The definition of cloud computing is fairly straight-forward, but nailing down exactly what individual cloud computing services do can be a bit more difficult. As far as the average enterprise, business consumer is concerned, however, “cloud computing” simply refers to using software, infrastructure or platforms as a service instead of a product. In lay terms, instead of purchasing desktop software, storage drives, and other hardware as was traditionally done in the past, users can now access these items over a network through use of a cloud computing service.
Types of Cloud Computing Services
Cloud computing services can generally be broken down into three categories: Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service. Services can be provided through either a private cloud network (accessible only to specific users) or a public cloud (an open network accessible to anyone), but the end goals and typical user experience is the same.
The following represents a brief definition of the three types of services offered by cloud computing service providers, and their advantages:
Infrastructure as a Service
Also referred to as Iaas, Infrastructure as a Service is usually used by enterprise customers (i.e. businesses) as a way to increase data storage capacity without purchasing additional hardware. Additional cost savings come from the client being able to pay only for storage space used, instead of for the maintenance of an entire server.
Platform as a Service
Platform as a Service, or Paas, allows applications and other tools to be developed and stored by the user on a cloud server. Once in place, the applications and additional tools are managed by the cloud computing vendor who makes them available to your specified users via the internet.
Software as a Service
The third type of standard cloud computing service available is Saas, or Software as a Service. This extremely popular service offers a single software application to clients through a portal. The application and all related data are managed, and hosted by the service provider. This allows customers to have access to the latest software packages from anywhere for a monthly usage fee.
Overall Advantages of Cloud Computing Services
Aside from the benefits associated with specific services, there are three overall advantages offered by cloud computing companies and their services: cost savings, scalability, and system management. Clients pay only for the amount of time spent actually using the service, are able to instantly scale subscribed services to meet changing business requirements, and allow the cloud computing provider to manage all software and hardware. The end result is that the business saves money, becomes more adaptable, and increases its employees’ productivity. Not a bad set of outcomes for any company wise enough to switch its software and hardware management over to cloud computing services.