Cloud computing is a way to get your business up and running quickly without worrying about your hardware infrastructure or maintenance.
In its most basic definition, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services via the Internet (or “the cloud”), including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.
Cloud computing helps reduce operating costs, manage your infrastructure more effectively, and scale up as business requirements change.
Types of Cloud Computing
Not all cloud services are the same, and not every type of cloud computing is appropriate for everyone.
First, you must determine the type of cloud deployment you will use to implement your cloud services. Cloud services can be deployed in three ways:
– Public Cloud
Third-party cloud service providers own and operate public clouds, which deliver computing resources such as servers and storage over the Internet. The cloud provider owns and manages all hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure in a public cloud. A web browser is used to access and manage these services.
– Private cloud
A private cloud is a set of cloud computing resources only used by one company or organization. A private cloud keeps its services and infrastructure on a private network. An on-site data center of the business may serve as the physical home of a private cloud. Some businesses also pay outside service suppliers to host their private clouds.
– Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds linked by tech that allows data and applications to be shared. A hybrid cloud gives your company greater flexibility and more deployment options. It helps to optimize your current infrastructure, security, and compliance by enabling data and applications to transfer between private and public clouds.
Types of Cloud Computing Services
Cloud computing services are sometimes referred to as a “stack” because they are built on top of one another. Knowing what they are and how they differ makes it easier to achieve your business objectives. The majority of cloud computing services are classified into four broad categories:
– Infrastructure as A Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a service is the most fundamental type of cloud computing service. With IaaS, you can pay as you go to rent IT infrastructure from a cloud provider, including servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, and operating systems.
– Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a term used to describe cloud computing services that offer a flexible environment for creating, testing, distributing, and managing software applications. PaaS aims to free developers from having to set up or manage the servers, storage, networks, and databases required for development to create web or mobile apps quickly.
– Serverless Computing
Serverless computing, which overlaps with PaaS, focuses on developing app functionality without constantly managing the servers and infrastructure required. The cloud provider takes care of the setup, server management, and capacity planning. Serverless architectures are highly scalable and event-driven; they only use resources when a particular action or trigger occurs.
– Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a service (SaaS) delivers software applications over the Internet on demand, typically through a subscription. Users access the application via the Internet, typically through a web browser on their smartphone, tablet, or PC. Cloud service providers host and manage SaaS applications and perform maintenance tasks like software upgrades and security patching.
