Cloud Services

The terms public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud refer to different models or approaches to using cloud computing resources. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific use cases. Here is a brief overview:

• In a public cloud, resources such as servers and storage are managed by an external cloud provider and are publicly accessible via the Internet. These cloud solutions are easily scalable and flexible because they are based on a shared infrastructure. However, they are potentially less secure because the infrastructure is shared with other customers.
• A private cloud is a cloud environment set up for internal use by a company or organisation. It is hosted either in the company’s own data centre or on dedicated servers provided by a third party. This environment offers a higher level of control and security, but is often more expensive and less flexible than a public cloud.
• A hybrid cloud is a combination of a private cloud and one or more public clouds. It enables the exchange of data and applications between the different cloud environments. This allows an organisation to get the best of both worlds: the scalability of the public cloud and the security of the private cloud.
• Multi-cloud is an approach where a company or organisation uses multiple public clouds from different providers at the same time. Unlike hybrid cloud, which is based on the integration of private and public clouds, multi-cloud focuses on using multiple public clouds for different tasks and applications. The key benefit of this approach is the ability to take advantage of the best features and prices from different providers, while minimising the risk of outages or dependency on any one provider.

There are three main types of cloud platforms:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides the basic cloud infrastructure that allows users to rent virtual machines, networking, storage and other resources on demand. IaaS allows organisations to control hardware resources without having to invest in physical servers and data centres. IaaS is particularly useful for organisations that require high scalability and flexibility for their operational needs.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) goes one step further by providing not only the basic infrastructure, but also the software tools and operating systems for application development. With PaaS, developers can build, test and deploy applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. This speeds up the development process and makes PaaS ideal for development teams that want to focus on code rather than infrastructure management.
• Finally, Software as a Service (SaaS) offers complete software solutions that can be accessed over the Internet, often directly through a web browser. This eliminates the need for organisations to install or maintain software locally. With SaaS, users can access a wide range of applications, from email and calendaring systems to complex business applications for CRM, data analysis and more.

The issue of cloud security is complex and depends on several factors, including the type of cloud and the specific security measures of the provider. Many cloud service providers invest heavily in security features such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication and regular security audits, which often make cloud solutions even more secure than some on-premises solutions.

For organisations with more stringent control and privacy requirements, private clouds offer the ability to implement their own security policies. These solutions allow complete control over data and applications, making them ideal for organisations with high compliance requirements.

However, it is important to understand that cloud security is a shared responsibility. While the provider is responsible for the security of the infrastructure, the responsibility for data security and privacy often lies with the customer. Therefore, best practices such as access controls, data restrictions and regular security audits are essential to ensure a high level of security in the cloud.

bbv’s experts can help you develop secure solutions that are tailored to your specific needs and deliver maximum value.

The cost of cloud solutions compared to on-premises solutions depends on a number of factors. While on-premises solutions often require large initial investments in hardware and infrastructure, cloud services are characterised by a flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing structure.

In the long term, cloud solutions can deliver significant savings through scalability and lower maintenance costs. They also enable faster adaptation to market changes without the need to invest in physical infrastructure.

When considering the total cost of ownership, the benefits of cloud services, such as reduced downtime and more efficient use of resources, should also be taken into account, making them a cost-effective solution for many organisations.

Yes, there are several cloud service providers with data centres in Switzerland. This is particularly relevant for companies and organisations with high security requirements. By storing data in Switzerland, you can ensure that your data is processed in accordance with Swiss law.

It is important to note that not all cloud service providers with data centres in Switzerland offer the same services. Some focus on infrastructure solutions (IaaS), while others offer specific software applications (SaaS) or development platforms (PaaS).

We advise and assist you in carefully analysing your specific needs and requirements in order to evaluate the best provider for you.

A certain degree of vendor lock-in is often unavoidable, but less critical in the rapidly evolving cloud world. More important is the ability to design architectures that are future-proof and adaptable to keep pace with continuous innovation. Where appropriate, vendor lock-in can be reduced through careful planning, multi-cloud strategies and open standards. However, there are additional challenges. Our experts will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice to ensure that your cloud strategy effectively supports your current and future business goals.

Read more about this topic in our German blog post «Vendor lock-in or the price of freedom?».