We often hear the word cloud computing but what really is cloud computing and how can it really help in our lives, especially to the business world? Let’s just narrate what cloud computing means in its simplest form. When we hear or talk about this term, it generally means that it comes from using a cloud image to constitute a networking computer environment. When you search Google, it will list many definitions of cloud computing and basically when you rounded off all the definitions there is you will just come up to its simplest meaning which is the accessing and storing of programs and data over the Internet instead of using your computer’s hard drive.
There are many advantages of cloud computing that’s why many businesses, companies or even for personal gain, uses cloud computing. But for you to gain first on the advantages of cloud computing, you might need to understand first the different cloud service models which are actually divided into three types – SaaS (Software as a Service, PaaS (Platform as a Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). Let’s boil it down and differentiate each one so we understand them.
- Software as a Service (SaaS) – this is the most widely used type of cloud service. Sometimes Software as a Service is also known as demand software. In this computing service, businesses or companies rent online software instead of installing or purchasing it from the owner of the computer. With the use of SaaS, the associated data and software are centrally hosted and are accessed over the Internet using a browser, you may not perceive it but the moment you open a browser for example Internet Explorer, you are probably using SaaS. Dropbox, Google Apps and Slack are just a few examples of SaaS.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) – this type of cloud computing is the type which is desired by many but the companies wanted to harness it. This refers to the application development of the platforms where the tool itself is actually deployed and accessed through the internet. If you want to use PaaS to your business, you might need to consider many criteria like should it really meet the performance, reliability and scalability requirements. Many businesses have used this approach and they have been successful but before considering this type, make sure it meets your requirements.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – the IaaS can be believed to be the most flexible model of all the three types. Businesses and companies often use this type of cloud computing as it is faster, easier and cost-efficient when it comes to operating workload. This is because there is no need to buy, support or manage the underlying infrastructure. With Infrastructure as a Service, a company can just lease or rent from another business.
This three type of cloud computing services has its advantages and disadvantages. Infrastructure as a Service is widely used cloud service when it comes to small, medium or even large companies mostly because of its costs. Platform as a Service may be the second when it comes to consumer adoption and popularity and Software as a Service may be the least cloud hosting service.
Whatever cloud computing you will use in your business, you need to make sure that it will surely meet the requirements you need. First things first, you need to identify your business needs and most especially you need to work out the cost. Though the cloud computing that you are using is cost optimized, it is always good to work on your ROI because whatever you do, it is still business and it is very important to measure your gain from your deal.