Cloud technology is one of the pillars on which the digital world stands. It’s everywhere – digital products and services, online infrastructures, and even banks and government agencies.
As cloud applications and technological innovations continue to explode, career opportunities in this field are brighter than ever. Cloud skills can help you land some of the highest-paying jobs in existence!
If you aspire to break into a career in the cloud, you must have your basics right. In this guide, we will explore a fundamental concept: Service models of cloud computing. We will also give you a glimpse into an exciting, self-paced and globally-recognized cloud computing bootcamp where you can learn about this and other cloud computing concepts from industry experts in greater depth.
What is Cloud Computing?
One can call it a modern web interface, but that would be too reductive as it is more than just an interface. It is a comprehensive ecosystem. Cloud technology delivers a suite of services. What sets us apart is that it is all delivered via the internet. There is no need for infrastructure in the place of the business; rather, everything is hosted elsewhere. The services offered via the cloud include data storage, security measures, networking capabilities, software applications, and business intelligence.
It combines different aspects of the digital world, like performance, data storage, information access, and security, under one umbrella and enhances it at unprecedented rates. This makes cloud computing an irresistible attraction for businesses.
We will look deeper into the cloud computing world in the coming sections. The key terms to note are Iaas, Paas, and SaaS. We’ll start by briefly reviewing these and exploring their different aspects.
Also Read: Cloud Engineer Job Description: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
What are the Service Models of Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is delivered via different service models. They are at the heart of cloud technology as we know it and have different functionalities catering to different industries.
The three main service models of cloud computing are:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), as the name suggests, provides infrastructure as a service. The infrastructure in question is the data center infrastructure for various business purposes.
This cloud computing service model is primarily a self-service, billed based on consumption. The service provider saves the business from purchasing hardware for its various uses. The providers also focus on providing security and regulatory requirements through this IaaS.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are the top three IaaS cloud services, making up 66 percent of the market.
Characteristics of IaaS
- Resource Availability: IaaS provides resources as on-demand services, eliminating the need for hardware ownership.
- Scalability: Highly scalable services are a hallmark of IaaS, adapting to evolving user needs effortlessly.
- Flexibility and Reliability: This service model of cloud computing is about flexibility and reliability, adapting to dynamic business landscapes.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: IaaS offers intuitive interfaces, allowing users to interact via Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
- Automated Administration: IaaS automates administrative tasks, simplifying processes such as storage, networking, and server deployment.
Advantages of IaaS
- Effortless Resource Deployment: IaaS streamlines resource deployment, automating storage, networking, and server provisioning.
- Consumption-Based Pricing: Users pay based on resource consumption, optimizing cost-efficiency and eliminating hardware overhead.
- Control Retention: Clients maintain control over their infrastructure, ensuring alignment with specific requirements.
- Swift Resource Deployment: Providers can swiftly deploy resources to customer environments, enhancing agility and responsiveness.
- Dynamic Scaling: IaaS offers dynamic scaling to meet evolving demands, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Disadvantages of IaaS
- Security Responsibility: Users are responsible for the application and operating system security, necessitating vigilant oversight.
- Data Management: In case of data loss, recovery falls under the user’s purview, demanding robust backup measures.
- Configuration Complexity: While IaaS providers offer servers and APIs, users must configure additional components, introducing complexity.
IaaS Use-Cases
Here are some common IaaS use cases:
- IaaS for data backup, storage, and recovery.
- Speedy, cost-effective test and dev environments.
- Enhanced computing power for Big Data projects.
Examples of IaaS
Virtual Machines like AWS EC2, Storage or Networking, Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Engine.
Also Read: How to the Pass AWS Solutions Architect Certification Exam?
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) involves cloud services centered around platforms. PaaS provides the cloud computing framework for software application creation and deployment. This gives businesses the freedom to scale up and down as they need.
Latest reports predict PaaS to become a $85.92 billion market by 2027. What makes it so popular? With PaaS, businesses need not worry about managing servers, storage or networking. The in-house developers only need to work on the application part. All the necessary environment for the app to be developed and deployed is provided by the PaaS provider.
PaaS can handle the development cycle, no matter how complex, without businesses worrying about the infrastructure and costs involved.
Characteristics of PaaS
- Scalability: PaaS leverages virtualization technology, enabling easy scaling of computing resources to meet organizational demands.
- Language and Framework Support: It supports various programming languages and frameworks, promoting flexibility in development.
- Integration: This service model of cloud computing seamlessly integrates with web services and databases, streamlining application development.
Advantages of PaaS
- Cost-Effective Development: PaaS offers a cost-effective approach to app development and deployment.
- Customization: Developers can customize SaaS applications without the burden of software maintenance.
- Automation: It automates business policies, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Hybrid Model Migration: PaaS facilitates the smooth transition to a hybrid model.
- Simplified Development: Developers can focus on application design, with the platform handling infrastructure complexities.
- Collaboration: PaaS enables collaborative app development among multiple developers.
Disadvantages of PaaS
- Limited Infrastructure Control: Users control the app’s code, not its underlying infrastructure.
- Data Security: Storing data with PaaS providers may pose security risks for app users.
- Service Variability: Vendors offer varying service levels, necessitating careful selection.
