The 3 services which help define cloud computing
Posted by Brad McMillan on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 08:17 AM
Cloud Service Types
Once you understand the approach to the cloud you would like to take, you then decide on the types of services you would like to receive.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Pronounced “saas” enables users to access applications running on a Cloud infrastructure from various end-user devices (generally through a web browser). The user does not manage or control the underlying Cloud infrastructure or individual application capabilities other than limited user-specific application settings. Also called “software on demand,” it’s the simplest and most common form of cloud computing. You tap software from the cloud (rather than buying it outright and loading it onto your computer), often paying for usage in time increments. SaaS provides a ready-made application platform for users to start using once they sign up for the services.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Pronounced “pass,” enables users to deploy applications developed using specified programming languages or frameworks and tools onto the Cloud infrastructure. The user does not manage or control the underlying infrastructure, but has control over deployed applications. Rather than just renting individual Web based applications when you need them, you’re tapping an operating system that your applications will use; a network; and a service provider that will perform basic maintenance of this network when necessary.
Infrastructure as a Service( IaaS): Pronounced “Ias,” is closer to the full monty of cloud computing services. You rent just about everything as you need it: virtual servers and storage space, virtual routers and other hardware, networking capabilities, an operating system and applications. Your host (cloud provider) will offer more extensive services and maintenance with an ‘IaS’ model. You still pay as you go (usually hourly or monthly), and you can scale up or down.
Now that we know what cloud computing is, its characteristics and how it is classified, let’s try and understand why we are talking about it so much. In my next article I will discuss why the ‘Cloud’ has become more and more relevant.
