{"id":4418,"date":"2024-07-20T14:32:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-20T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/?p=4418"},"modified":"2025-05-09T11:10:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T09:10:22","slug":"the-cloud-does-not-exist-pitfalls-and-dangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/blog\/internet\/le-cloud-nexiste-pas-pieges-et-dangers\/","title":{"rendered":"The cloud doesn't exist: pitfalls and dangers of the proprietary cloud and open-source alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

The word \"cloud\" has lost its meaning. It's so misused that I've coined a phrase for it: \"cloud bullshit\". <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, your Linux System Administrator specializing in WordPress web hosting<\/a> reveals all the secrets to avoid getting caught up in \u00abcloud bullshit.\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Cloud doesn't exist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"matrix
The spoon doesn't exist.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Cloud: Definition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n

Cloud computing refers to the use of memory and computing power from computers and servers located around the world and connected by a network. Applications and data are no longer stored on a specific computer but in a cloud made up of numerous interconnected remote servers.<\/p>\nDefinition by CNIL<\/a>.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Cloud : Translation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We don't know where your data is<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is this really the future? No longer knowing where your data is?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Semantic shift of the word \"cloud<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloud now means more than that: one or more servers in a datacenter hosting services. Basically, any online service belongs in the cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, it's still someone else's computer or computers...<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cloud = marabouage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Illustration:<\/figure>
\n

With the cloud, everything seems to work as if by magic, without anyone understanding a thing. It's like magic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don't understand, you're putting yourself at risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solutions need to be simplified to make them intelligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's by mastering your tools that you can protect yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Linking applications and hosting: the danger of imprisonment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A major danger of the cloud: when hosting and service merge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The case of the global computer failure this July<\/a> clearly illustrates the problem: until the service provider restores service, you are completely stuck. Your business is held hostage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My advice: If you are starting your business, use free systems such as standard IMAP emails included with all LRob hosting<\/a>, and the Nextcloud collaborative suite<\/a>. If you are locked in, seek advice<\/a> and start adding an open-source solution, taking your time to transition until you have completely removed the proprietary solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The \"good\" and the \"bad\" cloud: the three criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

What is a \"good\" cloud?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. It lets you know where your data is stored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. It does not exploit your data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. It's simple and standard, so you can change it as you like.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You've got it: the chosen solution must be simple, transportable, localizable, free and independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The perfect cloud exists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Thanks to my expertise in free hosting, I've created the perfect cloud!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So perfect, in fact, that it contains my entire business and my entire life. Proof, if proof were needed, of my total confidence in this system and its total viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What does it consist of?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    Transparent localization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    LRob web servers are perfectly identifiable. You can find out exactly where your machine is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The status of LRob servers<\/a> is public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    LRob servers are located exclusively in Europe. Simplifying your GDPR management.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Open & portable solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    WordPress websites, POP\/IMAP\/SMTP emails, Nextcloud open source collaborative suite: everything is standard and can be transported!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There's nothing to hold you back, and you have all the access you need to migrate your data if required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So you'll be staying with LRob for pleasure!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    No data processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Enhanced safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Simple management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>
    \n

    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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    The WordPress Toolkit helps you manage your WordPress installations without being intrusive. You save a lot of time and security, without losing your freedom.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    If you need a collaborative suite, LRob will set up and maintain your Nextcloud installation<\/a>. Again, this is a standard solution, so you are free to migrate it to the host of your choice at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What about you? When will the perfect cloud arrive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    Discover LRob accommodation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The word \"cloud\" has lost its meaning. Worse, it's often synonymous with a proprietary solution that locks you in. But it doesn't have to be that way.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4420,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-internet","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4418"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5187,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4418\/revisions\/5187"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lrob.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}