- Vendor Lock-In: The risk of vendor lock-in can impact the flexibility of the development ecosystem.
PaaS Use-Cases
- API Development: Ideal for creating, running, and managing APIs and microservices.
- Data Analysis: Enables advanced business data analysis, aiding in pattern recognition, predictions, and data-driven decision-making.
- Behavior Prediction: Helps forecast behaviors and events, enhancing planning and strategy.
Examples of PaaS
- AWS Services: Elastic Beanstalk or Lambda.
- Azure Offerings: WebApps, Functions, or Azure SQL DB.
- Google Cloud: Cloud SQL DB.
- Oracle Cloud Service: Oracle Database Cloud Service.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is like accessing apps on your web browser. You don’t have to worry about where it’s stored, what system it runs on, or how it’s coded. It’s available on any device with the internet.
Businesses are increasingly using SaaS tools as part of their operations. As of 2023, SaaS is the fastest-growing segment in the cloud, with over $195 billion in end-user spending, according to Gartner. What’s the reason for the boom?
The SaaS model allows businesses the freedom to enjoy up-to-date software managed and maintained by the provider from anywhere. There are no tedious set-up or hosting requirements. One simply has to switch up or down their subscription to decide what features they want to use and pay for.
Characteristics of SaaS
- Centralized Management: SaaS is managed from a single location, making it easy to control.
- Remote Hosting: It’s hosted on a distant server, so you don’t need to worry about where it physically resides.
- Internet Accessibility: You can access SaaS applications over the Internet from anywhere.
- Automatic Updates: Users are spared from the hassle of updating hardware and software.
- Pay-as-You-Use: You pay for SaaS services based on your actual usage.
Advantages of SaaS
- Instant Setup: SaaS is easy to set up, allowing quick deployment.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional software, SaaS is usually more budget-friendly.
- No Maintenance: Software management and updates are handled by the SaaS provider.
- Resource Efficiency: SaaS doesn’t hog local resources like hard drive space.
- Wide Range of Services: This cloud computing service model offers a diverse array of hosted services.
- Web Accessibility: Access SaaS applications through a web browser.
Disadvantages of SaaS
- Limited Integration Control: Integration options depend on the provider.
- Compatibility Challenges: SaaS tools may not always work seamlessly with existing software and hardware.
- Security Dependency: Your data security relies on the SaaS company, potentially posing risks if they experience breaches.
Examples of SaaS
- Microsoft Office 365
- Oracle ERP/HCM Cloud
- SalesForce
- Gmail
- Dropbox
SaaS Use-Cases
- Direct-to-Consumer Content Delivery: SaaS benefits content owners aiming for direct-to-consumer distribution. It covers Customer Management Systems (CMS), subscriber management, and user experience, streamlining content delivery.
- Widely Accessible Applications: SaaS facilitates the distribution of applications, like Gmail, accessible over the internet without local software installation, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Also Read: Azure Active Directory: The Key to Managing and Securing Your Azure Cloud Environment
Which Cloud Service Model To Learn?
If you’re considering investing time and resources into learning cloud computing, choose a cloud computing course from a reputed institution to achieve your goals.
However, the looming question is: which stream to choose? The three core cloud service models—IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS—offer unique advantages and suit different career paths.
Here’s an overview of choosing one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
IaaS: This is ideal for those interested in infrastructure management. You can learn the foundational building blocks of cloud computing. You can find a career in cloud architecture, system administration, and network management.
PaaS: PaaS might be your best choice if you’re more focused on application development and deployment. With not much focus on infrastructure, you can concentrate on coding and innovation.
SaaS: SaaS is an excellent platform for those who prefer working with complete software applications. You can specialize in software deployment, user support, and customization in this field.
Choosing which service model you want to specialize in depends on your career goals and interests.
Ready to Take Your Learning to the Next Level?
The cloud has changed our digital world. In fact, everything we do today involves cloud technology in some way or another. If you want to be a part of this fascinating, promising, and constantly evolving field, remember it can keep you on your toes with its pace of change. Being a learner at heart will help you keep up and succeed.
Whether you are a student or an IT professional, you will find plenty of resources that help you on your way. Enrolling in a globally-recognized cloud computing course can enhance your chances of succeeding in cloud computing.
This cloud computing bootcamp gives you an in-depth understanding of the core cloud computing concepts and hands-on training so you can apply those concepts to real-world use cases. Taught by industry insiders and reputed cloud experts, this bootcamp prepares you with the skills that top cloud employers seek. Plus, you’ll receive a certificate on completion, which will be a valuable addition to your CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a service model in cloud computing?
A service model in cloud computing defines how cloud resources are provisioned and managed, outlining the roles and responsibilities of cloud providers and users.
- What are the three service models of cloud computing?
The three primary service models in cloud computing are:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- What is the best-known service model in cloud computing?
Software as a Service (SaaS) is often considered the best-known service model in cloud computing, as it delivers fully functional software applications to end-users over the internet, eliminating the need for users to manage the underlying infrastructure.
You might also like to read:
What is Cloud Computing? What You Need to Know to Get Started
How to Become a Cloud Engineer? A Complete Guide
Cloud Computing Technology: Your Complete Guide
Virtualization in Cloud Computing: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
