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Types of Cloud Computing and How They are Differ from each other
- Emorphis Technologies
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8 min read
It is the technological world where different new digital terminologies define working in different portions of the life of people. One such magical term is ‘cloud’ that is creating ruckus in the world of business. Still can’t mesmerize the wonder the given term is creating, got through the given fact. IDG 2020 Cloud Computing survey has revealed some interesting proofs that showcase the dominance of cloud computing:
Ø More than one-third of IT-based expenditure done by companies is to obtain cloud-based tools and services
Ø More than 90% of the IT environment of organizations depends directly or indirectly on cloud
What does it indicate? It shows more and more companies across the globe are shifting towards cloud-native development for seamless running of their IT infrastructure. In addition, growing acceptance for incorporating cloud computing in business functioning will allow every business to take immense benefit to improve their growth. So one thing is clear:
‘For every enterprise; cloud offers something or other for enhancing their performance!’
In the given article, there will be a detailed description of different types of cloud computing with their pros and cons so to help customers in choosing which cloud computing services will better suit their business. Let’s go more deep into it:
What is Cloud Computing?
Technically, cloud computing uses the internet to plug into computer infrastructure and use it to deliver services without installing software. In simple terms, cloud computing is a procedure for delivering a range of computer services (such as software, network, databases, storage, and others) over the internet to allow users to avail themselves of faster innovation services with flexible resources.
When compared to the traditional IT on-premises system, cloud computing services comes with numerous benefits:
Ø It lowers IT costs
Ø It enhances agility
Ø It is easily scalable
With such advantages, it has become the most after-sought technology among companies across the globe.
Types of Cloud Computing
Now comes the interesting part! Usually, it is a bit confusing for people to discuss cloud computing as they have multiple types that come with different utilities. So, different types of cloud computing are further distinguished by their utilities and services. So, let’s see it one by one!
I. Types of Cloud Computing in Terms of Deployment
What does it imply? It shows the procedure through which there is hosting, implementing, and assessment of a cloud platform. Now, what is the principle behind it? It works on the belief of segmenting the computer servers into segments or software-driven apps for better storage and processing capabilities. There are four types of cloud computing in terms of deployment. These are:
a) Public Cloud
Simply speaking, the public cloud is an ample pool of readily available computer resources such as memory, CPU, networking, and storage that are then coupled with other apps and security systems to offer the best cloud services on the internet. It is beneficial for those who lack funds to invest in the IT ecosystem. There are numerous public cloud service providers, notable of being them include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Pros and Cons of Public Cloud
It comes with two crucial benefits in the form of the ‘pay as you go’model and high versatility that allows customers to have no responsibility in purchasing and maintaining components for IT solutions. It ensures high stability with the availability of a cost-effective solution. Further, it backs Service Level Agreements (SLA) to guarantee security as per GDPR with even permitting the development of a disaster recovery plan.
Its downside comes in the form of operating system and infrastructure that remains under the control of the service provider. Customers might face issues during expelling their assets to change providers as they will be compelled to even change their infrastructure. Even more, they have to face security vulnerability that may expose them to cyber theft.
b) Private Cloud
They are privately owned cloud system that restricts access to the public. Nevertheless, it can be made public by allowing 3rd party provider to host a private cloud with mutual consent from the owner for little access, storage, and utilization of data. It focuses the highest level on security and control over the internet.
Pros and Cons of Private Cloud
The best part of private cloud deployment comes in the form of security and control. With wide control, one can restrict uneven access to valuable assets and allow companies to move data and apps as per the need arise. Even during the downtime of the system, the work of the private cloud will not get affected and can get technical support for disaster recovery.
But all its benefits come at a cost. It is a less economic model as the sole responsibility of infrastructure and software is in the hands of the owner. Moreover, it lacks versatility that can only increase by adding storage capacity that also makes operation lose their momentum.
c) Hybrid Cloud
It is the combination of public and private cloud with seamless interaction of data and applications to offer a perfect business solution. It is secured by using a virtual private network. It is utilized by the organization when there is a requirement for more scalability to meet business demands appropriately. It comes in two models:
Ø Cloudbursting: It uses resources from the public cloud to handle increased traffic in the private cloud
Ø Outsourcing Non-Critical Applications: It finds its usage among companies to access some specialized development tools, basic software, and CRM platform
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cloud
It offers the public cloud’s scalable computing power that evenly matches the tight security of the private cloud. Moreover, customers are secure about their data as it uses firewalls and encryption protocols present in the private system to have a secure movement of data in a public cloud environment. Thus, there is the availability of cost-effective solutions for the customers.
