Cloud Computing has completely changed the way businesses store data, run applications, and scale their operations. But If you’re just getting started, the world of cloud deployment models: Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud. Some organizations also use Community Cloud and Multi-Cloud setups, which are becoming more common today.
When it comes to what kind of cloud services you can use, there are three main types: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
There’s also something called Serverless Computing, which takes things a step further. It lets developers run code without worrying about managing servers; the cloud provider automatically handles all that behind the scenes.
In this article, we are going to cover different types of Cloud Computing, including the models.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing means using the internet to access things like servers, storage, databases, and software instead of owning them yourself. It lets companies store files, run apps, and host services easily without the high costs of buying and maintaining their own equipment.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing comes in three main types: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service). IaaS offers virtual machines and storage, PaaS provides tools to built and deploy apps, and SaaS delivers ready-to-use software online.
These can be used through different deployment models like public, private, hybrid or multi-cloud depending on a business’s need.
Types of Cloud Computing Models
Cloud computing mainly includes four models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and Serverless computing.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) offers virtual servers, storage, and network online. Users can manage and customize their own IT setup without owning physical hardware.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) gives developers a ready platform to build, test, and deploy apps without worrying about managing servers.
- SaaS (Software as a Service) provides ready-to-use software over the internet, so users can access apps anytime without installing or maintaining them.
- Serverless Computing lets developers run code without managing servers. It automatically scales based on demand, saving time and costs.
Comparison between Cloud Computing Models
- Infrastructure: Offers virtual servers, storage, and networking over the internet
- Management: Users manage servers, storage, and networks
- Customization: Highly customizable
- Flexibility: Very flexible
- Scalability: Scales at the infrastructure level
Examples: AWS, Microsoft Azure
- Infrastructure: Provides a platform for building and running apps
- Management: The provider handles the backend systems
- Customization: Some customizations possible
- Flexibility: Moderately flexible
- Scalability: Scales at the application level
Examples: Google App Engine, Heroku.
- Infrastructure: Delivers ready-to-use software online
- Management: The vendors take care of everything
- Customization: Very limited customization
- Flexibility: Least flexible
- Scalability: Scales as user demand grows
Examples: Salesforce, Google Workspace.
- Serverless Computing
- Infrastructure: Hides server management so developers don’t have to handle it.
- Management: Developers just focus on writing and deploying code
- Customization: Focus on coding not infrastructure
- Flexibility: Highly flexible and adaptable
- Scalability: Automatically scales with usage.
Examples: AWS, Lambda, Azure Functions and Google Cloud Functions.
Cloud Computing Deployment Models
Cloud deployment models describe how cloud services are set up, managed, and used. The main types are Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Community Cloud, and Multi-Cloud. Each offers different levels of control, security, and flexibility based on business needs.
- Public Cloud
Public Clouds are owned and managed by third party providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Businesses pay only for what they use a pay-as-you-go model.
Advantage: Cost-effective, easy to scale, no hardware management.
Disadvantage: Less control over data, potential security and privacy concerns.
- Private Cloud
A private cloud is used by a single organization and runs on a dedicated infrastructure, either on premises or hosted by a provider.
Advantages: More control, better security, and compliance support.
Disadvantages: Higher setup and maintenance costs, required skilled staff.
Examples: VMware vCloud, Openstack, Cisco Secure Cloud.
- Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, allowing businesses to balance flexibility and security.
Advantages: Cost-effective, scalable, and secure, support available workloads.
Disadvantages: Complex to manage and integrate.
- Community Cloud
Community clouds are shared by several organizations with similar needs like healthcare, research, or government sectors.
Advantages: Cost-sharing, secure collaboration, customizable for specific industries.
Disadvantages: Shared management can be complex and less flexible.
Example: CloudSigma, Nextcloud, Owncloud.
- Multi Cloud
A multi cloud setup uses services multiple cloud providers to avoid dependency on a single one.
Advantages: Flexibility, cost savings, better performance, and improved reliability.
Disadvantages: Complex to manage, possible compatibility issues, higher overhead costs.
Examples: Kubernetes, Red Hat Openshift, Docker Swarm.
Difference Between Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud
Cloud computing comes in different forms, each offering unique benefits depending on how much control, cost efficiency, and flexibility a business needs. The three main types are Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud.
- Public Cloud
A Public Cloud is managed by third-party providers like Amazon Web Services AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. The infrastructure is shared among multiple organizations, and users pay only for what they use, using a pay-as-you-go model.
- Cost: Affordable and cost-efficient, with no need for upfront hardware investment.
- Control: Less control over the infrastructure since it’s managed by the provider.
- Scalability: Highly scalable resources can be added or reduced anytime.
- Security: Managed by the provider, but many have varying security levels depending on the service.
- Flexibility: Very flexible, ideal for businesses needing quick access to IT resources.
- Private Cloud
A private Cloud is dedicated to a single organization. It can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider, but it offers complete control and customization.
- Cost: Higher initial investment, as infrastructure and maintenance are managed by the organization or its provider.
- Control: Full control over servers, data, and security.
- Scalability: Can scale, but often requires extra investment in hardware.
- Security: Offers stronger security and privacy, suitable for sensitive data and compliance needs.
- Flexibility: Customizable, but requires more setup and management effort.
Examples: VMware vCloud, OpenStack, or company-hosted private data centers.
- Hybrid Cloud
A Hybrid Cloud combines both public and private clouds to balance flexibility, security, and cost. It allows businesses to keep sensitive data on a private cloud while using the public cloud for less critical tasks or peak workloads.
- Cost: Varies depending on how much is used from each environment.
- Control: Offers more control than public cloud but less than a fully private setup.
- Scalability: Highly scalable organizations can use public cloud resources when demand spikes.
- Security: Must manage security across both private and public environments.
- Flexibility: Very flexible gives businesses the best of both worlds.
Examples: AWS outposts, Azure Stack, and Google Anthos are popular hybrid solutions.