Free Cloud Computing Service Models Course

Cloud service models enable ubiquitous and convenient access to the users with the help of a shared pool of resources. There are different types of cloud computing service models that fulfill a broad range of unique user requirements with minimal effort. These three models include Software-as-a-Service or SaaS, Infrastructure-a-sa-Service or IaaS, and Platforms-as-a-Service or PaaS. 

The three cloud computing service models that fulfill various business requirements include :

• SaaS : SaaS is an acronym for Software as a Service. This typically includes applications or software that are hosted by a software service provider and can be accessed over the internet using a web browser. Some popular examples include Salesforce, Google Apps, WebEx, ZenDesk, and Slack. Being managed from a central location, it is easily accessible to the users over the internet. This makes it an easy and affordable option for organizations without having to update it or keep it running.  

• IaaS : IaaS is an acronym for Infrastructure as a service. It is also managed over the internet and offers an affordable solution for organizations to acquire computing capabilities. It also helps organizations avoid the complexity involved in the management of physical servers. Services within IaaS are scalable and flexible. Some popular examples include Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Metacloud, and Google Compute Engine (GCE).

• PaaS : PaaS is an acronym for Platforms as a Service. It exists halfway between SaaS and IaaS that allows programmers to develop, test, and run various applications. By offering access to a cloud-based platform, PaaS lets users customize and manage various features of applications in an affordable manner. It has the ability to support various languages and is easily scalable. Some examples include Windows Azure,  Google App Engine, Magento Commerce Cloud, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk. 

Most organizations have adopted cloud computing using cloud service models. The four main types of cloud computing include -

• Public Cloud : In the public cloud, cloud services are offered and owned by IT infrastructure, which is open to use for the public. It typically involves cloud hosting, where the cloud service provider will offer infrastructure or services to the users. It is ideal for businesses that require application management which is, in turn, accessed by many users. It is a very economical option for small organizations.

• Private Cloud: Also known as Internal Clouds, these cloud environments offer services to cater to a single end-user or group. The user gets direct control of the services in the private cloud with underlying IT infrastructure belonging to a particular organization. Private clouds include managed private clouds and dedicated clouds depending on the requirements. 

• Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud integrates both public and private clouds with resources offered by either internal or external providers. The characteristics of hybrid clouds may vary depending on the requirements of an organization. It typically consists of an IT environment created using LANs, WANs, and private networks.

• Community Cloud or Multi-Cloud : In a community cloud, the cloud environment involves more than one cloud computing approach, which may be shared by different organizations such as banks and trading companies. It can be managed internally as well as externally.