The Three Most Commonly Used Cloud Computing Services

Generally, there are three basic cloud computing services. These are software-as-a-service (Saas), infrastructure-as-a-service (Iaas), and platform-as-a-service (Paas).

1) SaaS

Saas providers offer various software solutions including data storage. However, there will be no software applications on the users’ hardware. Instead, the users will be given access to these applications through the Internet. The users will have to pay for the subscription to the services. Such subscription aims to replace the necessity of licenses. Nevertheless, the cost of a subscription to SaaS services is minimal especially when the users consider its functionality and resources compared to when the users buy own equipment and software.

There are many advantages of utilizing SaaS services. First, the users need not pay for licensing fees. Second, there will be no need for big in-house data storage system. Third, the user need not worry about backup data. Fourth, there will be no need to hire IT staff since the software applications are monitored by the vendor.

2) IaaS

IaaS providers satisfy users for their need of computing resources through the supply of servers, block storage, and network components among others. Load balancers and firewalls are included in these resources. These resources are pooled for the purpose of providing on-demand access to the users. Aside from this, the IaaS providers also include operating systems and specific software applications. The users will then build their software images based on the applications provided by the IaaS provider.

The Iaas provider is responsible for the entire computing equipment. However, it is the users who are responsible for the software applications that are running on the computing equipment. The equipment is accessible through the Internet. Alternatively, this is can be accessible through a virtual private network (VPN). Know more about VPN when you read TorGuard Review. Some IaaS providers offer private virtual LAN (VLAN) that comes with static IP addresses. As such, the IaaS provided with depend on the needs and preferences of the users.

One advantage of IaaS is saving since the user need not invest on the entire equipments. Instead, the user will only have to pay for the equipments that it will utilize. Resources are provided to users through an as-needed basis, and users will be charged according to their actual usage.

3) PaaS

PaaS providers supply the environment where the software developers are able to build and deliver web-based applications through the Internet. After the application is built, it will run on the server of the provider and will be delivered through the Internet. PaaS services depend on the users, but they generally contain tools needed in designing, developing, testing, deploying, and hosting the services provided. Other PaaS services are developer collaboration, application versioning, security, and storage and community forums.

An advantage of PaaS to other services is that the operating system can be changed more easily. The process ensures better compatibility and more in-depth understand of the users compared to that of SaaS and IaaS. Similar to IaaS, PaaS services are also charged based on the actual usage of the users. The development cost involved is greatly reduced through this process.