Lord of the cloud or who is a cloud provider?

People started using the terms “cloud” and “cloud computing” a lot in the 1990s, but we can’t say exactly when it began.There are a few reasons for this. First of all, cloud computing didn’t just appear overnight; it was a slow process involving many different technologies. The cloud we know today is the result of many years of computer and network development. Second, the word “cloud” can mean different things in different situations. And third, it’s not always easy to tell where traditional computing ends and cloud computing begins.

Key stages of cloud development:

• 1960s: The concept of “time-sharing” emerged, allowing multiple users to simultaneously access a single computer.
• 1970s: Network technologies advanced, enabling computers to be interconnected into networks.
• 1980s: The first remote data access services appeared.
• 1990s: The widespread adoption of the Internet and the rise of e-commerce spurred the development of cloud computing.
• 2000s: The first commercial cloud platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), were launched.

“Cloud” in the context of Amazon Web Services (AWS) refers to a network of remote servers connected to provide a variety of computing services over the Internet. Instead of maintaining their own physical hardware, companies can rent computing power, storage, and other resources from a cloud provider. Now that we understand how cloud computing emerged, let’s address the question: who owns the clouds and can provide cloud services?

Lord of the cloud: who is he?

We could call them modern-day wizards, commanding invisible armies of servers and terabytes of data. They are the teams behind the infrastructure of cloud services, building, maintaining, and evolving digital realms where information is stored, processed, and transmitted. A company providing computing resources, data storage, and related services over the internet is commonly known as a cloud provider.

Key principles of cloud providers:

1. Large-scale data centers: Cloud providers operate extensive data centers equipped with thousands of servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. Alternatively, they may lease dedicated, isolated data centers or, as in the case of Hostpark, have exclusive partnerships to provide cloud services based on a dedicated data center.
2. Virtualization: Using specialized licensed software, physical servers are partitioned into numerous virtual machines. Each client receives a portion of these virtual resources.
3. Internet access: Customers access their resources via the internet using specialized interfaces or APIs.
4. Pay-per-use model: Customers are billed based on their actual resource consumption, making cloud services highly flexible.

Top 3 hyperscale cloud providers:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2. Microsoft Azure
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Hyperscalers possess the world’s largest data centers and infrastructure, enabling them to offer unprecedented levels of computing power, storage, and networking capabilities. Their continuous investment in new technologies and developments allows them to provide cutting-edge cloud solutions. With the emergence of numerous local cloud providers alongside hyperscalers, the question arises: which one should you choose?

Benefits of working with local cloud providers like Hostpark:

• Flexibility and customization: Local providers often offer more flexible and customized solutions that can be better tailored to a company’s specific needs. They can develop individualized plans and strategies that align with a client’s unique business requirements.
• Support and service: Local providers typically provide faster and more efficient customer support. Their physical proximity allows for quicker problem resolution and consultation.
• Data security: For many companies, especially those handling sensitive data, security is a top priority. Local providers can offer additional security guarantees and data control, which can be crucial for companies with regulatory requirements.
• Control and transparency: Local providers can provide greater control over infrastructure and processes. Companies can have a better understanding of how their data is stored and processed.

If a cloud provider owns the cloud and provides you with services to use it, who actually owns the data you store there? Let’s break it down.

Who owns the data in the cloud?

• You, as the user:
  • Legal ownership: You retain legal ownership of your data, even when it’s stored on a cloud provider’s servers. This means you have the right to access, copy, modify, or delete your data.
  • Physical location: However, the data is physically stored on the cloud provider’s servers, granting them technical access.
• Cloud provider:
  • Technical access: The cloud provider has technical access to your data to ensure the services function properly (e.g., for backups, maintenance).
  • Access restrictions: Modern cloud providers have strict security policies that limit data access to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis, as is the case with Hostpark. For more details, please refer to Hostpark’s terms of service.

“Atman is the first data center operator in Europe to achieve Tier 4 certification for both of its Warsaw facilities,” notes Aleksander Murga, Director of Hostpark. “This certification signifies a commitment to documented processes designed to minimize human error and ensure maximum service reliability.”

What security guarantees do cloud providers offer?

• Data encryption: Most cloud providers employ various encryption methods to protect data both in transit and at rest.
• Authentication systems: Multi-factor authentication is commonly used to prevent unauthorized access to data.
• Data centers: Cloud servers are housed in highly secure data centers with access controls and fire suppression systems.
• Regular software updates: Providers continually update their software and security systems to protect against emerging threats.
• Compliance: Major cloud providers adhere to international security standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR.

How to Choose a Cloud Provider?

• Data center location and certifications: Hostpark, for example, leverages the Polish data center Atman, which boasts Tier III+ certification, ensuring high reliability and quality backed by ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and EPI DCOS certifications.

• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Atman’s SLA guarantees 99.999% uptime, backed by 2N redundancy and a 10-year track record.

• Range of cloud solutions: Hostpark offers a diverse portfolio of cloud solutions, including private cloud on VMware and public cloud on Atman Cloud (OpenStack), as well as additional services like object storage, direct peering to Thinx IX, DRaaS, and cloud connect to major providers (AWS, Google, Azure, IBM, Oracle).

• Customer support: Hostpark provides 24/7 Ukrainian-language support. As the exclusive representative of Atman in Ukraine, we can address any issues promptly, minimizing downtime.

In today’s digital landscape, data ownership is a critical concern. Choosing a reliable cloud provider is a strategic decision for any company. It directly impacts data security, business efficiency, and reputation. Hostpark, with its extensive experience, resources, and robust security standards, is committed to being a trusted partner for Ukrainian businesses.

For any inquiries about cloud services, please contact us at +380 (96) 785-01-01.

Author: Nataliia Senchylo, Marketing Specialist Hostpark.