Types of Cloud Computing Services
There is no doubt that cloud technology is going to become even more ubiquitous in the years to come, so if you are a little behind on your cloud computing terminology, it might do you well to get a bit better acquainted with different types of cloud computing services that are currently being offered.
Software as a Service – SaaS
Providers of this kind of cloud services are using the cloud as a platform for the distribution of a particular piece of software. These web based apps are made available to a wide range of users, who are not only getting the access to the software itself, but will also be using the resources of the service provider to run the applications. Customers are usually charged on monthly bases, and are given the opportunity to modify their plan as they go.
SaaS services are a very popular solution among business for a number of reasons. First of all, they eliminate the necessity for the business in question to own powerful hardware that is able to run the applications, as the resources that the application needs are supplied by the provider. There is also no need to install the software on every computer in the company, or to deal with upgrading and maintaining it, as all of this is centralized with the provider. This doesn’t only save time and increase effectiveness, but it also eliminates the need for IT staff to deal with application maintenance.
Platform as a Service – PaaS
This kind of service provides application developers a platform in which they can develop their applications, which will later be distributed through SaaS. The developers are afforded some of the same benefits as SaaS users, which is to say, plentiful resources, as well as an environment and specified tools for their job. The platforms they are offered come with full support for maintaining, hosting, deploying, and naturally, developing the applications. Making and testing the applications in an environment similar to the one in which they will be used simplifies the process for the developers, and allows them to create demanding apps without having to invest in expensive hardware.
Infrastructure as a Service – IaaS
Most basic type of cloud services, IaaS basically provides the user with the most basic resources, which is to say operating systems, storage and servers themselves. Technically, IaaS provider could supply a PaaS provider with the base, which can then be used use to develop applications that will be distributed by SaaS providers. Naturally, SaaS providers could also directly use the services of an IaaS provider, instead of purchasing their own hardware, but this might be too complicated to be a feasible solution in most cases.
Olivia Still is a blogger, technivore, cloud computing enthusiast, and online marketing consultant for a number of Australian companies. Currently exploring the possibilities of Magento hosting (http://www.crucial.com.au/glossary/magento-hosting)
