Whether for governments, businesses, or consumers, we all use various clouds almost daily. Cloud computing is now a key part of modern IT systems. Cloud service models are important for creating and providing cloud services. Four main types of cloud computing include private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud.

Cloud computing has three main service models. They are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These are the main cloud computing service models today. This article will delve into these three models, exploring their features, advantages, and suitability for different scenarios.

Cloud Computing Deployment Models

Cloud computing is a new computing model based on the internet. It integrates technologies such as distributed computing, parallel computing, network storage, virtualisation, and load balancing.

It uses many distributed computers instead of local or remote servers. This provides computing resources and services that are scalable, reliable, flexible, and secure. These resources are available when needed.

Cloud Computing Deployment Models describe the configuration methods for cloud computing resources and services, explaining how different environments deploy cloud infrastructure. These models help organisations decide how to deploy and manage their computing resources across various cloud environments. The main cloud computing deployment models include:

Public Cloud

Cloud-based applications are entirely deployed in the cloud, with all components running in the cloud. Two types of cloud-based applications exist. Some developers create them in the cloud, while others migrate existing systems to the cloud. This helps them take advantage of cloud benefits.

Developers can build cloud-based applications using basic infrastructure components. They can also use higher-level services. These services simplify the core infrastructure’s management, design, and scaling.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid deployment connects infrastructure and applications between cloud-based resources and existing non-cloud resources. The most common hybrid deployment method adds a cloud layer to an organization’s infrastructure. It connects cloud resources with internal systems.

Private Cloud

Deploying resources locally using virtualisation and resource management tools is often called a “private cloud.” While local deployment cannot offer many cloud computing advantages, this approach sometimes provides dedicated resources. In most cases, this deployment model is similar to traditional IT infrastructure, with application management and virtualisation technologies used to maximise resource utilisation.

Multi-Cloud

Multi-cloud refers to a cloud architecture that integrates multiple cloud services. Various cloud providers supply these services. They can either be public clouds or private clouds, depending on the specific use case.

Every hybrid cloud is a multi-cloud, yet not every multi-cloud is a hybrid. When various clouds link through some form of integration or orchestration, a multi-cloud transforms into a hybrid cloud.

You can plan a multi-cloud environment for better control over sensitive data. It can also serve as extra storage to improve disaster recovery. Sometimes, it happens by accident because of shadow IT. This shows that more companies are using multi-cloud to boost security and performance by reaching more environments.

Cloud Computing Service Models

Cloud computing models, or service models, currently fall into three main categories: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Each model represents a distinct part of the cloud computing stack.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

IaaS provides a cloud computing model that offers infrastructure resources (such as servers, storage, and networking) to users via virtualisation technology. In the IaaS model, users can rent virtualised infrastructure resources to build their applications, store data, and run services.

Features and Advantages:

• Flexibility and Scalability: IaaS offers flexible infrastructure resources that users can scale up or down based on demand. This allows users to quickly respond to changing business needs.
• Centralised Resource Management: IaaS centralises the management of infrastructure resources, including hardware devices, networking equipment, and virtualisation software. This allows users to focus more on application development and business innovation without worrying about infrastructure maintenance.
• Flexible Payment Models: IaaS usually uses a pay-as-you-go model. Users pay only for the resources they use. This helps them avoid unnecessary expenses. This flexible payment model makes cost management more precise and controllable.

Applications:

• Development and Testing Environments: IaaS provides development teams with flexible, scalable infrastructure resources to quickly set up and deploy development and testing environments.
• High-Performance Computing is important for tasks that require a lot of computing power. This includes scientific calculations and data analysis. IaaS offers powerful computing and storage resources for these tasks.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: By renting IaaS resources, organisations can create disaster recovery solutions to ensure business continuity and availability.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

PaaS offers a complete platform environment needed for developing and running applications. In the PaaS model, cloud service providers handle hardware, operating systems, databases, and development tools. This lets developers focus only on building and deploying applications.

Features and Advantages:

• Simplified Development Process: PaaS provides the necessary platform, including the operating system, databases, development tools, and runtime environment. Developers can focus on application development without managing the underlying infrastructure.
• Rapid Deployment and Scaling: PaaS offers automated application deployment and scaling mechanisms, allowing developers to deploy and scale applications quickly. This speeds up delivery and enables rapid response to business needs.
• Multi-Tenant Architecture: PaaS typically employs a multi-tenant architecture where multiple users share the same platform environment, improving resource utilisation. The system isolates users from each other to ensure security and stability.

Applications:

• Web Application Development: PaaS provides comprehensive frameworks, tools, and services for quickly building and deploying web applications.
• Mobile Application Development: PaaS supports mobile application development with appropriate tools and platform environments for building, testing, and publishing mobile apps.
• Data Analysis and Big Data Processing: PaaS provides strong computing and storage resources for data analysis. It helps users manage and analyze large datasets effectively.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS delivers software applications to end-users via a cloud platform. In the SaaS model, users subscribe to applications from cloud service providers. They do not need to buy or install software.

Features and Advantages:

• Zero Deployment and Maintenance Costs: In the SaaS model, users do not need to buy, install, or maintain software. They just subscribe and use it through the cloud platform. This lowers deployment and maintenance costs. It also makes things easier for IT teams.
• Flexible Subscription Models: SaaS typically employs a subscription-based model, allowing users to choose plans based on actual needs. Users can adjust subscriptions as business requirements change, avoiding resource wastage.
• Fast Upgrades and Updates: SaaS enables quick and easy software upgrades and updates. Cloud service providers can update software in the background. This lets users access the latest features and fixes automatically.

Applications:

• Office Collaboration and Communication: SaaS is widely used in office collaboration and communication tools, such as online document editing, email services, and video conferencing.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): SaaS providers of CRM software help businesses manage customer relationships, sales processes, and marketing activities.
• Human Resources Management: SaaS offers HR management software, including functions for recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, simplifying HR processes for businesses.

Cloud Computing in the New Era

The smart industry has grown rapidly in recent years. It has unlocked the competitive power of digital and intelligent systems. These systems use cloud computing as the main hub. As the foundational computing power for large models, cloud computing has entered a new stage of development.

Traditional general-purpose cloud computing is rapidly merging with intelligent computing, evolving into an intelligent cloud. The intelligent cloud can support many chip types and open-source frameworks. It does this by combining and scheduling large computing resources. This enhances the efficiency of computing resource utilisation and ensures that various model algorithms can run efficiently and conveniently on the intelligent cloud platform.

The application of computing power models has driven the development of high-speed networks. FS has introduced high-speed modules and switch devices such as 400G and 800G, helping to enhance network performance.

FS has launched the H100 Infiniband solution. This solution relies on FS network architecture. It works with PicOS® and the AmpCon™ management platform.

Together, they improve high-performance computing networks. They also lower the overall network construction costs for users.

Conclusion

Each model has unique features and advantages, making it suitable for different application scenarios. Choosing the right cloud service model depends on business needs, resource requirements, and technical capabilities. Depending on the specific situation, a single model or a combination of multiple models can meet various demands. Cloud service models offer flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions, driving the development and adoption of cloud computing.

FS offers a variety of network equipment and custom solutions for users. Visit the FS website to enjoy free technology support.