What is cloud computing

Introduction

Cloud computing is a model that allows access via the internet to computing power, storage space, networks, and applications. Resources are activated when needed and are paid for based on actual usage.

For public administrations, adopting the cloud means entrusting qualified providers with part of the technical management of the infrastructure, thus freeing up internal resources and skills to focus on improving digital services for citizens and businesses.

Brief definition

With the cloud, IT resources are not located only in the organization’s data centers: they come from external providers and are accessible via the network. The administration activates them when needed, configures them according to its requirements, and monitors their usage.

The cloud is not a single product, but an organized way to obtain computing capacity in a standard and predictable manner.

Key features

There are four main characteristics that distinguish the cloud from traditional models:

• On demand: resources are activated when needed, without long procurement cycles;
  

• virtualization: a single physical server can host multiple separate and independent environments, each isolated and protected from the others;
  

• scalability: computing power, storage, and bandwidth can quickly increase or decrease based on demand (for example, during deadlines or calls for applications);
  

• measurability: consumption and performance are monitored, so costs and service levels are traceable.
  

These features enable continuous updates and a more transparent management of costs and performance.

The main difference compared to a traditional data center

In the traditional model, the organization manages facilities, equipment, servers, updates, and security. With the cloud, a significant part of these activities is handled by qualified providers, who guarantee specific SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and common requirements for security and reliability.

The main difference is not where the servers are located, but how resources are obtained and managed: there is a shift from owning the infrastructure to using standard services.

Why it is important for the digital transformation of public administrations

Administrations can focus resources and skills on services for citizens, in accordance with the Cloud Italia Strategy Opens in a new tab and the Cloud First principle, which prioritizes cloud solutions over traditional systems.