Cloud server

Cloud servers (also cloud VPS, cloud compute or instance) are virtual machines with an extra convenience layer: you provision them through an API, pay for actual runtime (usually per second) and combine them with managed storage, backup snapshots, load balancers and private networks — all from the same console. Unlike a classic VPS with a fixed monthly tariff a cloud server fits fluctuating loads, short experiments and CI workers because you can spin instances up and down at any time. Well-known providers include Hetzner Cloud, Netcup VLAN Cloud, AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine and DigitalOcean Droplets. The hourly price is usually lower than a dedicated server but higher than a long-running fixed VPS — the trade-off is flexibility versus hourly cost.