With STACKIT Cloud Services, companies can quickly launch new applications and services and drive innovation. This provides competitive advantages in the market, for example.

Independence

As part of the Schwarz Group, STACKIT is a financially 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 standards.

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.

A glowing blue cloud symbol receives pulsating orange data streams along an aisle full of server racks in a data center. The image visualizes data transfer, data migration to the cloud and cloud computing in an IT infrastructure.

Public 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.

Which cloud service models are available for which target groups?

A SaaS solution offers users the option of using software that is located on the servers of corresponding providers. The program is usually operated via the browser.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) concept | Digital cloud subscription model & business applications

Everything as a Service: XaaS includes all of the cloud service models mentioned above. 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 ISO/IEC 27001 certified 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.
  • 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 reliability 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.

Man with cell phone in hand and laptop open.

Contact form

Would you like to find out more about STACKIT cloud solutions? Do you have questions about cloud services, would you like an individual price estimate or would you like to find out more about our company? Use our contact form to get in touch with our experts directly. We will be happy to help you!

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