Cloud computing 101: Service models
Personally, I believe that cloud computing is the next stage in the Internet’s evolution. The cloud will eventually provide the way that everything from computing power to computing infrastructure, application business process to personal collaboration is delivered as a service wherever and whenever you need it.
The “cloud” in cloud computing is defined as a set of hardware, networks, storage, services and interfaces that combine to deliver the aspects of computing as a service. Cloud services include the delivery of software infrastructure and storage over the internet based on demand. For end users this means they are using web applications and server services rather than software of hardware that are bought and installed. There are three service models provided by cloud computing.
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Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) |
Platform as a Service (PaaS) |
Software as a Service (SaaS) |
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What do you do with it? |
Migrate to it |
Build on it |
Consume it |
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Definition |
Provides flexible ways to create, use and manage virtual machines (VM’s) |
Provides the higher level capabilities and include than just VM’s that are required to support applications. |
Provides the highest level of business value for users. |
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Common usage |
Caching, networking, file storage, security |
Application development, streaming services, decision support |
CMS, Email, Collaboration, ERP |
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Providers |
Amazon, Rackspace, Azure |
Amazon, Rackspace, Azure |
Kentico +, Salesforce, Office 365 |