Types of Cloud Computing Solutions
Cloud computing is a general term that describes computing services delivered over the internet or “the cloud” for faster service or flexibility in resources. These services include storage, software, analytics and databases, among others.
Understanding the fundamental differences between cloud solutions will help you find a solution that fully meets your needs.
Most Common Types of Cloud Computing Solutions
There are four common types of computing solutions. Fully understanding their differences and compatibilities is crucial to choosing the best option for you.
In addition to these main cloud computing services, there are also hybrid cloud solutions. These solutions are built with a combination of on-premises infrastructure, public cloud and private cloud services. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure use hybrid cloud solutions.
Platform as a Service
With Platform as a service (PaaS), you pay for hardware and software tools available over the internet. With this solution, you get complete development and deployment resources of the service in the cloud from a cloud service provider. This setup gives you control of the service without having to manage and maintain it.
Google App Engine and Apache Stratos are some examples of this cloud computing solution.
Infrastructure as a Service
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offers the fundamental virtualization, storage and networking services at a pay-as-you-go basis. IaaS gives users its resources on demand. Using IaaS can save you money by avoiding the cost of purchasing and maintaining physical servers and data center infrastructure.
This type of service typically goes hand in hand with PaaS since you need a platform to manage the IT infrastructure. Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are two examples of this type of solution.
Software as a Service
In simple terms, Software as a service (SaaS) is software available for use through a third party over the internet. SaaS offers multiple cloud tenants access to a specific application and is one of the most popular cloud solutions.
SaaS provides users with a complete solution managed by an outside IT services provider, making it ideal for end-user applications for daily use. A common example of this type is Office 365.
Function as a Service
Function as a service (FaaS) is also referred to as serverless computing. FaaS allows users to execute code responsively without needing to distribute processing resources ahead of time. With this solution, the provider is responsible for managing the infrastructure, while the user only needs to focus on deploying application code.
One benefit of FaaS is that customers only pay for the resources they use. AWS Lambdas and Azure Functions are examples of this type of solution.
Contact DataSpan for More Information
There are many things to consider when choosing the best cloud computing solution for you. It’s essential to fully understand your cloud computing needs and the intricacies of each option. Look to the experienced professionals at DataSpan for their knowledge in the field.
DataSpan has 50 years of experience in the industry and can help you find the cloud computing service that works best for you and your team.
Contact us today to get in touch with a team member or find a rep to get the service you need.
Alex von Hassler’s long term focus is the continued testing, learning, and deployment of modern IT solutions. During his years as a DataSpan team member, his responsibilities grew from managing Salesforce CRM to improving system security, creating marketing initiatives, as well as providing continued support to the highly motivated and experienced team in an ever-changing industry. As DataSpan evolves to provide the best-fitting IT solutions to its customers, Alex von Hassler continues to hone his skills in the world of web-based ERP systems, security, and best customer engagement practices. Empowering such a dynamic team with the right tools provides him with enormous gratification.
