Cloud Computing explained simply
Imagine you could use your files, programmes and computing power without them being on your own computer or server. Instead, everything is “in the cloud” – on remote computers that you access via the Internet. Sounds practical? That is exactly what cloud computing is: you access services from anywhere, use more computing power or storage space than your own computer could ever have, and only pay for what you actually need. For example, your smartphone automatically backs up photos in the cloud – synchronising, deleting, sharing? No problem, everything runs online and conveniently.
Background information
Cloud computing describes the provision of IT resources such as computing power, storage space or software services via the Internet. Instead of running their own servers, companies use the infrastructure of large providers – which reduces costs, enables scalability and simplifies access to the latest technology.
In an IIoTIIoT is the internet-based networking of industrial machines, systems, and devices for data collection and process optimization. context (Industrial Internet of Things), cloud computing plays a central role. Sensors, machines and plants continuously send data to the cloud, where it can be aggregated, analysed and visualised. In this way, operational processes can be optimised, maintenance cycles precisely planned and production processes made more efficient. At the same time, cloud-native architectures allow the development of agile services that automatically scale up or down as required – a clear competitive advantage for modern production environments.
Cloud services can be divided into three classic categories:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Computing power, storage and network components are provided – users install operating systems and applications themselves.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Developers use a platform environment with all tools to develop, test and run applications without having to worry about the infrastructure.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Ready-made applications such as email services, CRM systems or ERPEnterprise Resource Planning - software for integrated management of all business processes and resources. software are available for immediate use – often without installation, frequently as a web-based offering.
These models offer flexibility, rapid availability and eliminate the costs and complexity of traditional IT rollouts in industrial companies.
Architectures for IIoT
In the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the choice of cloud architecture strongly depends on requirements for latency, data security and availability.
- Edge vs. Cloud processing
In classical cloud processing, all sensor data is sent directly to central data centres, processed there and then transmitted back to production. This provides high computing power and central data storage, but may cause delays in time-critical processes.
Edge computingData processing directly on-site at machines and sensors, without detour via central servers or cloud. shifts parts of the data processing to the edge of the network – directly into machines, gateways or local servers. This shortens response times and reduces network load. Often a hybrid solution is chosen, in which rapid pre-processing takes place at the edge, while long-term analyses and storage occur in the cloud. - Hybrid models
Hybrid architectures combine the advantages of both worlds. Critical data is processed locally, while the cloud is used for complex analyses, machine learningMachine Learning - algorithms for autonomous pattern recognition in production data for automatic process optimization without manual programming. or global data aggregation. This way, real-time requirements can be met while also exploiting big dataHuge amounts of data that are too large and complex for conventional data processing software. capabilities.
Technical fundamentals
Cloud computing is based on a range of technical concepts that enable operation, scalability and flexibility.
- Virtualisation & containerisation
In virtualisation, physical servers are divided into several virtual machines (VMs) that operate independently. Containerisation (e.g. with Docker or Kubernetes) goes one step further: applications and their dependencies run in isolated containers that are quick to start, easy to scale and portable. - APIs & microservices
Cloud services are often provided in the form of microservices – small, specialised applications that communicate with each other via defined interfaces (APIs). This architecture makes it possible to extend applications modularly, isolate error sources and apply updates without system downtime. - Serverless architectures (FaaS)
With Function as a Service (FaaS), the provider supplies the entire infrastructure, and companies only upload individual functions or code snippets. Billing is based on actual usage – ideal for irregular but compute-intensive tasks such as data analysis in the IIoT.
Further information and links
- BSI: Cloud Computing Basics
https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Themen/Unternehmen-und-Organisationen/Informationen-und-Empfehlungen/Empfehlungen-nach-Angriffszielen/Cloud-Computing/Grundlagen/grundlagen.html - Informatik aktuell: Cloud Computing in the industrial environment
https://www.informatik-aktuell.de/betrieb/virtualisierung/cloud-computing-im-industriellen-umfeld.html - Cyfuture: Correlation of Industry 4.0Fourth industrial revolution through digitalization and intelligent networking of production facilities. and cloud computing
https://cyfuture.com/blog/correlation-of-industry-4-0-and-cloud-computing/