What Are the Types of Cloud Computing

Almost 94% of all companies worldwide use some kind of cloud computing service in 2023. Including leaders like Amazon. Discover important cloud computing types—public, private cloud, hybrid cloud, multi-cloud—and their roles.

And learn how services like IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and XaaS can serve your business needs. Read on to explore this game-changing field.

Cloud computing is when you use the internet to store and access files and services online, instead of local storage or servers.

Cloud computing can be set up and provided to users in various ways, including the following:

Public Clouds

A public cloud is a key type of cloud computing environment. They have unique characteristics and are preferred by many businesses for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Here are some notable aspects of public clouds:

• Built on the provider's IT infrastructure, not the user's.
• Widely used: Over 94% of businesses in 2023.
• Modern twist: Providers now offer services on client's on-site data centers.
• Ownership and location are not as relevant.
• Created by dividing environments for multiple owners.
• Some are free, like Massachusetts Open Cloud; others charge fees.
• Examples include Alibaba Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud.

Private Clouds

A private cloud is a special setup created for specific users or groups. They work behind their security systems or firewalls. Unlike traditional setups, the private cloud doesn't always need in-house infrastructure.

Nowadays, many companies use external data centers provided by cloud service companies. This method is like using public clouds, where it doesn't matter where they are located or who owns them.

Key private cloud providers include Dell, IBM, and OpenStack. There are two primary types of private cloud options:

1. Managed Private Clouds: Managed by the service provider, perfect for businesses with small teams or less IT knowledge. The provider takes care of setting up, tailoring, and managing everything.
2. Dedicated Clouds: These can be part of a private cloud or a public cloud, working like a smaller cloud inside a bigger one. They are flexible and can be set up either just for one user or shared with others.

Hybrid Clouds

These types of cloud computing merge multiple environments into one, connected through networks like local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), and APIs. About 72% of businesses use this popular type, called a hybrid cloud. To be a hybrid cloud, it must have:

• At least one private cloud and one public cloud.
• Two or more private or public clouds.
• A physical or virtual setup linked to any cloud.

It's a hybrid cloud when apps shift between these interconnected spaces. Examples include Microsoft, VMware, Rackspace, and EMC.

Multiclouds

More than 65% of businesses are using multicloud solutions. A multicloud combines services from different cloud providers, both private cloud and public. While every hybrid cloud is a multicloud, not every multicloud is a hybrid cloud. A multicloud becomes a hybrid cloud when different clouds are integrated. There are two reasons a multicloud environment exists:

1. Intentional: Better data control and disaster recovery. 2. Accidental: Result of unmanaged IT (shadow IT).

Multiclouds enhance security and performance. Key cloud providers include Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure.

• All types of cloud computing share scalable resources across a network.
• Each cloud type offers computing capabilities, allowing workloads to run within their systems.
• Common technologies used in cloud computing include an operating system, a management platform, and APIs.
• Clouds often integrate virtualization and automation for better efficiency and capabilities.

Today, there are four main types of cloud computing: private clouds, public, hybrid cloud, and multicloud. Previously, the main differences between cloud deployment models were based on their location and who owned them. Now, these distinctions are less clear.

The primary way these cloud deployment models differ is in the specific services they offer and who can access them. For instance, the private cloud is accessible only to specific users or groups.

Cloud services are online services provided by third parties, including things like storage, software, or computing platforms.

They allow data to be exchanged between users and the cloud service provider over the internet. To use these services, you just need a computer, an operating system, and an internet or VPN connection.

There are four main types of cloud computing services available today, and they are:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) involves a cloud service provider managing the fundamental computing infrastructure over the internet, while users control applications and operating systems. Here's a quick overview:

• The service provider manages servers, networks, virtualization, and data storage.
• Accessed via API or dashboard.
• Users manage the operating system, applications, and middleware.
• The provider handles outages, repairs, and hardware issues.
• Billing is pay-as-you-go.
• Examples: DigitalOcean, Linode, Rackspace, AWS, Cisco Metapod, Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is mainly for application developers, providing necessary tools online. It complements but doesn't replace a company’s software development infrastructure and is typically accessed via a web browser.

PaaS offers various resources like operating systems, databases, web servers, and programming language execution environments. The public, private cloud, and hybrid cloud are all options for PaaS providers.

It includes tools for application design, like graphical user interfaces. Well-known PaaS providers are Microsoft Azure App Service, Heroku, Force, and Google App Engine.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a way to use software over the Internet without installing it. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Accessibility: Available over the Internet, stored in the cloud.
• Convenience: Subscribe and access from any device with the Internet.
• Storage: Data can be saved locally or in the cloud.
• Interoperability: Works with other software, connectable via APIs.
• Uses: Common for email, sales, CRM, billing, financial management, and collaboration.
• Examples of Providers: BigCommerce, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, Zoom

Everything as a Service (XaaS)

XaaS, or "Everything as a Service," offers a wide range of cloud-based tools and cloud services.

XaaS Features:

• Offers tools, applications, services, games, etc., via the cloud.
• Users pay as they go, avoiding upfront costs or licenses.

Benefits:

• Improves spending models.
• Accelerates the development of apps and business processes.
• Frees up IT resources for more valuable projects.

Common Types:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
4. Storage as a Service (StaaS)
5. Database as a Service (DBaaS)
6. Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS)
7. Communications as a Service (CaaS)
8. Network as a Service (NaaS)
9. Data as a Service (DaaS)

Popular Providers:

• Auvik, AWS, etc.

Personal cloud computing lets individuals store, manage, and access data and applications online. It provides easy access and personal data control, ensuring a secure and flexible personal digital space. It offers features like:

• Data Storage and Access: Centralizes file storage, making files accessible from any device like smartphones or computers.
• Privacy and Control: Provides enhanced privacy and data control, letting users set privacy levels and access permissions.
• Syncing and Sharing: Syncs data across devices and allows easy file sharing with adjustable permissions.
• Media Streaming: Streams personal media like photos, music, and videos from the cloud to any device.
• Backup and Recovery: Offers reliable data backup and quick recovery, protecting against data loss from device issues or accidents.

The introduction of 5G technology is set to significantly improve cloud computing, offering faster speeds, less delay, and stronger connectivity.

It enables quicker data movement to and from the cloud, enhances real-time data processing applications, and boosts the performance of IoT devices connected to the cloud.

Additionally, 5G will lead to more powerful mobile cloud computing experiences and open up new possibilities for cloud-based services and applications.

Cloud computing is revolutionizing Virtual Reality (VR) by providing the power and storage needed for immersive experiences. This combination is making VR easier to access and use, and spurring new, creative VR developments. Here are five ways cloud computing is

Handling Complex Computations

Cloud computing does the hard work of running complex VR worlds, offering richer experiences without needing powerful local devices.

Storage for VR Content

It provides ample space for large VR files, including detailed graphics and interactive parts.

Accessibility

Using the cloud, VR can be enjoyed without expensive personal hardware, making it more available to everyone.

Collaborative Experiences

With cloud-based VR, people can share virtual spaces for work, learning, or fun, no matter where they are.

Innovation in VR Development

The cloud gives developers advanced tools to build cutting-edge VR apps, expanding what VR can do.

Cloud computing is a popular choice for many businesses due to its various benefits and solutions. It comes in different deployment models, each offering unique ways to deliver cloud services.

Depending on your needs, you can select the most suitable model. Additionally, there are four main service types in cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Everything as a Service (XaaS).

Each type provides different resources tailored to meet specific requirements, allowing you to choose the best option for your business.