What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing revolutionizes the delivery of IT services by providing on-demand access to a wide array of resources over the internet. These resources encompass analytics, databases, networking, servers, and storage, among others. By leveraging virtual services, cloud computing facilitates faster innovation, scalability with ease, and enhanced resource flexibility.
One of the key advantages of cloud computing is its pay-as-you-go model, where businesses only pay for the resources they consume. This cost-effective approach eliminates the need for hefty investments in building and maintaining in-house data centers, making cloud adoption an attractive option for organizations of all sizes.
Cloud technologies encompass various service models, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), among others. These models offer businesses the flexibility to choose the level of control and management they require over their IT infrastructure, enabling them to focus on their core competencies while leaving the technical intricacies to cloud service providers.
Cloud computing services
Cloud computing services can be divided into three main categories:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS providers furnish customers with the flexibility to rent IT infrastructure according to their requirements. This includes essential
components such as storage, networking, and servers. Renowned IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS providers empower customers to develop, deploy, and manage applications on cloud-based platforms. PaaS encompasses all necessary tools for application development and execution, including web servers, databases, and development frameworks. Prominent PaaS providers comprise Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS providers deliver cloud-based software applications directly to users. These applications are typically accessed through web browsers, eliminating the need for installation or software management by customers. Well-known SaaS applications include Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.