The Cloud, or "cloud computing," is a model for delivering IT services that allows access to computing resources such as servers, storage, databases, applications, and more via an internet connection. These resources are managed by cloud service providers who distribute them across geographically dispersed infrastructures worldwide. Users can access and utilize these resources on-demand, paying only for what they use, without the need to own or manage the underlying physical infrastructure. Cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and global access to computing resources, enabling organizations to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and accelerate innovation compared to a direct management approach to their own servers.
In everyday life, cloud computing underpins many services and applications we regularly use. For example, email services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail store our emails and attachments on cloud servers, allowing us to access them from any internet-connected device. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive enable us to store and share digital files such as documents, photos, and videos on remote cloud servers. Additionally, cloud computing supports a wide range of online applications and services, including social media, video streaming apps, e-commerce, and much more.
In Switzerland, cloud computing has become a fundamental part of the country's digital infrastructure, supporting a wide range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and government. Leading Swiss and multinational companies have adopted cloud services to increase operational agility, improve data accessibility, and reduce IT costs. However, Switzerland is also known for its strong focus on data security and privacy, and many cloud service providers offer solutions that comply with the stringent Swiss federal data protection laws, ensuring that customers' data is stored and managed securely and in compliance with local and international regulations. It is worth noting that more and more Swiss operators are offering cloud management services to their business customers.
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