Cloud Service Models

A cloud service model defines how cloud computing services are delivered to customers, determining the level of abstraction and control users have over the infrastructure, software, and applications. The data is stored on remote servers, that are ownedcloud providers such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft. These companies charge you based on how much you have used their services.

Lets look into its different types:

Infrastructure as a Service [ IaaS ]

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a cloud service where organizations rent IT resources like servers, storage, and networks instead of buying and managing them.

It's like outsourcing your hardware resources. 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 resources you have used up.

Advantages: Cost-Effective, Website Hosting, High Security, Maintenance

Disadvantages: High Level Hardware Customization not available, Limited access

Platform as a Service [ PaaS ]

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing service model that provides a complete, on-demand cloud platform for developing, running, and managing applications. It includes hardware, software, and infrastructure, allowing developers to build, test, deploy, and manage web applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.

With PaaS, everything runs on the provider's server and is accessed through a web browser interface. The provider takes care of tasks like servers, storage, and operating systems. So, developers can just focus on writing and managing the app.

Advantages: Simple and convenient for users, Cost-Effective, Efficient Lifecycl Management

Disadvantages: Limited Control, Dependance on the provider, Limited Flexibility

Software as a Service [ SaaS ]

SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a cloud-based software delivery model where software applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to users over the internet, typically through a web browser or app. Users access the software on a subscription basis, rather than purchasing and installing it on their own devices.

Advantages: Easy to use, Reduced time of access, Easy Discontinuation, Higher Accessibility, Timely automatic updates

Disadvantages: Higher Data Breach Risks, Limited Customization, Security Concern for Critical Organizations, Dependence on Internet Connectivity

Other Service Models:

• Function as a service (FaaS) or Serverless Computing

• Database as a service (DBaaS)

• Containers as a service (CaaS)

• Desktop as a service (DaaS)

• Storage as a service (STaaS)