Exploring cloud computing – types and service delivery models
Cloud computing is a versatile technology that offers different types of services and consumption models. I will list the main types of cloud computing models and service delivery models here:
- Cloud computing types:
- Public Cloud: Cloud services provided by a third-party provider over the internet that can be accessed by anyone who pays for them
- Private Cloud: Cloud services that are dedicated to a single organization and are not shared with any other organizations
- Hybrid Cloud: A combination of both public and private cloud services that work together as a single system
- Multi Cloud: Using multiple cloud providers to fulfill different cloud computing needs
- Service delivery models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Cloud computing infrastructure (such as servers, storage, and networking) that is provided as a service to customers
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Cloud-based applications that are provided as a service to customers and are accessed over the internet
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): A cutting-edge platform that empowers developers to create, evaluate, and launch applications without the need to manage complex infrastructure
Here is an illustration of the cloud computing model and the service delivery model:
Figure 1.1 – Cloud computing model and service delivery model
The different cloud computing and cloud service delivery models offer different levels of performance, security, and cost-effectiveness. The public cloud model and the SaaS model are undoubtedly the most popular and widely adopted cloud computing and service delivery models, respectively. The following are the advantages of the public cloud and SaaS service model:
- Scalability
- Cost effectiveness
- Auto updates and reduced maintenance
- Flexibility
Organizations of all sizes and industries appreciate the convenience of adjusting their resources based on demand and only paying for what they use.
Leading public cloud service providers and SaaS offerings such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Salesforce, respectively, have seen significant growth in recent years, catering to the needs of small start-ups and large enterprises alike.
However, it’s important to consider that both models come with their fair share of drawbacks, and depending on an organization’s background and goals, there can be differing views on the cloud.
While some visionary leaders are confident in the cloud’s potential and are willing to invest heavily to offset rising cloud costs through product growth, others see cloud costs as a significant threat to their company’s sustainability. For them, the fear of losing valuation due to soaring cloud expenses is a constant worry.
When approached with the right strategy, the cloud can offer numerous benefits to organizations. Not only does it enable better management of IT costs but it can also promote business growth by streamlining automation and reducing time to market.
However, it’s important to note that each organization’s approach to cloud adoption may vary in order to achieve the best results. One common mistake is when IT management treats cloud adoption as simply another IT system upgrade or uses a one-size-fits-all approach.
Designing a successful cloud infrastructure requires careful planning and foresight. While we can’t always predict future needs, it’s crucial to design with agility in mind, allowing applications to adapt quickly to meet evolving client demands while still maintaining cost-effectiveness.