The modern world of Internet technology can no longer do without cloud services. Children play online games, IT specialists create complex software. Large companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook almost fully rely on cloud services.
Last updated: Feb 12, 2023
What is cloud and cloud services: Definition
Cloud service , what is it? Generally speaking is the use of computer resources that are not directly near the user and not directly controlled by the user to provide computing power.
It’s a way of providing computer resources, renting hardware infrastructure, accessing expensive programs and applications via the Internet for a small fee.
The clouds now consist of thousands of servers, each of which is located in data processing centers. Each cloud provides resources for tens of thousands of apps and services that millions of people use simultaneously.
Types of cloud services
There are two classifications of cloud services. Let’s start with the simplest. Clouds are like:
Privates
IT infrastructure is designed for use by one organization. The equipment can be located both on the company’s property and on the rented property in the data center.
Public
Cloud IT infrastructure is owned by the provider and is provided to the client company for rent. The provider allocates virtual resources the customer needs. Clients don’t have physical access to equipment.
Hybrid
Combination of private and public infrastructure. Part of the equipment may be owned by the user, and part – in public service.
The second classification is more accurate and is based on the type of service offered by the provider. There are various offerings in the cloud services market that will suit different tasks. Let’s talk about each of them separately. And let’s start with the simplest and most familiar services.
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a model for licensing subscription software. The services of such a service are used not only by advanced programmers, but also by any Internet users. This is the familiar Gmail, Microsoft Office 365, Google Docs. More advanced users may be familiar with programs such as CDN, Bitrix24, 1C and Jivo. A browser or API is used to work with such programs. To use SaaS, customers pay for a fixed usage time or the amount of services spent. Licenses for many of these programs can be bought in full, that is, pay once, but the cost of such pleasure will cost thousands of dollars. It can be unprofitable if you don’t use the program daily.
Next, let’s look at the two brothers IaaS and PaaS. They are very similar in terms of services and areas of use, but they are different in terms of administration.
PaaS
PaaS (Platform as a Service) is a full-fledged development and deployment medium with resources to build and maintain any applications, from the simplest to the most advanced. Within this service, the user receives a server, storage, network equipment. The provider takes on the task of maintaining iron and OS. The client gets a fully set up server and can immediately start working on their application. PaaS is offered by Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure. This service is suitable for developers who need to create or test applications. With PaaS, you can quickly deploy the right environment and immediately start product development, without setting up the server.
IaaS
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) or cloud infrastructure as a service. This is a kind of cloud IT infrastructure. Like with PaaS, the user gets to rent a server, storage, and network equipment, but this is empty. The client needs to choose and customize OS and applications themselves. The provider is responsible only for the performance of the equipment itself and the maintenance of the hypervisor. IaaS service is offered by Amazon Web Services, Cisco Metacloud, Microsoft Azure, Google Computer Engine. This service is often used by start-up entrepreneurs when they don’t have money to create their own IT infrastructure. They rent the iron they need until they get their own. Cloud infrastructure – what is it? You can learn more about this in the article.
Among the types of cloud services there are highly specialized ones. These include:
DRaaS
DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service), No infrastructure is insured against breakage, so it is necessary to consider an emergency action scenario. DRaaS will help quickly restore the system to work. How does this work ? DRaaS copies and synchronizes your IT infrastructure (replicates data). As soon as an emergency situation occurs, all infrastructure reboots within minutes and starts working in a backup cloud system. These are the services offered by VMware vCloud Availability and UCloud.
BaaS
BaaS (Backup as a Service) – a service for creating and reliable storage of IT infrastructure backups. This is, of course, not DRaaS, which will restore the whole system from its saved copy, but it will not let you lose important data.
DBaaS
DBaaS (Database as a Service) – database as a service. This service is responsible for storing and managing data. The user does not need to install and maintain a database, he gets it in the cloud fully ready for work.
MaaS
MaaS (Monitoring as a Service) monitors key infrastructure and software parameters given by users. Helps to reduce the risks of unforeseen costs and optimize the operation of the enterprise.
DaaS
DaaS (Desktop as a Service) – a desktop as a service. Each user is given their own desktop with a set of necessary software. The difference between an ordinary desktop and DaaS is that the “iron” and the software are not installed on the user’s physical PC, as usual, but provided virtually. This way, no matter where you are or what device (your own or a friend). You can log in to your desktop via the Internet.
STaaS
STaaS (Storage as a Service) is familiar to many users of the service. STaaS is renting a cloud service provider’s space to store information in the cloud. Cloud can be used for multimedia storage, data repositories, data backups and more. STaaS includes familiar services Google Drive, Dropbox.
These are only the basic types of cloud services. Their list keeps adding to it. This is not surprising, because more and more businesses need IT services, and ready-made solutions significantly accelerate the organization of work.
Pros and cons of cloud solutions
Each type of cloud service has its advantages and disadvantages, but we’ll highlight the main common points.
Some of the advantages:
- The responsibility for the performance of the equipment lies with the provider. The customer does not need to think about how to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Internet connection, cooling.
- Taking a ready-made service is easier than building your own infrastructure;
- Renting power may be cheaper than spending it on your own servers.
Among the cons:
- A total dependence on the supplier. The user depends on the provider and the quality of service of their servers. Provider problems immediately affect the user.
- Need to have internet connection, Without the Internet, the user will not be able to work with the service.
It is also worth noting that cloud services are not suitable for enterprises involved in state and military secrets.
Demand for cloud services has increased significantly in 2020.Looking at SaaS in more detail, popular software in this segment include accounting and reporting programs to tax authorities, as well as services for organizing electronic document processing. It is projected that by 2025, SaaS will remain a market leader, but the volume of IaaS will increase by 3 times.
In general, if you were thinking about opening a cloud services business, you can give it a try, because demand is constantly growing. Pay attention to SaaS. It will be easier to find your niche and customers within this sphere, unlike IaaS and PaaS, which are dominated by Amazon and Microsoft.
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