Cloud Based Services
Cloud Computing means using the internet to store, manage, and process
data instead of using your own computer or local server. The data is stored
on remote servers, that are owned by companies called cloud providers such
as Amazon, Google, Microsoft). These companies charge you based on how
much you have used their services.
Types of Cloud Computing
Most cloud computing services fall into five broad categories:
1. Software as a service (SaaS)
2. Platform as a service (PaaS)
3. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
Software as a Service(SaaS)
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) means using software over the internet
instead of installing in on your computer. You don't have to worry about
downloading, updating, or maintaining anything- the company that provides
the software handles all of that.
Example:
Think of Google Docs. You don't need to install it. You just open your
browser, log in, and start using it. Google stores your work and keeps the
software updated. You just use it when you need it.
SaaS is usually offered on pay-as-you-go basis, and you can access it from
any device with internet. It's also called web-based-software or on-demand
software because you can use it anytime, anywhere, without setup.
Platform as a Service
PaaS is a type of cloud service that gives developers the tools they need to
build and launch apps online without setting up any hardware and software
themselves.
With PaaS, everything runs on the provider's server and is accessed through
a web browser. The provider takes care of things like servers, storage, and
operating systems. Developers just focus on writing and managing the app.
Example:
Imagine you're planning a school's annual day event. You have two options.
1. Build the Venue yourself (buy land, set up a stage, arrange lighting, etc.).
2. Or rent a ready-to-use venue and just focus on the actual event.
PaaS is like renting the venue- it saves time, efforts, and setup costs, so you
can completely focus on what matters: building your app.
You don't control the back-end (like servers), but you do control the app you
create and how it behaves.
Infrastructure as a Service
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a cloud service where companies rent IT
resources like servers, storage, and networks instead of buying and
managing them.
It's like outsourcing your computer hardware. The cloud provider gives you
the basic building blocks (like virtual machines, storage, and internet
access), and you use them to run your apps and services.
You pay based on how much you use - by the hour, week, or month. The
way, you don't need to spend a lot of money on buying hardware.
Example:
Imagine you want to start a website. Instead of buying you own server, you
rent on a cloud provider's server. You use their storage and networking, but
you control what runs on it-like your website or app.
That's IaaS, You get the flexibility and power of your own setup, without the
cost and trouble of maintaining hardware.
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
IaaS provides users with access to virtualized computing resources, including
servers, storage, and networking, over the internet.
Users have control over the operating system, storage, and applications,
enabling them to customize their environment to meet their specific needs.
Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft
Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
IaaS allows for scalable and flexible infrastructure, with the ability to quickly
provision and deprovision resources as needed.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):
PaaS provides users with a complete, ready-to-use cloud-hosted platform for
developing, running, and managing applications.
This includes access to tools and services for application development,
deployment, and management, such as programming languages, databases,
and APIs.
Users don't need to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure; the
PaaS provider handles that for them.
Examples of PaaS providers include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App
Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS):
SaaS provides users with on-demand access to ready-to-use, cloud-hosted
software applications.
Users access the software through a web browser or mobile app, and the
provider manages the underlying infrastructure and software updates.
Examples of SaaS applications include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and
Google Workspace.
SaaS is often the easiest and most cost-effective way to access and use
software, as it requires minimal upfront investment and management.
