There are different types of cloud computing. They are divided on the basis of service models and deployment models.
Services Based Cloud Computing Types:
IaaS:
It allows accessing computing resources, such as storage space, computer (either allocated hardware or virtual provision) servers, and networking, virtually over the internet. However, other resources, including OS, data, and apps, are not provided and require access to the user’s own resources. As such, the user can control operating system and run time environment individually.
The advantage of IaaS is that the vendor, along with various offerings, offers management control and high flexibility. Businesses can scale up their resources during high peak season without requiring to invest in new infrastructure while down the resources during slack demand. It is a typical use case when users can build and manage using their own resources, except for physical servers. IaaS full form is Infrastructure as a service.
PaaS
In this model, users can access vendor platforms to build, run, and maintain applications. Here, users can concentrate on building their applications instead of handling the infrastructure, giving them more time to implement innovative techniques. The users just need to manage the application and its associated data. Heroku, Microsoft Azure, and Google App Engine are examples of PaaS.
This platform provides built-in support for databases, runtimes, and frameworks. It also allows automatic scaling. It is helpful for teams who want to focus on developing or writing code while not concentrating on managing servers or OS. PaaS also known as Platform as a Service.
SaaS:
This model allows access to both the software and infrastructure. It can be accessible from any device, simply with the internet connection. One need not worry about updates or backups as everything is automatically managed.
However, accessing powerful apps requires payment, as they are available for subscription. CRM, collaboration software, and e-mail are some examples that enable individuals or organizations to access them. Whoever wants to use software without worrying about maintaining servers, installing updates, or fixing technical glitches can access this platform. SaaS is known as Software as a Service.
Types of Cloud Computing: Based on Deployment
While service models are the basis for the first type of classification, deployment models take the criteria for the second type of classification.
In the second source, there are three types of cloud computing models. They include public, private, and hybrid cloud.
Public:
The vendors offer the infrastructure on sharing basis. It means several organizations can share the same infrastructure. The advantage is that organizations can easily scale their resources at an affordable cost. Google Cloud, Azure, and AWS are some of the top players operating in this space.
Private:
Here, instead of sharing the infrastructure, each organization gets assigned with a dedicated cloud. Although it is expensive, organizations enjoy more control over the resources with security as the primary contributor. It can be hosted either externally or within the premises of the organization.
Hybrid:
It offers flexible solutions, allowing organizations to choose between public and private clouds. For instance, if there is any important application that requires higher security, teams can prefer private cloud. Likewise, for less important applications, they can choose public cloud. So, accordingly organizations move between clouds, while optimizing their workloads.
Cloud computing offers several benefits, particularly for software developers, networking, and IT departments. The prominent being helps them concentrate on the main important work while giving less importance to simple things like maintenance and prominence. Due to many reasons, the cloud computing market is witnessing continuous growth in demand over the past ten years. Meeting the growing demand has become easy due to the presence of various types of cloud computing, offering different levels of management, flexibility, and control.