Top 4 Cloud Computing Models You Should Know (2024)

Prashant Sharma 02 Feb, 2024 • 5 min read

This article was published as a part of the Data Science Blogathon.

Introduction

Whether you’re a company owner interested in migrating your on-premise infrastructure to the cloud or a student interested in learning about cloud computing, the first step is understanding cloud computing models. Three models will be encountered: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. These models have a wide range of unique features, and you may readily access these cloud services over the Internet

Cloud Computing Models

What is Cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a term that refers to a system that utilizes the Internet to store and manage data on remote servers. The cloud-based data may subsequently be accessible over the Internet. It is a software solution that enables remote access to shared storage, servers, and applications through the Internet. The technology allows users to work remotely. It is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, expected to expand from $67 billion in 2015 to $162 billion in 2020, a 19 percent compound annual growth rate.

Cloud Computing Models

Cloud Computing Models

Top 4 Cloud Computing Models:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Cloud computing paradigm IaaS supplies you with networking hardware through the Internet, and Virtualization makes these resources available to you. An IaaS platform allows you to utilize virtual machines (VMs) to install an operating system (OS) or software (software) and operate databases. Using this VM, you may run a virtual data center.

Cloud Computing Models, 1 laas

It is the third-party cloud vendor that provides the necessary computing resources and the necessary storage infrastructure. You only need to pay for their services to use them. IaaS enables customers to do system maintenance, disaster recovery planning, and backups. IaaS facilitates the automation and Virtualization of administrative duties within businesses, freeing up time and resources for other activities.

AWS (Amazon Web Services), DigitalOcean, and Microsoft Azure are all examples of IaaS

Advantages of using IaaS

  • It operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing you to pay only for the services you utilize. You can always purchase additional resources later if necessary.
  • Because all of your data is stored on the cloud, there is no single point of failure. If a data centre or a server fails, the infrastructure functions normally.
  • The scalability of the infrastructure is determined by the storage and processing requirements.
  • Multiple users or staff can collaborate remotely on a project using IaaS. This minimizes workload and accelerates the execution of projects.
  • Reduces the cost of hardware acquisition and maintenance for the firm.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

PaaS is the cloud computing stack’s intermediate layer. As the name implies, it provides a platform for developing and deploying cloud applications. It is mainly favoured by developers since PaaS companies host all necessary hardware and software for application development on their infrastructure. As a result, developers are relieved of installing software and worry about hardware.

2 Paas, Cloud Computing Models

This enables application developers to concentrate on their program and away from technical details. This results in more efficient software development and deployment. Additionally, PaaS allows you to design, test, execute, and update cloud-based applications. Additionally, you receive pre-built tools and APIs that enable you to modify your apps.

Google App Engine, Heroku, and Apache Stratos are all examples of PaaS.

Advantages of using PaaS

  • It is economical since you pay for the services you select.
  • The built-in data protection and cybersecurity capabilities lessen an organization’s reliance on security personnel.
  • PaaS enables the development of cross-platform applications, increasing your consumer base and aiding in business growth.
  • Dynamic scaling enables businesses that use PaaS to scale up or down in response to changing business requirements.
  • Because the vendor manages, both the hardware and software, the requirement for additional people or outsourcing duties is considerably minimized.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS is the foundation of the cloud stack, offering cloud-based applications on a monthly or annual subscription basis. The cloud vendor gives you Internet access to the program following the purchase. This is a browser-based software solution, and no additional software is required. You can use the service through user interfaces without incurring significant upfront costs

SaaS products such as DropBox and Salesforce are popular. Those looking for a complete cloud software solution without spending a lot of money can consider these possibilities. SaaS is an option for small and medium-sized organizations that are just getting started and lack the resources to invest in IT infrastructure. You won’t have any problems getting help from the SaaS providers because they give excellent customer service.

Cloud Computing Models

SaaS providers host all software infrastructure, middleware, and application data in their data centres. The vendor protects the security of your app data through the use of a service agreement. The nice aspect of SaaS is that it does not require you to be a technology expert in using it.

Advantages of using SaaS

  • You may access the SaaS software from a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone using a web browser such as Google Chrome.
  • It is simple to use, adaptable, and scalable. The pay-as-you-go concept enables cost savings.
  • Users receive new versions and updates as soon as they become available. The expense of upgrading is negligible

Cloud Computing Deployment Models

There are three deployment models for cloud computing:

Public Cloud (Cloud computing in the public domain)

These cloud services, owned by a third-party provider, are available to the public for free. Due to the nature of open-ended access, security is compromised. It may be hazardous to use this cloud service because it is accessible to anybody, making it subject to hackers.

Private Cloud (Cloud computing services for individuals)

A particular company uses cloud computing resources. On-site or vendor-hosted data centers can be used for this service. The architecture is preserved over a private network and is only accessible to the organization.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines private and public clouds, giving an organization increased flexibility and deployment options.

Conclusion

Cloud computing models have become an essential aspect of any company’s operations in today’s world. Companies may select the service that best suits their needs based on their size, technological requirements, and financial constraints. For many businesses across the globe, cloud computing has saved money and improved efficiency.

Read more articles about cloud computing models on our blog.

The media shown in this article is not owned by Analytics Vidhya and are used at the Author’s discretion. 

Prashant Sharma 02 Feb 2024

Currently, I Am pursuing my Bachelors of Technology( B.Tech) from Vellore Institute of Technology. I am very enthusiastic about programming and its real applications including software development, machine learning and data science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit,

Responses From Readers

Clear