Cloud computing is a technological model that allows access and consumption, via the Internet, of configurable IT resources housed in a provider’s technical infrastructure. Concretely, it offers the user the possibility of outsourcing several IT services such as data storage and backup, computing power, application hosting, etc. To better understand the solution, discover how it works, its models, the different types, etc.
Operation and characteristics of cloud computing
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) broadly presents the working principle of cloud computing as follows. This is a model that makes IT resources available in a data center. Through a high-speed internet connection, users rent these services for a fee. Unlike the traditional mode of server hosting, applicants are exempt from managing the basic infrastructure.
In this regard, cloud computing represents a very interesting technical solution. It operates according to an economic model that fits with the ambitions of any company. Indeed, the service is in demand. In this sense, the requester can have access to the resources at any time without undue action on the part of the provider. Better still, this offer is measurable. This allows customers and suppliers to monitor actual consumption.
The other strength of the cloud is that it allows the pooling of resources. A host has enormous resources that are shared by all clients over periods that may or may not vary. This state of affairs requires from the provider an elasticity of resources that allows the needs of each user to be met precisely and dynamically.
The three main models of cloud computing
SaaS or “Software as a Service” is the most popular cloud computing model for businesses. This application software distribution offer allows users to have access through a simple internet connection to a wide range of work tools. Through this model, requesting companies are exempt from the management and maintenance of applications.
PaaS or “Platform as a Service” is a component of the ideal cloud computing offer for developers. Indeed, it offers users environments for the design and deployment of applications.
The IaaS or “Infrastructure as a Service” model saves companies from managing physical units. It also provides access to a wide range of services such as storage, network, etc.
What are the types of cloud computing?
Cloud services come in three main options that have particular advantages. The first, the public cloud makes resources based on a common infrastructure available to a set of users. This option is cost-effective because requesters only pay based on the threshold for using the services.
The private cloud is in high demand by large companies which rely on discretion, security and compliance with standards. It allows them to have access to resources, but in a unique and personalized way. Private mode is generally expensive. The last of the options, which is the hybrid cloud, combines the previous two to offer more flexibility to users both in terms of price and user experience.
