Cloud Computing - Service Model
In this tutorials, we will cover types of Cloud service. Cloud computing offers various service models to meet different needs and requirements.
There are also three main types of cloud computing services.
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
- Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS)
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
1. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service is a IaaS in short. When you run any program, You need a computer. But instead of buying one, you can just borrow it from a cloud service provider.This provider gives you access to virtual machine or computers, storage and networking tools that you can whenever you need to use them. So it's whole process like renting computer stuff over internet. You need to pay only for what you use. If you have more work and need more computer power. You can get it instantly. So there will be no any difference either you are using own computer or computer in cloud. You can also setup and manage virtual resources by yourself.
Example IaaS providers - Many big companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Oracle provides these services, and they have lots of security and backup features to keep your work safe. It's a way for businesses to use computer power without having own actual machines.
2. Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a platform and environment for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It typically includes tools and services for application development, databases, and integration with other cloud services.
Developers focus on coding and application logic, while the PaaS provider handles server management, scalability, and infrastructure maintenance.
Example PaaS providers - Heroku, Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service.
Characteristics of PaaS
There are the following characteristics of PaaS.
- Accessible to various users via the same development application.
- Integrates with web services and databases.
- Builds on virtualization technology, so resources can easily be scaled up or down as per the organization's need.
- Support multiple languages and frameworks.
- Provides an ability to "Auto-scale".
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers fully functional software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access these applications through web browsers, and they don't need to worry about installation, maintenance, or infrastructure management. SaaS applications cover a wide range of business functions, from email and office productivity to customer relationship management (CRM) and collaboration tools.
Example SaaS providers - Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox.
Characteristics of PaaS
There are the following characteristics of SaaS.
- Managed from a central location
- Hosted on a remote server
- Accessible over the internet
- Users are not responsible for hardware and software updates. Updates are applied automatically.
- The services are purchased on the pay-as-per-use basis
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