Businesses are now considering cloud computing due to its high scalability and lower investment cost. Cloud computing is a broad term, and to get the best result, you should only incorporate it into your IT strategy after you have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concept.
Cloud computing is a broad term that denotes internet-mediated access to computer resources. As someone looking to incorporate the concept, it is important to know about its deployment and available computing services. Consequently, this article extensively discusses cloud computing deployment and services so you can decide on the right one for your business.
What is Cloud Computing Deployment?
Cloud computing deployment is a term that denotes how to set up the cloud. There are three major cloud computing deployment models. This section discusses their features, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
Public Cloud
The public cloud is the most popular cloud computing deployment model. It is owned by a third-party provider responsible for providing, managing, and maintaining cloud computing resources for the targeted users (called tenants). The data center is remotely located, and the public cloud can host cloud computing services such as IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS and make them available for all tenants over the internet.
Cloud computing services rendered on the public cloud are accessible via a web browser and can be free or subscription-based. Common examples are Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure.
Advantages
-Low initial investment as tenants does not need to invest in IT infrastructure.
-Public clouds are scalable and flexible enough to meet large and unpredictable work demands.
-The service provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the IT infrastructure, which makes tenants focus more on their business.
-Public clouds are the most affordable compared to other cloud deployment models.
Disadvantages
-It has fewer customization options due to a large number of people accessing the cloud.
-The service provider is in total control of the public cloud, which leads to confidentiality and cost issues.
-Public clouds are the least secure, which makes them unsuitable for running critical and sensitive data.
Private Cloud
A private cloud is a cloud computing deployment model made specifically and isolated for an organization. The data center can be on-site (on the organization’s premises) or remote (owned by a third-party cloud service provider).
For private cloud hosted in a remote data center, the provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the cloud computing resources and delivering them to the organization over a secure network. On the other hand, when the data center is on-site, the organization’s IT department is responsible for management and maintenance.
Generally, the private cloud is customizable, runs behind a firewall, and is accessible by only a single user. Private clouds can deliver two cloud computing services: IaaS (Infrastructure as a service) and PaaS (Platform as a service). Furthermore, you can combine with the public cloud to form a hybrid cloud applicable when there is an increase in computing demand.
There are two types of private clouds:
- Dedicated Clouds: This is a private cloud within another cloud (private or public) dedicated to a branch of an organization. An example is a private cloud for the research and development department in the general public or a private cloud for a production company.
- Managed Private Clouds: These computing clouds are configured and managed by a third-party vendor and are suitable for organizations that lack the computing resources to run their cloud infrastructure and services.
Advantages
-Cloud computing resources are available for only one organization
-Private clouds have the highest level of security
-It is highly scalable and efficient. As a result, it is highly reliable for high-performance computing.
Disadvantages
-It is an expensive model when compared to other models
-The high level of instituted security limits accessibility by mobile devices.
-Although scalable, the scalability pales compared to the public cloud.
Hybrid Clouds
A hybrid cloud combines public and private clouds through different networks. There are several combinations, with common ones being:
- One private and one public cloud
- Two or more private cloud
- Two or more public clouds
Due to the combination, hybrid clouds are complex and have different requirements.
Advantages
-Businesses can easily scale up or down to handle excess computational work without security risks.
-It is flexible, making it suitable for distributing workloads across public and private infrastructure when needed.
-The combination of two or more clouds increases the reliability of the cloud deployment model.
-Since tenants can run the IT workloads on multiple clouds, it is possible to spread the workloads on different clouds and trade off for the cost.
Disadvantages
-It requires compatibility and integration between multiple cloud deployment models, which is rare due to the lack of direct control over the infrastructure.
-There is additional infrastructural complexity when organizations operate and manage an ever-evolving mix of private and public cloud architecture.
Cloud Computing Services
Cloud computing services are infrastructure, platforms, and services rendered on a cloud computing model. Knowing about the different cloud computing services is important as it can make it easier to choose the right one for your business. Below are the four common types of cloud computing services.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Infrastructure as a Service is a cloud computing service model in which the service provider provides the infrastructure necessary for cloud computing for the end users. Furthermore, the provider manages and maintains infrastructures such as the data center, network, and data storage. On the other hand, the tenant manages the applications, runtime, data, and operating system. Examples of cloud computing service providers are Amazon Web Services, Google Compute Engine, and Microsoft Azure.
Advantages
-It is the most flexible cloud computing model
-It is subscription based
-It is highly scalable
Disadvantages
-There is no standardization for the cloud environment.
-There is lesser customization available
-End users generally experience downtime
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
Platform as a Service is a cloud computing service model in which the service provider provides and manages a platform (hardware and software) for its end users. On the other hand, the user is responsible for managing the application and data on the platform.
PaaS is the most suitable cloud computing service for developers and programmers who want to develop, test, and deploy applications without building and maintaining the required infrastructure. Examples of PaaS are Windows Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Google App Engine.
Advantages
-Since the provider is responsible for providing the hardware and software and the platform is available for multitenancy, there is lowered investment cost.
-Being available over the internet makes it easier for app developers and programmers to work seamlessly.
Disadvantages
-End users have lesser control
-It is harder to change vendors. Hence it would be best if you did good research before choosing one.
-The infrastructure available depends on the providers
-There is lesser integration with other platforms, which can make it unsuitable for businesses that need integration with other apps and software
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing service model in which a provider makes software or application available to its end users online. The software’s installation and management are central and accessible by end users over the internet. Furthermore, the service provider is responsible for updates, bug fixes, and other maintenance. Examples of SaaS include Google Workspace, Dropbox, and GoToMeeting.
Advantages
-SaaS is subscription-based with no up-front license fees leading to a lower initial cost than the traditional model.
-Installation and configuration of the software occur before roll-out, leading to quicker setup, unlike the traditional software model.
-The SaaS provider is responsible for updates which means software update is automatic
-SaaS has a wide range of supported devices since the service is accessible via thank web browser and an internet connection. As a result, it is easier and widely supported across a wide range of devices.
-There are several subscription options for SaaS, which makes scaling easier for small and medium scaled businesses
Disadvantages
-End users cannot control the choice to upgrade and change the features of the software
-SaaS may run at somewhat slower speeds than traditionally installed software
-SaaS generally have limited support making it unsuitable for an organization that needs deep integration with other app and software
How Can V2 Cloud Help You?
V2 Cloud is a virtual desktop solution that provides businesses with computer resources they can access via the internet from their PCs or tablets. With V2 Cloud’s virtual desktop solutions, you only need to pay for what you need. Consequently, you can convert your capital expenditure targeted to hardware and software upgrades into other things. Are you looking for a virtual desktop solution? Try V2 Cloud and experience a secure and fully managed cloud-hosted environment.
Final Thoughts
Cloud computing is a general term that denotes access to computer resources like software, servers, and data storage via the internet. Being a broad term with several types, many cloud-related terms can overwhelm cloud computing enthusiasts. The top examples are the types of cloud computing and cloud service model. This article talked about the types of cloud computing and cloud services.
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