Cloud Computing Service Types
The adoption of Cloud computing services has been growing extremely rapidly in last couple of years and many people are using cloud computing technologies for different purposes. These services can be divided into three different types and are based on requirement of users: SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. These services can be both deployed individually or in combination and explained briefly below:
1) SaaS (Software as Service)
SaaS can be thought of as “Software on demand”. Users accessing SaaS services don’t need a pay for software license to install on a local server. Instead they rent it for their requirements and use the software/ application through the internet via browser and on any device. Nowadays software available as SaaS services, can be found supporting application which deliver services for human resources management tools, content management platforms, ERP systems, accounting packages, customer relationship management services and many more. SaaS cloud computing services are growing at a very rapid pace and one of the largest markets for SaaS services is customer relationship management platforms.
2) PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS can be considered as a link or management system between the two other types of cloud computing services: IaaS and SaaS. Any computer needs a computing platform to function which encompasses software framework as well as hardware architecture. In PaaS, computing platform is provided as a service and users can access the platform remotely through any internet connected device. PaaS offers many facilities like deployment, testing, hosting as well as application design and development. One can access these facilities either as individual or as a business client. Also, you can sign up with either single service or complete package.
3) Iaas (Infrastructure as a Service)
The third type of service via cloud is IaaS. IaaS delivers compute power and software resource on a cloud platform, via virtualization technology. The virtualization only provides computing resources rather than physical hardware. The virtualization layer, also known as a hypervisor allows you to create virtual machines (servers) of pretty much any sizes and with most operating systems. Providers allow users to accesses and pay for these services on a simple flexible subscription. IaaS has helped companies to reduce their total cost of ownership to a great extent.
Cloud computing technology has numerous advantages. Each type of services has its own advantages and drawbacks. But for making a right decision, you must analyze pros and cons of all three services: IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Only then you should pick best service as per your requirement and budget.
