Cloud computing and its different service models have helped companies create their virtual IT infrastructure since the early 2000s. Simple computing was available to companies over hired computer bureaus, on rent for set periods of time. Developments in cloud computing gave room to three various service models, PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS. Their overall benefits and drawbacks have been discussed below and the significance of cloud computing systems. Each service models offer different benefits, depending on the needs of the host companies.
The Significance of Cloud Computing and its Different Service Models
The use of cloud computing has grown significantly over the years. It is estimated that cloud computing and its different service models are used by a third of IT enterprises worldwide. The usual purpose-built in-house IT systems have witnessed a downfall in big corporations and offices as more people opt for the cloud. Public and private cloud services by enterprises are becoming increasingly common.
The three main service models of cloud computing give companies a lot of options to choose from according to their needs. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows companies to virtually store, maintain servers and network their hardware. Platform as a Service (PaaS) gives companies a platform to test and develop different applications virtually over the cloud. And lastly, Software as a service (SaaS) allows users to access web applications via online subscriptions, for example, Dropbox, etc.
The various types of computing models can be adjusted depending on the needs of the host company. Since companies spend a significant amount whilst opting for a cloud service, they look for reliable cloud providers to get their money’s worth. Judging from the growth of companies opting for cloud computing, there’s clearly trust and reliance on cloud computing by people.
The use of cloud services may not always be a deliberate decision by corporations. There are many cases where vendors are only offering cloud services for their products. Therefore companies are forced to automatically opt for cloud computing services.
Benefits of Cloud Computing and its Different Service Models
The benefits of cloud computing vary for each type of cloud service however their main benefit is common, taking off the burden from companies. By opting for a cloud service model of their choice, companies don’t have to spend on the maintenance and costs of investing in computing infrastructure.
Benefits of SaaS
With the help of SaaS, companies do not have to install and run applications through their computer system. They can simply access their desired applications via the internet. Through a stable internet connection, one can easily access these applications from any device. Each member who wishes to use the application will have a separate key. Personalized login passwords can be arranged depending on the access level of each employee.
Companies don’t have to spend a fortune on buying their servers or maintaining operating systems or applications. They can avoid having to maintain hardware or software systems on their computing infrastructure as well. The supplier takes care of all IT-related tasks and the host company simply directs them. Commodity applications like using email are made simpler with a SaaS model cloud provider instead of an in-house system. Cloud computing suppliers have better expertise and skills than any in-house system, therefore making it a much more reliable and efficient option.
Benefits of IaaS
Companies can save money by avoiding labor costs through an IaaS cloud system. Using a cloud system such as the IaaS means that one can update to the latest applications in an instance with minimal effort. IaaS cloud gives new applications room to grow instantaneously over the internet by making them constantly available and adjustable. You have constant control of your companies presence over the cloud and are not dependent on an external IT services provider. It is a flexible process that you can replace or eradicate as you see fit.
Using the IaaS cloud for communications and transactions is much more cost and time-efficient for fast-paced companies. Companies can get through big projects at a faster pace and save a lot of money in the process. You can always buy more, as much as you need along the way as your business continues to flourish. Business agility is perhaps the greatest benefit of using cloud computing systems, especially IaaS.
Benefits of PaaS
Since PaaS is for developers of software and applications, it provides a lot of different avenues of growth for its users. This system allows companies to create applications with minimum investment and effort. Since these developers do not have to start from the bottom, they can save much more time than any other avenue of application development. This system is ideal to save time and money.
A great feature of using the PaaS cloud computing system is that it can disable any application that runs at only a particular time. Instead of keeping an application idle over hardware or software, it is much easier to maintain it over the cloud. The use of a PaaS model would allow you to alter the application’s use as required. This helps companies save a ton even if their application is not in use. Using the PaaS cloud system requires very little human intervention, thus removing the burden of maintaining an in-house system.
Drawbacks of Cloud Computing and its Different Service Models
Drawbacks of SaaS
Companies have been concerned with giving up their data to competitors if they happen to be using the same cloud system. SaaS applications may sometimes be host to two rivals at the same time. This can be problematic for the two companies if they’re using the same application as it drives out the competition. This can result in a loss of control by the host company. This issue offers only a limited set of solutions in the SaaS system. Lastly, to use SaaS, users need a constant internet connection at all times.
Drawbacks of IaaS
With IaaS there is the constant threat of security issues by the competitors using the same cloud system as well. In the event that there’s some issue with the vendor, there might even be an obstacle in accessing your data.
While switching to an IaaS cloud computing system, transferring data and applications can get complicated and expensive. There is also a risk of losing data or of a shortage in skills by the cloud services management. The cloud may not always be coherent to the data and applications you wish to use over the cloud.
Drawbacks of PaaS
Much like the other two systems, PaaS faces security issues as well. This is mostly due to the connectivity and cyber threats that come with a virtual presence. Besides this drawback, most users have complained about the compatibility of data as well. Not all data existing in computer infrastructure can be cloud-enabled. Lastly, as with the other cloud systems, there is a lot of dependency on the vendor. The speed, support, and reliability of the cloud are via the vendor which may not always work best.
Conclusion
Although cloud computing is old news now, there is still hesitancy by companies to opt for this system. More companies need to get comfortable with the idea of giving up their applications and data. Companies must learn to trust the process and decide the best way to make use of cloud computing.
