Cloud Computing Resources: Cloud computing services are basically divided into three categories: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
They can also be called cloud computing stacks because they are built on top of each other. In any case, it is important to know each of these services to understand which one best suits your company’s needs.
IaaS
This is the most basic category of cloud computing services. Its offered resources are processing and storage, in addition to the possibility of deploying and executing arbitrary software, with the inclusion of operating systems and applications.
Here, the user does not control or manage the physical infrastructure of the software but can access the operating systems, applications, and storage. In some cases, it is also possible to control network components to a limited extent.
In IaaS, IT infrastructure, servers, networks, and operating systems are rented from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis. Thus, costs are reduced, as each resource is offered as a separate service component and can be leased for a specific period.
PaaS
PaaS, in turn, is related to cloud computing services with an on-demand environment in which it is possible to develop, test, deliver, and manage applications. In this case, the resource provided is the deployment on the cloud infrastructure of applications that were created or purchased by the user.
In this way, the consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure — such as the servers, network, and operating systems — but has control over the applications that were deployed, as they are the ones that perform the operations necessary for the company.
This type of service was created with the aim of making it easier for developers to create applications without the need to worry about configuring underlying cloud servers.
Platform as a Service is a complete deployment and development environment in the cloud. In it, the user acquires the necessary resources from a cloud service provider on a pre-paid basis and accesses them via the Internet — since it is a cloud computing service.
The user then manages the services and applications, and the cloud computing provider is responsible for the rest.
SaaS
Finally, this is the most complete type of cloud computing service, as it provides software applications over the Internet — on a given demand. As examples of SaaS, we can mention emails, Office tools, and calendars.
The user makes use of the provider’s applications, which run on the cloud infrastructure. Access can be carried out from various devices through internet access and a web browser.
It provides complete software on a pay-as-you-go basis from a cloud service provider. Thus, it is possible to rent the applications, allowing the organization and users to connect to them via the Internet.
Cloud Deployment Types
Now that you know the types of cloud services, it is important to understand how they are implemented. After all, as clouds are different, there are diverse ways to deploy cloud computing resources.
Let’s see:
Public Cloud
In this type of implementation, the cloud infrastructure is available to all companies or a large group of them, being owned by another organization that offers its services.
Public clouds are owned by third parties, who operate the service provider and provide the computing resources such as storage and servers. An example of this type of cloud deployment is Microsoft Azure.
In this sense, all support infrastructure, software, and hardware are managed by a cloud provider. The company accesses the services and works your account through a browser.
Private Cloud
The private cloud infrastructure belongs only to a single company, which can manage it or pass it on to third parties. Thus, cloud computing resources are used exclusively by a single company.
This type of deployment relies on infrastructure and services maintained on a private network, which can be owned by the company itself or hosted by a third-party service provider.
Hybrid Cloud
In this case, the infrastructure is made up of two or more clouds — whether public or private. They remain unique but are grouped by standard technology, allowing for data and application portability.
Therefore, information and applications can be shared between public and private clouds, giving the business more deployment options and flexibility.