Cloud computing is a paradigm of distributed computing, using established technologies such as virtualization, service-orientation, and shared computing to tackle the scale of modern applications. The »cloud« can be understood as a metaphor, comparing the web to a space that offers computing as a service. Such a space includes data, operating systems, applications, data storage and processing power, ready to be deployed to the web. The success of cloud computing led to a considerable increase of providers, offering numerous and diverse solutions. Provider selection thus has a strategic importance, affecting the success of the client's entire company. This work forcuses on cloud provider selection on the basis of the client's preferences. Our literature review will lead to the formation of a hypothetical decision model for provider selection. We will then show the applicability of the AHP method to this decision problem, using the computer program »Saaty«. In conclusion, we will state the empirical results, perform a test of the decision model and finally draw our conclusions.
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