Based on various types of cloud we get flexibility the cloud offers. Welcome to the ever-expanding universe of cloud computing! Whether you are binge-watching a new series, sharing files across the globe, or simply keeping digital memories safe, the cloud is quietly making it all happen.
In this blog, we will focus on the types of cloud computing and understand how the cloud really works and its benefits.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a technology that allows individuals and organizations to access and use computing resources, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics, over the internet.
Instead of owning and maintaining physical hardware and software on premises, users can rent these resources from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is categorized into different types of services offered and the way in which the cloud infrastructure is deployed. The major types of cloud computing are mentioned below:
Service Models
Service models are the particular kinds of services that the cloud provider offers to the user. The categories are:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. This includes servers, storage, and networking hardware that are managed by the cloud provider.
The IaaS is typically used by IT administrators and developers who need control over the infrastructure but don’t want to manage physical services. Examples include Amazon Web Service (AWS) EC2, Google Compute Engine, and Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure (servers, storage, and networking). The PaaS is ideal for developers who want to focus on writing code and building applications without worrying about the underlying hardware and software. Examples include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis. Users can access the software via a web browser without worrying about installations or maintenance.
The SaaS is suitable for end-users who want to use software applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. Examples include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.
Function as a Service (FaaS)
FaaS allows users to run specific functions or pieces of code in response to events without provisioning or managing servers. The cloud provider takes care of the infrastructure, automatically scaling the resources as needed.
The FaaS is used by developers who want to build event-driven, scalable applications without managing servers. Examples include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions.
Deployment Models
These are the models based on the cloud infrastructure and its way of management. Some of the cloud categories that fall under this category are mentioned below:
Public Cloud
The cloud infrastructure is owned and operated by a third-party cloud provider and delivered over the public internet. Multiple organizations share the same infrastructure. These are cost-effective, scalable, and easy to deploy, making them ideal for businesses that need to reduce infrastructure costs. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.
Private Cloud
The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for a single organisation, either on-premises or hosted by a third-party provider. It offers greater control, security, and customization. These provide enhanced security, privacy, and control over the infrastructure, making it suitable for organizations with specific compliance or security requirements. Examples include VMware Cloud, OpenStack, and private cloud solutions offered by AWS or Azure.
Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This provides more flexibility and optimized deployment options. It is the best of both worlds—the scalability of public clouds with the security of private clouds.
Ideal for businesses that require flexibility and cost optimisation. Examples include Microsoft Azure and AWS Outposts.
Community Cloud
The cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations that have common concerns, such as security, compliance, or jurisdiction. It can be managed by the organisation or a third party.
It is a cost-saving and shared infrastructure for organisations with similar needs and goals. Enhanced collaboration while maintaining specific security and compliance requirements. Examples include community clouds for government agencies or healthcare organizations.
Specialized Cloud Models
The specialized cloud models are some of the tailored clouds for specific industries or use cases. Some of the clouds under this category are mentioned below:
Multi-cloud
The use of multiple cloud computing services in a single architecture, typically across different providers. It helps in avoiding vendor lock-in and can optimize performance and cost. It provides flexibility, redundancy, and optimization of services across different providers. Examples can be a company using AWS for IaaS, Google Cloud for Machine Learning, and Microsoft Azure for PaaS.
Edge Computing
A distributed computing model where computation is performed close to the data sources, or “edge” of the network, rather than in a centralized cloud. Often used in IoT and latency-sensitive applications, and better handling of real-time data.
It provides reduced latency, improved performance, and better handling of real-time data. Examples can be content delivery networks (CDNs), IoT devices, and autonomous vehicles.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike. Here are some of the key advantages, explained in a friendly and informative tone.
Cloud computing offers a flexible, secure, and cost-effective solution for today’s dynamic business environment, making it easier to achieve your goals and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Some of the major benefits are mentioned in detail below:
- Cost savings are the biggest perk of cloud computing. Instead of investing heavily in physical hardware and software, one can simply pay for what one needs.
- Scalability is one of the benefits of cloud computing, as it gives the flexibility to scale the resources up or down based on needs. This means you are always prepared, no matter how your business evolves.
- With cloud computing, your data and applications are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This level of activity fosters collaborations and ensures that work can continue uninterrupted, regardless of location.
- Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures, often more than what a typical business could afford on its own. They offer advanced security features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits to keep the data safe.
- Cloud computing also contributes to environmental sustainability. Cloud providers optimize their data centers for energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional on-premises data centers.
- Allows one to focus on running the business. By outsourcing the management of IT infrastructure to cloud providers, one can concentrate on developing products, serving customers, and growing business, rather than worrying about hardware and software maintenance.
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Types of Cloud Computing FAQs
Q1. What are the different types of cloud computing on the basis of services?
Ans. On the basis of service models, cloud computing is divided into four different types including, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and FaaS.
Q2. What is cloud computing?
Ans. Cloud computing is a technology that allows individuals and organizations to access and use computing resources, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics, over the internet.
Q3. What are the types of clouds based on deployment models?
Ans. There are five major types of clouds based on deployment models, public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and community cloud.
Q4. What is Public cloud and private cloud?
Ans: Public clouds are more scalable as they are available for multiple organisations and individuals. Private clouds are more personal clouds used and maintained by an individual company hence are more secure.
