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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### Cloud [The various cloud service models](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/cloud#section-3) [Differences between private and public clouds](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/cloud#section-4) [Typical application: the telephone system](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/cloud#section-5) # Cloud The term “cloud” or “cloud computing” refers to a technology that allows applications and services to be accessed over a network such as the Internet as opposed to being run locally. Services made available by means of this technology are computing capacity, data storage space or applications such as [cloud telephone systems](/gb/gb/products/cloudya). The respective services are accessed via defined network protocols or interfaces. Many applications can be run directly from a browser. The actual IT resources for the services offered are located on a server or at a server farm **connected to the network.** ### The various cloud service models Various models are available depending on the services required. [Software as a Service (SaaS)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/software-as-a-service) is the term used to describe applications installed and running on servers belonging to a third-party provider. In many cases, the applications are operated via a browser. In addition, all the data relating to the applications is stored at the provider’s computer centres. Platform as a Service (PaaS) makes a cloud-based development or production environment available to users for their own applications. Finally, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides users with virtual computer resources such as computing power, hard drive storage or server environments. ### Differences between private and public clouds A differentiation is made between private and public cloud services depending on where they are operated and how they are accessed. The public cloud makes services available to users over the public Internet. A private cloud, on the other hand, provides access to abstracted IT infrastructures on distinct hardware within certain types of organisation. Various combination models are also available, such as hybrid, virtual private or community cloud computing. ### Typical application: the telephone system A typical application for the technology described above is the cloud telephone system. It offers users the standard features of a telephone system without the need for any local software or hardware. The only prerequisite for using network telephone services is a sufficiently fast Internet connection. Telephone systems of this kind are easily scalable and can be used from any location with Internet access. ### Related Articles ### Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a Service provides users with access to software that is installed on a network and does not need to be installed locally. Like Platform as a Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) is a subdomain of cloud computing. The software is operated on the premises of an external [provider](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/telephone-provider). Users require an [Internet connection](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/internet-connection) and a local computer client. In many cases, the software can be called up and run directly via the web browser. Software as a Service is not based on the traditional licensing model that allows users to purchase software along with the right of use. As the service recipient no longer needs to operate the software himself, a usage-dependent or time-dependent licensing model generally applies. 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