A Comprehensive Overview of Cloud Computing Models and Services

Introduction Of Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing refers to the use of hosted services, such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software over the internet. The data is stored on physical servers, which are maintained by a cloud service provider. Computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, are available on-demand, without direct management by the user in cloud computing. Instead of storing files on a storage device or hard drive, a user can save them on cloud, making it possible to access the files from anywhere, as long as they have access to the web.

Types Of Cloud Computing:

 Cloud computing can either be classified based on the deployment model or service model.

Deployment Model:

A cloud deployment model represents a specific type of cloud environment, primarily distinguished by ownership, size, and access. There are three common cloud deployment models:

·         Private Cloud

·         Hybrid Cloud

·         Public Cloud

Private Cloud: The private cloud is built specifically for a single organization to fit its needs. It may be managed internally or by a third-party and be hosted internally or externally.

Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud is a combination of a private cloud combined with the use of public cloud services allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds. This model gives business greater flexibility and more deployment options.

Public Cloud: Public clouds are owned and operated by a third party cloud service provider, which deliver their computing resources like servers and storage over the internet. As the name suggests, Public cloud is open to public. Anyone can access and use it by paying accordingly e.g.: Microsoft Azure, AWS.

Service Models:

Service Models are the reference models on which the Cloud Computing is based.

These can be categorized into three basic service models as listed below:

·         Infrastructure as a Service (laaS)

·         Platform as a Service (PaaS)

·         Software as a Service (SaaS)

INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE (IAAS)

Infrastructure as a service or IaaS is a type of cloud computing in which a service provider is responsible for providing servers, storage, and networking over a virtual interface.In this service, the user doesn’t need to manage the cloud infrastructure but has control over the storage, operating systems, and deployed applications.

PLATFORM AS A SERVICE (PAAS)

Platform as a service or PaaS is a type of cloud computing that provides a development and deployment environment in cloud that allows users to develop and run applications without the complexity of building or maintaining the infrastructure. It provides users with resources to develop cloud-based applications. In this type of service, a user purchases the resources from a vendor on a pay-as-you-go basis and can access them over a secure connection.

SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS)

SaaS or software as a service allows users to access a vendor’s software on cloud on a subscription basis. In this type of cloud computing, users don’t need to install or download applications on their local devices.

Key Benefits:

1.      Reduced costs

2.      Scalability

3.      Flexibility and collaboration

4.      Business continuity

5.      Competitive edge

Conclusion:

Cloud computing has quickly become one of the most prominent buzzwords in the IT world due to its revolutionary model of computing as a utility. It promises increased flexibility, scalability, and reliability, while promising decreased pre - rational and support costs. Despite the potential gains achieved from the cloud computing, the organizations are slow in accepting it due to security issues and challenges associated with it. Security is one of the major issues which hamper the growth of cloud.

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