What are the major types of cloud computing?

Were you constantly frustrated with how often physical backups failed as we did? We can now upload everything to the Cloud. Good riddance!

Cloud computing allows large-scale storage for databases, hosting websites, or applications. It can also be a service that hosting providers offer to companies looking to expand their business.

Additionally, cloud computing makes it easier for companies to make their business more accessible for their clients and employees.

There are several benefits to Cloud Computing, such as accessibility, scalability, flexibility, increased security, and privacy.

Many organizations use cloud computing to optimize their services by ensuring a positive customer experience, not to mention that it’s about time corporations upgrade to utilizing the endless internet benefits.

Cloud computing types

There are three major types of Cloud Computing: IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Each of them serves different functions, with various benefits for their intended purposes.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

With IaaS, different organizations and businesses can outsource for companies that offer cloud-based servers’ storage, server security, server resources, etc.

An IaaS provider is responsible for their client’s server, like the server data, server information, server maintenance, software licenses, security, and privacy.

This way, customers do not have to worry about IT backroom details. Instead, they can focus on their current/potential user.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is very much prominent not only to the tech industry but to people who use its services.

Software as a Service is about distributing Software over the internet, so people -not just businesses or organizations- can access and utilize the Software for whatever purposes it may serve them.

Maintenance and updates are provided/automized by the service provider. However, the user is responsible for paying a monthly or yearly fee since SaaS organizations usually charge monthly or annual subscriptions to continue using their services.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This one is famous for developers, amateurs, or well-seasoned ones.
Platform as a Service provides necessary tools to build applications and resource usage.

PaaS organizations provide their clients with middleware or a secured environment where developers can simulate applications while building.

As expected, Platform as a Service provider has their development tools and analytics functions to offer their users.

Controlling differences

Infrastructure as a Service provider is responsible for the servers, data storage, and network. They will be providing most of these resources while you manage your data, applications, dedicated hardware, etc. In addition, they are providing you with cloud-based hosting services.

Software as a Service provider is responsible for everything from handling data to storage. It can be why most SaaS providers run monthly or yearly subscriptions to keep their businesses floating and running.

Platform as a Service provider is responsible for maintaining everything, except for the data and applications you will use. They will provide an environment where you can develop applications, Software, and hardware if the client needs it.

Summary

As mentioned above, some services may overlap, yet they serve different purposes for different individuals and businesses.

You can utilize them and use their offered services until you perfected running a business. However, you should stick with one provider if you find that their services match your needs.

Which one should I use?

Are you looking for a service provider who is entirely scalable for a project you are doing?

You are a perfect candidate for Infrastructure as a Service client.
Their services are mostly base packages that you can mix and match upon your request or how your project can utilize it.

Is your business a startup e-commerce company with little to no contact with an IT support team?

Software as a Service can help launch your project, as you don’t have to think about anything else but your front-end business.

Is your developer team collaborating on the same project?

It might be time to look for a Platform as a Service provider to help them with their project.

PaaS providers can provide easier accessibility and flexibility for your team, not to mention being an inexpensive way to keep developing problems at bay.

Conclusion

Whatever your business or purpose it may serve, make sure that your chosen provider meets your exact needs.

Be transparent and honest with your service providers since they are here to help your business expand and grow in the first place.