Cloud Computing

The cloud computing paradigm, which currently receives significant public attention, has the potential to reshape the software industry. Cloud computing refers to the delivery of services together with the required IT infrastructure. Users receive a ready-to-use service without having to deal with hosting, load balancing, hardware management, or software licensing costs.

This field is generally associated with the following three service delivery models:

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Software is provided as an externally hosted solution. You only pay for the software you use, without needing your own corresponding hardware infrastructure (except what is needed to run the software, potentially including thin clients).

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

Hosting of an organization's IT infrastructure. This also means outsourcing data to the IaaS provider.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

Provision of software development platforms in the cloud. Updates and required adjustments to the base infrastructure by users are not necessary.

Looking at these three model definitions, it becomes clear that they converge in cloud computing. The cloud concept integrates them into one holistic solution.

Two cloud types are generally distinguished: public cloud and private cloud. They differ by host type, either an external provider (public cloud) or the company itself (private cloud). The private cloud in particular offers a domain for sensitive business data that should remain within organizational boundaries.

A technical prerequisite for cloud computing is virtualization. It reflects the abstraction principle between services and underlying hardware and software. In cloud computing, only the specific service output matters, regardless of which technologies or components power it. The decisive factor is correct support of customer business processes.

What benefits does this create for your company?

As a cloud customer, this creates a much more flexible work environment. If, for example, the number of users of a service changes (such as for an email service), adaptation is straightforward. You only incur variable costs for services actually used. This enables cost savings (especially fixed costs) and improved cost transparency (directly attributing costs to each service).

Improved service scalability is another key benefit, because agreements with providers focus on service scope and user volume. Responsibility for ensuring performance remains with the cloud provider, who must size, provide, and maintain the required hardware.

One goal of this concept is to create a cross-provider service structure that allows combining services from different vendors into the most efficient overall portfolio.

Do not miss the timely adjustment of your software procurement or software distribution strategy toward cloud computing. Experts agree: cloud computing is not merely hype, but a major trend that is transforming how software is provided and consumed.

Pröhl Consulting supports you from clarifying requirements to developing a tailored solution portfolio. Would you like to become a cloud provider and need support in doing so? In that case, you can also rely on our expert consulting.