On the flip side, there is a security risk that might hamper the effective functioning of the hybrid cloud services that might have a severe impact on communication and data sharing.
d) Community Cloud
They are a multi-tenant platform that is utilized in the same industry having common mutual goals and objectives. It is utilized after understanding the basic needs such as security policies to create a community cloud infrastructure to enhance the performance.
Pros and Cons of Community Cloud
Like other cloud models, it also offers high scalability and security to have an effective compilation with the current industry regulations. Moreover, shared space offered high flexibility so to control the utilization of resources as necessary.
Unfortunately, the sharing of storage and bandwidth creates issues on performance with data security also becoming a cause of concern. So, for most businesses, it is not practically approachable.
II. Types of Cloud Computing in Terms of Services
All the cloud computing services are developed on the same infrastructure as the data center. They are utilized to enhance the problem-solving abilities of the cloud consulting services provider in the most effective way. They consist mainly of three types:
a. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS is the first major step for every IT company to offer flexible cloud services to the needy one. What is its responsibility? It manages the physical end of the cloud infrastructure such as server and data storage by fully virtualizing them to suit the specific needs of the customers. It uses a pay-as-you-go model and is ideal for setting virtual data center for effective communication. Some notable examples of IaaS are:
Ø Azure Virtual Machine
Ø AWS EC2 Instance
Ø Google Cloud VM Instance
b. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS creates an on-demand environment for multiple services like developing, updating, managing, testing, and delivery of software products. It finds its utilization in companies that are experts in software and web-based apps. It is easily accessible on the internet thus allows the remote development team to pave way for fast-paced product development. Their examples are:
Ø Microsoft Azure
Ø Google App Engine
Ø Apache Stratos
c. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is the most familiar and fully-developed cloud solution that is readily available for purchase by customers via a subscription. They are capable of managing operating systems, data and even infrastructure so to ensure that the delivery of the software is perfect whenever the customers demand it. Most of the SaaS apps are downloaded directly through web browsers with no need for installation and downloads. Some important SaaS examples are:
Ø Microsoft Office 365
Ø Salesforce
Ø Google Apps
Difference between IAAS, PaaS & SaaS
They are three different concepts and if one wants to understand them in technical terms through mapping them as a service through the following chart:
A. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
It offers basic infrastructure in the form of a software network and virtual machine. For end-users, they have to manage and configure it by themselves. It comes with numerous advantages such as:
Ø Highly flexible and scalable cloud computing model
Ø Complete control of the infrastructure under the hand of customers
Ø Hardware purchasing is based on a consumption basis
Ø Deployment via automation is relatively easy
However, there are various limitations with the usage of IaaS such as cost overruns, data security, issues related to customization, and hurdles in running legacy apps in the cloud.
Now there are specific situations where the use of IaaS will be favorable. For small companies, IaaS is favorable as it will help to avoid spending time and money in creating and purchasing software utilities. For large companies experiencing rapid growth, IaaS will be beneficial in meeting their business needs.
B. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS platform allows the end-user to manage, develop and run software apps without focusing much on maintenance and building infrastructure. It has notable advantages such as:
Ø It is simple, cost-effective, scalable, and easily available
Ø A negligible amount of coding is required
Ø Migration of data through a hybrid model is less difficult
Ø Customization of apps is easy without thinking much about software maintenance
Nonetheless, PaaS also comes with numerous concerns same as that of IaaS such as data security, vendor lock-in, and customization of legacy apps. Other disadvantages are related to runtime issues and operational limitations.
There are several situations where the use of PaaS is extremely beneficial. One is when multiple developers are working on the same project and if they require customization of the applications.
C. Software as a Service (SaaS)
It is known as ‘on-demand software’ and is utilized by users through a web browser. It comes with numerous benefits such as:
Ø Easy access through the internet
Ø Managing from a remote location is not difficult
Ø Frees more time for developers and technicians to focus more on pressing issues
However, there are some limitations regarding the usage of SaaS in the form of interoperability, lack of integration support and control, customization, and the most common; data security. The utility of SaaS is the best option for:
Ø Startups that want their products to launch quickly
Ø Meeting needs of short-term projects
Ø For applications needing both mobile and web access
Ø For not so often used apps such as tax software
Bottom Line
Cloud computing has taken the world by storm and there is no doubt about it. Even cloud-native application development providers are vouching for its utilities to improve their business fortune. In terms of deployment and services, cloud computing has delivered effectively in improving the working of every enterprise. With the increased usage of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, a business can innovate faster that will help them to create a cordial relationship with their customers.
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