Some types of cloud computing include private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi-clouds. Another common approach to categorizing cloud computing falls into the categories of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Choosing a cloud computing type depends on the business’s given needs. They say that No two clouds are the same and no two cloud services are used to solve the same problem. Let’s take a closer look at Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service.
What is cloud computing?
So, we have this cloud that connects all of our devices. We can pass information back and forth, store data, and do other cool stuff through it. You have to be wondering, what powers the cloud? How does it get its energy? How does it stay on? The answer to that, my friends, is cloud computing. You’re used to storing files on your hard drive. Sometimes, it’s a pain to transport that data wherever you go. I know I’ve forgotten that precious USB stick before. Well, cloud computing solves that issue. It lets you access your data wherever, as long as you have an internet connection. The technical definition of cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing, database storage, application, and other IT resources. This means through cloud computing services. You have instantaneous access to computational, storage, and Software using the internet. Computing resources are available when you want them, where you want them. So, cloud computing is quite convenient. It’s also very flexible when it comes to cost. Instead of the traditional buy first-to-use model, like when you buy a computer or car, cloud computing utilizes the pay-as-you-go model. This means that you only pay for resources you use when you use them. For example, say you wanted a server to run your applications on. Traditionally, you would have to go through a procurement process at your work to find an appropriate server with all the necessary bells and whistles. You must ensure your purchase capacity isn’t too much or too little. Then you have to get the quote from the manufacturer and then wrestle with the finance department to get the budget approved, and the device purchased. If the demands from the applications are much higher or lower than expected, you have to go back and go through the procurement process all over again to get a more appropriate server. Your department or company needs the funds to purchase that equipment outright. Cloud computing allows you to pay to use only as much server space and capacity as you need at that moment. When you need more or less, you can adjust the rented capacity, and your monthly bill will adjust along with it. Instead of a large overhead bill on purchasing a piece of hardware that may or may not even match your needs, you get a monthly statement billing you only for as much as you used last month. Cloud computing facilitates collaborations by allowing you to hold virtual meetings, edit documents, and communicate via email or messaging services. Many of these services that used to be expensive to purchase and maintain can now be bought by bootstrap startups for $10 a user a month. Cloud computing allows instantaneous access to computational, storage, and Software resources using the internet when and where you want it. It allows for increased flexibility and affordability because you are only charged for what you consume when you consume. They allow what was only possible with big corporate IT budgets to almost anyone with internet access and a few dollars.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
A pyramid with three levels sometimes represents the types of cloud computing. The top of the pyramid is known as Software-as-a-Service, or (SaaS). At this level of the cloud pyramid are products run and managed by the service provider entirely. The service consumer does not worry about how the service is maintained. It is assumed that the service will be working and available at all times. In all likelihood, you are already a user of a Software-as-a-Service product since some of the most popular applications available today are Software-as-a-Service offerings. These include Salesforce, Gmail, Office 365, and more. SaaS is designed directly for customers. It represents an end-user wanting to use the Software as they would on their local device, but in this case, the Software is in the cloud and not on the local machine. You are responsible for configuring the solution features with SaaS.
Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS)
At the mid-level of the cloud pyramid is what is known as Platforms-as-a-Service or (PaaS). Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a type of cloud computing designed to support application developers and make their lives easier. In the Platforms-as-a-Service model, the developer can focus on deploying and managing the applications they want to build. There is no need to worry about provisioning, configuring, or understanding the underlying hardware or operating system. Three examples of the Platforms-as-a-Service type of computing are Elastic Beanstalk, offered by Amazon Web Services. Heroku, which is super popular with developers, and Google App Engine.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
The foundation of cloud computing is at the bottom level of the cloud pyramid and is known as Infrastructure-as-a-Service or (IaaS). Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provides the basic building blocks for cloud-based Information Technology. At this level of cloud computing, administrators are provided access to software-defined networking features, virtual machines for computing power, and different types of data storage applications. A Virtual Machine is IaaS Infrastructure as a service. With Infrastructure-as-a-Service, you don’t worry about the IT staff, data centers, or physical hardware. This is the essential type of cloud computing since we can’t have Software-as-a-Service applications or Platforms-as-a-Service applications without the foundation level Infrastructure-as-a-Service. The most prominent players in cloud computing for Infrastructure-as-a-Service include Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Oracle Cloud.
Types Of Cloud Computing Summary
There are three main cloud computing models, Software as a service or SaaS, platform as a service or PaaS, and infrastructure as a service or IaaS. Infrastructure as a service, also known as IaaS, refers to the basic building blocks of cloud IT infrastructure. You have control over the networking, security, computer, and servers. IaaS provides the most flexibility and management control of all the different cloud computing models, and it’s the closest in features to having the traditional on-premises data center. Some examples of infrastructure as a service platforms are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. You can modify and control almost all parts of the infrastructure in the cloud to fit your needs without having to purchase or manage actual hardware. Platform as a service, or PaaS, allows you to deploy and manage applications without worrying about the underlying hardware infrastructure. Services offered could be web servers, databases, operating systems, or environments where you can execute specific programming languages to host applications. Some examples of PaaS are Microsoft Azure web hosting, Google App Engine, and Heroku. You can focus on deploying the applications instead of the operational side of deployment. PaaS is different from IaaS in that there is less flexibility as packages are preconstructed. But, you also have to deal with less infrastructure deployment and maintenance allowing you more time and resources to focus on the project instead of the infrastructure. Software as a service, SaaS, describes completed products managed by the service provider.
You get the whole package of the service, complete with user interfaces. It’s ready for use by end users regardless of their technical backgrounds. You don’t have to worry about maintaining or managing the service infrastructure. You only have to worry about how you might use the service to fulfill a need. A prevalent example of a SaaS platform is a cloud-based email service such as Outlook and Gmail. As a user, you only need to create an account to log in to send and receive emails—no need to worry about anything else. In terms of complexity and level of involvement required, infrastructure as a service is the most involved. It requires the highest level of technical knowledge to execute, followed by the platform as a service. Software as a service generally does not require much technical knowledge, it’s incredibly intuitive, and its features are ready to use immediately. So you and your team must decide which choice is right for your needs and circumstances.
Learn More About The Different Types Of Cloud Computing
- Saas 10 Faqs Software Service (softwareadvice.com)
- What Is Saas Software As A Service Defined (infoworld.com)
- Guide To Software As Service (belighted.com)
- How To Create Saas Application (clockwise. Software)
- Digital Strategy Software As A Service (boagworld.com)
- Information Technology Software As A Service (techfunnel.com)
- Saas Vs. Paas Vs. Iaas What’s The Difference And How To Choose (bmc.com)
- Learning Serverless Glossary Platform As A Service Paas (cloudflare.com)
- Platform As A Service PaaS (knowledge-junction.com)
- How To Host Your Platform As A Service Paas With Dokku (cloudsavvyit.com)
- Overview What Is Iaas (azure.microsoft.com)
- Infrastructure As A Service Iaas (avinetworks.com)
- What Is Infrastructure As A Service Iaas (netapp.com)
- Continuous Delivery Continuous Integration Iaas (atlassian.com)
