Cloud Computing Service Models

Types of Cloud Computing Service Models

• Cloud computing displays different servicing models, each providing a specific level of abstraction and management responsibility for users.
• There are three primary cloud computing service models which are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). 

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

   • IaaS is the foundational layer of cloud computing, providing virtualized computing resources over the internet.
   • With IaaS, users can rent virtual machines, storage, and networking infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis.
   • IaaS provides a flexible and scalable solution, allowing users to deploy and manage their own operating systems, applications, and development frameworks.
   • Some common key characteristics of IaaS model include:-
     • User Control: Users have full control over the operating system, applications, and configurations, allowing for more customization. Full control over operating systems and applications.
     • Scalability: Users can scale resources up or down based on demand.
     • Here, Infrastructure management was done by the cloud provider.
     • Examples of  IaaS service providers are:  Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Cloud Compute Engine, etc.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):

   • PaaS provides a higher level of abstraction compared to IaaS.
   • PaaS provides a platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure.
   • PaaS offers a platform that includes not only the underlying infrastructure but also development tools, runtime environments, and other services needed for application development for developers.
   • PaaS simplifies the deployment and management of applications, allowing developers to focus on writing code without dealing with infrastructure concerns.
   • PaaS supports streamlined application deployment and management.
   • Some common key characteristics of PaaS model include:-
     
     • Development Focus: PaaS abstracts the complexity of infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on coding and application development.
     • Automated Management: The platform manages aspects such as runtime, middleware, and OS, automating much of the operational overhead.
     • Examples of PaaS providers are: Heroku, Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service, etc.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS):

   • SaaS delivers fully functional software applications over the internet on a subscription basis to the users as per need. Users can access these applications through a web browser using the Internet without the need for installation or maintenance.
   • SaaS eliminates the need for users to manage the underlying infrastructure, as the entire software stack is provided and maintained by the cloud provider.
   • SaaS supports Multi-tenancy, allowing multiple users to access the same application at a time.
   • SaaS provides minimal management responsibilities for end-users.
   • Some common key characteristics of SaaS model include:-
     
     • Ready-to-Use Applications: Users can immediately use the required software without worrying about the underlying infrastructure or maintenance.
     • Managed by Provider: The cloud service provider handles maintenance, automatic updates, and security of the software.
     • Examples of SaaS providers are: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, etc.

4. Function as a Service (FaaS) or Serverless Computing:

   • FaaS is a specialized type of cloud computing service that allows developers to run individual functions or pieces of code without managing the underlying infrastructure.
   • FaaS falls within the broader category of PaaS but emphasizes event-driven, serverless architecture.
   • Examples of FaaS service providers are: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions.

• IaaS provides more control over the infrastructure, while PaaS abstracts away infrastructure details for application developers, and SaaS delivers fully managed applications to end-users.
• Additionally, these models can be combined in a way that aligns with the organization’s overall cloud strategy, known as a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud approach.
• The choice of the servicing model depends on factors such as the user’s specific needs, technical expertise, and the level of control they require over the underlying resources.