Explain the three service models of cloud computing, namely Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Give an example for each service model
The Answer
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) :-
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) cloud computing offers customers access to computing resources such aslike servers, storage, and networking. Organizations use their own platforms and applications within a service provider’s infrastructure.
IaaS main features:
Customers pay for IaaS on-demand without purchasing hardware.
Infrastructure is scalable.
There is no singular point of failure, because data lives in the cloud.
Empowers the virtualization of administrative tasks.
No costs associated with buying and maintaining hardware.
Some examples of IaaS are :- Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Metapod, Microsoft Azure.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) :-
Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud environment in which customers can develop, manage, and deliver applications. Customers can also use a variety of prebuilt tools to develop, customize, and test applications.
PaaS main features:
Allows organizations to focus on development and not concern worry about over basic infrastructure.
Delivers a platform with tools to test, develop, and host applications.
Facilitates cooperative work for remote and in-house teams.
Providers can manage operating systems, security, server software, and backups.
Some examples of PaaS are :- AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Windows Azure, Heroku.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) :-
Software as a service (SaaS) grants access to a vendor’s cloud-based software. Customers do not install applications on any local devices. Instead, the applications live on remote clouds and are network-accessed through the web or API. From this application, users can store and analyze data, and collaborate on projects collaborate.
SaaS main features:
Data is secure in the cloud.
Customers don’t have to manage, install, or upgrade software.
User resources can be scaled depending on service needs.
Equipment failure does not cause data loss.
Applications are accessible from most internet-connected devices.
SaaS vendors offer customers paid access to software and applications.
Some examples of SaaS are :- Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, Cisco WebEx, Concur, GoToMeeting.