> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loadforge.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the Cloud

> Learn how LoadForge uses the cloud to scale up large numbers of users.

## Cloud Infrastructure Overview

LoadForge leverages cloud technology to scale up large numbers of users for load testing. Our dynamic system enables rapid deployment and cleanup of cloud instances, ensuring efficient resource utilization.

### Test Minutes and Options

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Managed Infrastructure" icon="cloud">
    Use LoadForge's default test minutes on our managed cloud infrastructure for hassle-free testing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your Own Cloud" icon="server">
    Bring your own cloud account for enhanced control and potential cost savings.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Key Benefits

Our cloud-based approach delivers three primary advantages:

<Note>
  Each benefit is carefully designed to provide maximum value while maintaining environmental responsibility.
</Note>

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Cost-Effective Testing" icon="piggy-bank">
    * Starting from \$0.05 per 10,000 users per test
    * Transparent pricing structure
    * Pay only for what you use
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enterprise-Grade Performance" icon="gauge-high">
    * Generate millions of SSL transactions per second
    * Support for massive concurrent users
    * Real-time scaling capabilities
  </Card>

  <Card title="Environmental Responsibility" icon="leaf">
    * Resources used only when needed
    * Efficient resource allocation
    * Minimal carbon footprint
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  LoadForge proudly contributes **1% of all revenue** (not just profit) to fighting climate change, making us "The Green Load Test Company."
</Tip>

## Cloud Infrastructure Process

### Deployment Workflow

When you initiate a test, LoadForge executes a streamlined process:

1. **Provisioning**: Launch brand-new virtual machines
2. **Configuration**: Install all necessary dependencies
3. **Execution**: Run your load test
4. **Cleanup**: Securely wipe data and destroy instances

<Note>
  The entire setup process takes **approximately 1 minute**, even when deploying **20+ test workers**.
</Note>

### Data Security

After test completion:

* All test data is wiped from cloud instances
* Instances are completely destroyed
* Results are securely stored in LoadForge's cloud

## Custom Cloud Integration

### Using Your DigitalOcean Account

While LoadForge provides managed infrastructure, you can integrate your own DigitalOcean account for enhanced control.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Benefits of Using Your Cloud" icon="cloud">
    1. **Cost Optimization**
       * \~\$0.11 per test per hour with your account
       * Compared to \$1 per hour (billed per minute) on managed cloud
       * Direct control over resource allocation

    2. **Enhanced Flexibility**
       * Custom instance types
       * Personalized networking settings
       * Advanced configuration options

    3. **Scalability Control**
       * Manage worker allocation
       * Custom resource distribution
       * Direct infrastructure access
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Setup Process" icon="gear">
    1. Provide your DigitalOcean API key
    2. Configure desired settings
    3. Start running tests on your infrastructure
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Warning>
  For newcomers, we recommend starting with LoadForge's managed cloud to simplify the initial setup process. You can always switch to your own cloud account later.
</Warning>

## Enterprise-Scale Testing

### Performance Capabilities

LoadForge is engineered for high-scale testing scenarios:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Server Capacity" icon="server">
    * Launch up to 20 servers per test
    * Run multiple concurrent tests
    * Support for distributed testing
  </Card>

  <Card title="User Simulation" icon="users">
    * 10,000 - 20,000 virtual users per worker
    * Multiple requests per second per user
    * Billions of requests per hour capability
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Performance Metrics

Our infrastructure delivers impressive performance:

```text theme={null}
Maximum Performance Capabilities:
- 3.2 million transactions per second (TPS)
- 11.52 billion SSL requests per hour
- Cost: $19.20 per hour for maximum capacity
```

<Info>
  For detailed information about running large-scale tests, refer to our comprehensive guide on [high-scale testing](tests-large-scale).
</Info>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="View Pricing" icon="credit-card" href="https://loadforge.com/pricing">
    See detailed pricing for managed and self-hosted cloud options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Start Testing" icon="rocket" href="https://app.loadforge.com/register">
    Create your free account and start load testing today
  </Card>
</CardGroup>