What are the types of cloud computing services?
- Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)
- Platform As A Service (PaaS)
- Software As A Service (SaaS)
- Function As A Service (FaaS)
Cloud computing involves accessing computing services such as storage, software, analytics, and others, over the internet. This provides plenty of benefits for businesses like reduced IT costs, improved collaboration, business continuity, and scalability. That’s why you might be interested in migrating your workload to the cloud. To experience these benefits, you need to understand the types of cloud computing services that are suitable for your organization. Read on to learn more.
Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)
In IaaS, a cloud service provider is responsible for the management of the infrastructure for you. This includes the servers, data storage space, network, and virtualization. As the user, you have the option to purchase, use, configure, and manage the operating systems, applications, development tools, and more.
The benefit of using IaaS is that the service provider manages the hardware. In the event that something happens, they’re responsible for fixing repairs, issues, or even addressing a power outage. You’re also given the latest software and update patches.
As the user, you rent the infrastructure with this type of service. This lessens the costs needed for building and maintenance of in-house infrastructure. For this reason, IaaS is suitable for startups and small companies that have a limited budget when it comes to building their own network. IaaS is also highly scalable and you only need to pay for the infrastructure that you need.
One good example of IaaS is Microsoft Azure. Azure is responsible for managing the infrastructure, while you as the user have the freedom to buy, install, and configure the software you need. With this, you can reduce capital expenses and have access to a reliable infrastructure.
Platform As A Service (PaaS)
In PaaS, the cloud service provider gives all the tools you need to build, test, deploy, manage, and update software. Your developers and programmers have access to a cloud platform where they can develop solutions that suits your organization’s needs. The advantage is that the infrastructure is also built and provided by the service provider.
Because of these features, PaaS is suitable for organizations that need to create software. This type of cloud computing service allows you to save costs on purchasing development tools which are often expensive. Instead, you already have access to the tools you need by renting them.
Another benefit of PaaS is that the services are delivered over the internet. This means that programming and developer teams in remote locations can do a project on their own time. This improves collaboration and speeds up work. Your organization can focus on building applications rather than maintaining and updating the infrastructure.
Other than IaaS, Microsoft Azure also offers PaaS. It supports tools, languages, and frameworks that are beneficial for developers. This way, your organization can develop and deploy cloud-based applications with ease.
Software As A Service (SaaS)
SaaS is a software application that a cloud service provider delivers to its users. Examples include business analytics, marketing automation, or customer relationship management (CRM). Most applications can run over a web browser so downloads and installations are not needed. These can be accessed over the internet via a desktop, mobile phone, tablet, or any compatible mobile device.
The benefit of using SaaS is that the service provider also manages the infrastructure, middleware, and data needed to provide the program to you. The services are offered on a subscription basis, so you can pay for the software when you need to use it. There are also no set-up expenses because the application can be used immediately.
Aside from these, updates to the application are also provided automatically and often free of charge. SaaS is managed by a third-party vendor, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining it. This way, the focus can be on the benefits that the application brings.
Microsoft Office 365 is an example of SaaS. It provides all the office tools you need on a pay-as-you-go basis. This setup allows you and multiple users access to Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Updates and upgrades are also available.
Function As A Service (FaaS)
FaaS is a type of cloud computing service that allows you to execute code without worrying about the infrastructure needed to do it. Just like the previous types, the cloud service provider manages the infrastructure needed to deliver the FaaS. This way, developers can direct their energies to deploy a function without having to maintain a server.
As the user, you can utilize FaaS in a pay-as-you-go method, making it cost-effective. You only need to pay when an action occurs which allows you to save on expenses for inactive resources.
FaaS a suitable cloud computing service for organizations that have dynamic workloads. Another benefit is its capacity for scalability. The functions can be scaled up automatically as needed, and when the demand declines, it automatically scales down.
As Microsoft Azure encompasses different types of cloud computing services, you’ll find that it also offers FaaS. Azure Function can provide end-to-end development, so your team’s developers can create, deploy, and monitor the code while Azure is responsible for the infrastructure.
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, the different types of cloud computing services mentioned above provide similar benefits — convenience and cost-efficiency. You can lessen the workload needed to build and manage infrastructure, which could be expensive and time-consuming. As these services operate on a subscription or pay-as-you-go service, you can cut down on your operational expenses and pay only for what your business requires.
Different businesses have different needs. Depending on your requirements and goals, you can subscribe to one or more cloud computing services mentioned above for the best results.
After reading the different types of cloud computing services, we hope that you have formed an idea of which you should use. If you need help choosing the right type for your organization, we can help you here at CT Link. Send us a message here to get started!