TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING
TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing can either be classified based on the deployment model or the type of service. Based on the specific deployment model, we can classify clouds as public, private, and hybrid clouds. At the same time, it can be classified as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS) based on the service the cloud model offers.
Types Of Cloud Computing
PRIVATE CLOUD
A private cloud offers computing services over a private IT network for a single organization's use, also known as internal, enterprise, or corporate cloud. It is managed internally and is not accessible to outsiders. A private cloud provides the benefits of a public cloud, such as self-service, scalability, and flexibility, with added control, security, and customization. It ensures higher security through company firewalls and internal hosting, keeping sensitive data safe from third parties. However, the organization must handle all management and maintenance of the data centers, which can be resource-intensive.
PUBLIC CLOUD
Public cloud services, provided by third-party providers over the internet, are accessible to anyone and can be free or paid based on usage, such as CPU cycles, storage, or bandwidth. These services help businesses save on costs related to purchasing, managing, and maintaining their own infrastructure since the cloud provider handles everything. Additionally, public clouds offer scalable RAM and flexible bandwidth, making it easier for businesses to adjust their storage needs.
HYBRID CLOUD
A hybrid cloud combines public and private cloud features, allowing businesses to shift workloads between them based on computing and cost needs. This model lets businesses scale their on-premises infrastructure to the public cloud when demand fluctuates, ensuring no third-party data centers access their data. Companies pay only for the resources they temporarily use instead of maintaining unused resources, offering the benefits of a public cloud without its security risks.
PLATFORM AS A SERVICE
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing service that provides a development and deployment environment in the cloud, allowing users to create and run applications without handling infrastructure. Users buy resources from a vendor on a pay-as-you-go basis and access them securely. PaaS frees users from managing the network, servers, operating systems, or storage, giving them control over their applications. This enables organizations to focus on deploying and managing their applications, without worrying about software maintenance, planning, or resource procurement.
SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE
Software as a Service (SaaS) enables users to access a vendor’s software via the cloud on a subscription basis. Users don’t need to install or download applications locally; instead, they access them through the web or an API from a remote cloud network. The service provider manages all hardware, middleware, application software, and security, making it easy for enterprises to streamline maintenance and support. SaaS is also known as 'hosted software' or 'on-demand software'.
INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model where a service provider supplies virtual servers, storage, and networking. Users don't need to manage the infrastructure but can control the storage, operating systems, and applications they deploy. A third-party vendor handles the hardware, software, servers, and storage, along with hosting the user's applications and maintaining backups.
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