What are the Different Types of Cloud Service Models Available?

Cloud service models come with their collection of internet-based services such as software, storage, and processing at affordable prices. 

Cloud computing is a fast-growing industry that has permitted companies to move beyond on-premise IT infrastructure to fully cloud-based benefits.

Nowadays, companies can outsource their computing requirements to cloud service providers rather than depending on their own servers. 

These cloud model providers will be responsible for maintaining companies’ infrastructure, ensuring security, scalability and data backup. 

In this blog, we will talk more about various cloud service models. Also, how they are serving a lot of benefits for businesses and industries, which has led them to grow in demand and adoption of it.

What is the Cloud and Cloud Computing? 

The term "cloud" refers to software tools and services that run over the internet or through a web browser. This differs from older systems, which only run locally on a computer.

Thus, when services, such as data storage, networking, and servers, are provided via the internet then it is called cloud computing.  

Cloud computing can help users to store files on a remote database, instead of on a hard drive or any storage tool. And later to access the database, the person only requires a device that is connected to the web.

What are the Distinct Kinds of Cloud Computing?

1. Public Cloud - 

This cloud is known for having a large amount of space. Businesses generally use a public cloud for collaborative projects or software development. 

Multiple platforms also allow users to pay for more capacity whenever they require it. Users can pay only for used features and change their subscription plans at any point.

Public cloud computing services are simple to use and browse, as well as scalable and accessible.

Amazon, IBM SmartCloud Enterprise, Microsoft, Google App Engine, etc are some examples of public cloud.

2. Private Cloud - 

It lets users access, use, and cache data in the cloud remotely. Regardless, private cloud infrastructure is typically protected by a firewall, which is a security system that tracks and manages network traffic. 

It means only privileged people can operate these computing resources. Those companies which have strict regulatory standards will favour private clouds to safeguard their information and data.

3. Hybrid Cloud - 

Hybrid clouds are a mixture of public and private clouds. They are arranged to permit people to use and store data on both platforms flawlessly.

4. Community Cloud - 

The community cloud is a private cloud and works likewise to a public cloud. Commonly, businesses that are from the same industry but share common problems over safety can use community clouds. 

For instance, healthcare providers and government agencies usually execute community clouds for their operations.

What do we mean by Cloud Computing Services?

The services offered via the internet to the businesses on their demand instead of installing their own servers are called cloud services. 

In this, the data is stored in digital servers and is available at any time on the web. Cloud services refer to any applications and resources. 

The services are handled by the cloud service provider. The provider delivers all the resources required for the application and thus the company does not need to worry about resource allotment. 

Cloud services can continuously upgrade to meet the demands of consumers. Additionally, service providers can charge enterprises for cloud usage.

What are the Various Could Service Models Available?

1. Software as a Service (SaaS) - 

Software as a Service, also called SaaS, is basically a web platform that delivers users access to cloud computing on a subscription basis. 

Hence, users don't need to purchase the software they can use it on the web continuously like a service.

SaaS serves various business functions, like business analytics, automation, and customer management. 

SaaS also gives internet-based software apps that are user-friendly, declining the demand for IT specialists, difficult set-ups, and maintenance. 

This is the most commonly operated cloud service. The SaaS examples are Google’s G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.

2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - 

This cloud service model forms the foundation for a business's cloud technology. IaaS is considered the most adaptable cloud application. 

Since it comes with an all-inclusive group of resources like a development environment, protected data storage, private networks, software development instruments, testing tools, functionality monitoring, etc.

Therefore, the companies don’t need to produce and secure their own IT infrastructure. They can proceed directly to the development process with third-party servers and cloud backup storage. People who want a cost-effective and scalable cloud solution should divert to IaaS.

Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, IBM Infrastructure etc. are some examples of IaaS. 

3. Platform as a Service (PaaS) - 

PaaS is considered the developed version of IaaS. It provides access to development tools, APIs, and deployment instruments. 

Therefore users are allowed to access virtual development environments and cloud storage, where they can construct, test, and run applications.

Even non-expert users can create custom apps on the web without worrying about data storage and management.

In PaaS, users are charged only for the platforms that they use for a particular time. There is no demand to pay for excessive functionalities.

Examples of PaaS are Apache Stratos, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Magento Commerce Cloud.

4. Function as a Service (FaaS) - 

Function as a Service is a somewhat new form of cloud computing. The platform authorises software developers to construct apps without the requirement for a server. 

The developers can break down the functionality of their software into separate features and modify them one by one. 

This helps to improve efficiency and offers specialists the power to focus on creating applications. 

Some instances of FaaS solutions contain Google Cloud Function, Microsoft Azure Functions, IBM OpenWhisk, etc.

Bottom Line - 

Over the last few years, cloud computing has been one of the fastest expanding markets and will undoubtedly continue in the new decade as well. 

With prominent cloud computing businesses such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and IBM investing in this technology, it's clear that cloud computing will continue to evolve with each big update.

If you also want to get started with сloud computing, you must check for top cloud service providers with licensed security, adaptable functionality, and an affordable pricing model.

Hope the information we shared in this article about cloud service models will help you analyze your business needs and choose the best cloud service provider that fits your requirements.