What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a paradigm that allows on-demand network access to shared computing resources. It implies a model used for managing, storing and processing data online. Cloud computing is based on reference models that can be categorized into three basic service models. They are:
IaaS– Infrastructure as a service
SaaS– Software as a service
PaaS– Platform as a service
Infrastructure as a service
This service offers the computing architecture and infrastructure to all computer resources but in a virtual environment so that multiple users can access them. The resources include data storage, virtualization and servers and networking. It is to be noted that most vendors are responsible for managing the above resources.
Pros:
- Flexible
- The cloud itself provides the infrastructure
- Dynamic workloads are supported.
Cons:
- Network and service issues may occur
Software as a service
This allows using software applications as software to end users.
Ex: Online office packages
Popular SaaS providers include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, Google and HR Helpdesk.
Pros:
- Universally accessible from any platform
- Excellent for collaborative working
Cons
- Portability and browser issue
- Compliance restrictions
Platform as a service
This service is made up of a programming language execution environment, an operating system, a web server and a database. It encapsulates the environment where users can build, compile and run their programs without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. In this model, you can manage data and application resources. All the other resources are managed by the vendor. Popular PaaS providers include Amazon, Windows Azure and Google app engine.
Pros:
- Cost-effective rapid development
- The faster market for developers
- Private or public deployment is possible
Cons:
- Migration issues such as the risk of vendor lock-in
- Developers are limited to the providers’ language and tools.
Companies that use Cloud computing on a major scale include,
- Apple iCloud
- Amazon
- Microsoft
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