Cloud service providers offer bookable internet resources for private and business use. With this "on-demand data processing," providers can supply resources such as large data storage, internet applications, desktop applications, or even computing power.
Cloud storage is widely used within the framework of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Large amounts of internet-based storage space are rented for business or private use; this storage can be used by customers as data repositories or backup locations and guarantees worldwide access without compromising data protection regulations. Cloud computing is now also an essential part of enterprise technology. Among the world's largest providers of these service models are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Entra-ID (formerly Azure AD).
The service models are generally referred to as:
🖥 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Computer infrastructure that can be added on demand in the form of network extensions. Instead of setting up IT components within one's own four walls, the services can be rented and accessed via the internet. This allows for the most flexible balancing of storage space, data management, and virtualization requirements. The customer retains control but also responsibility for access and maintenance.
📰 Platform as a Service (PaaS): This service model is based on IaaS and provides operating and development systems as well as databases. The creation of software applications, including comprehensive application environments, can be handled centrally. A good example is Google App Engine, which offers a development environment for various programming and scripting languages (Java, Python, PHP).
💿 Software as a Service (SaaS): This is the next level of service. Ready-to-use online applications are part of this service model. Some of the most popular such application products include Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Documents (Docs), and many others.
The following section will focus on cloud storage providers. The advantages of such secure storage models make these services attractive for private users and businesses alike. This overview will be based on a 2 terabyte storage capacity. The criteria that must be met can be illustrated in the following categories.
- Price: Even the best cloud storage is useless if it doesn't fit your budget. Analyze how much storage space you (or will) need and base your decision on that. The same applies to the desired settings and options your future contract should include. The internet offers the best resource for comparing offers.
- Ease of use: Checking whether your data can be uploaded and downloaded from every permitted device is mandatory. Don't limit yourself in this regard. Mobility also ensures quick access. Synchronization mechanisms play a major role these days, especially when it comes to backup resources. Find an attractive offering that allows collaboration with other services and users. Team access is a common feature, especially for companies and organizations.
- Reliability and security: Modern security technology is essential, especially when outsourcing sensitive data. It's up to you to choose the access control, firewall, encryption options, and additional data backup options you need. The location shouldn't be too far away, ideally not in another country. Redundant speed and a minimum of network nodes should support you in the future. Fast, 24-hour availability is mandatory, just like an established and trusted service provider.
- Support and expansion: Quickly accessible technical support is essential these days. Telephone support should take priority over email support or ticket systems. Check whether your preferred provider regularly provides updates and keeps its technology up to date.
Examples of established and proven providers:*
| Provider | Cloud space | Price per month | Server location | Security technology among others |
| Google One Drive | 💽 2 TerraByte | ca. 10 €, up to 5 User | USA/Wordwide | 🗝 AES256 End-to-end-Encryption Two-factor-authentication, SSL,TLS |
| Dropbox | 💽 2 TerraByte | ca. 10 €, 1 User | USA/EU/GB/JP | 🗝 256-Bit-AES- und SSL/TLS-Encryption End-to-end-Encryption, Team-Encryption |
| IONOS - HiDrive-Cloud-Speicher | 💽 2 TerraByte | ca. 10 €, 10 User | Germany | 🗝 End-to-end-Encryption, AES 128 Two-factor-authentication |
| Strato HiDrive | 💽 2 TerraByte | ca. 10 €, limited to 1 User | Germany | 🗝 ISO-certified, TÜV-zertifiziert (german Technical Inspection Association) |
| pcloud (Switzerland) | 💽 2 TerraByte | ca. 400 € one time payment with 99 years mileage |
European Union |
🗝 TLS/SSL-Encryption, client-side optional
|
* The data is based on information provided by the provider at the time of the review [as of February 2025]
For business use, Microsoft 365 in particular offers various packages and cloud services. Microsoft has also provided for private users, with offerings for individuals who can use their Office suite online via a web interface in the smallest license model.