The word "cloud" has lost its meaning. It's so misused that I've created a dedicated expression: "cloud bullshit".
Cloud" is often synonymous with a proprietary solution that locks you into an all-in-one ecosystem that's extremely difficult to get out of.
When the price of your "cloud solution" goes up by 300%, or a revolting new general condition of use appears, or the service is down: what do you do? Do you suffer like a victim, or are you suitably prepared to switch providers?
Today, your Linux System Administrator specializing in WordPress web hosting gives you all the secrets you need to know to avoid being trapped by cloud bullshit.
The Cloud doesn't exist?
Cloud: Definition
Visit cloud computing (French for "cloud computing") refers to the use of the memory and computing capacity of computers and servers distributed around the world and linked by a network. Applications and data are no longer located on a specific computer, but in a cloud (cloud) made up of numerous interconnected remote servers.
Definition by CNIL.
Cloud : Translation
We don't know where your data is. They're scattered all over an obscure computer system. Usually on a third party's premises, where you know nothing about the infrastructure and nothing about the data accesses and exploits carried out.
Is this really the future? No longer knowing where your data is?
Semantic shift in the word "cloud
Cloud" doesn't really exist any more, because it has lost its meaning. From a delocalized web infrastructure with resources scattered across several machines, a semantic shift has gradually taken place.
Cloud now means more than that: one or more servers in a datacenter hosting services. Basically, any online service belongs in the cloud.
In any case, it's still someone else's computer or computers...
Cloud = marabouage
With the cloud, everything seems to work as if by magic, without anyone understanding a thing. It's like magic!
If you don't understand, you're putting yourself at risk.
Solutions need to be simplified to make them intelligible.
It's by mastering your tools that you can protect yourself.
Linking applications and hosting: the danger of imprisonment
A major danger of the cloud: when hosting and service merge.
You're trapped in this solution. At 100%, you're dependent on the goodwill of an American company that owns your data, your work tools, over which you have no control.
For example, if you use the Office 365 suite, not only are you hosting your data on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, but the services (calendar, excel editors, etc.) you use are proprietary and don't easily allow you to output your data to an alternative service.
The case of worldwide computer failure in July shows just what the problem is: until the service provider restores the service, you're completely stuck. Your business is held hostage.
The problem is the same with Google Cloud, but also with many service providers who provide you with proprietary solutions for your website or e-mail, which are often difficult to get out of.
Once you've got hundreds of employees on such a system, the organization and cost of getting out of it will turn off more than a few managers, even if it saves money in the long run.
My advice: If you're just starting out, go straight to open-source systems such as standard IMAP e-mail included with all LRob hosting packagesand the Nextcloud collaborative suite. If you are imprisoned, get advice and start adding an open-source solution, taking your time to transition to it, until you've done away with the proprietary solution altogether.
The "good" and the "bad" cloud: the three criteria
What is a "good" cloud?
From my point of view as a system administrator, who therefore directly manages cloud infrastructures, there are three major criteria that characterize a good cloud:
- It lets you know where your data is stored.
- It does not exploit your data.
- It's simple and standard, so you can change it as you like.
The GAFAMs (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) are therefore directly excluded: proprietary solutions, impossibility of localizing data which generally leaves Europe, commercial exploitation of data (statistics, social engineering, etc.) and as a bonus: government partnerships giving the US authorities a free pass to access your data.
You've got it: the chosen solution must be simple, transportable, localizable, free and independent.
We can add that the solution must remain easily reachable and ready to help you unconditionally, even if it's with the aim of getting your data out of their hands.
Finally, an ideal cloud includes additional security features such as application firewalls or anti-bruteforce, anti-robot blocking solutions. And as surprising as it may seem, the biggest cloud providers generally omit this type of security, as it would require additional human support that they don't seem to want to provide.
The perfect cloud exists
Thanks to my expertise in free hosting, I've created the perfect cloud!
So perfect, in fact, that it's my entire business and my entire life. Proof, if proof were needed, of my total confidence in this system and its total viability.
What does it consist of?
Transparent localization
LRob web servers are perfectly identifiable. You can find out exactly where your machine is located.
Visit LRob server status is public.
LRob servers are located exclusively in Europe. Simplifying your RGPD management.
Open & portable solutions
WordPress websites, POP/IMAP/SMTP emails, Nextcloud open source collaborative suite: everything is standard and can be transported!
There's nothing to hold you back, and you have all the access you need to migrate your data if required.
So you'll be staying with LRob for pleasure!
No data processing
No statistical analysis of your use is made. There are no governmental agreements. Your data is stored on a free, open-source server, devoid of any intrusive analysis tools.
Enhanced safety
Although this requires occasional support in the event of a false positive, LRob isn't afraid to get in touch with you, and implements additional safeguards directly on the server.
Simple management
A simple, intuitive control panel (Plesk) lets you easily manage your domains and sub-domains, emails, databases, FTP access and backups. This access gives you total control over all your data.
The WordPress Toolkit helps you manage your WordPress installations without being intrusive. You save a lot of time and security, without losing your freedom.
If you need a collaborative suite, LRob can provide installation and maintenance of your Nextcloud installation. Here again, the solution is standard, so you are free to migrate to the host of your choice at any time.
And do you know what? With LRob, you're so free that you can even mix free and non-free solutions. If you really want to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, it's still possible, and I'll even help you if you need it.
What about you? When will the perfect cloud arrive?
Leave a Reply