Types Of Clouds and Cloud Services: An Easy 5 Step Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

With the technological revolution ushering a new era of global business, several different types of cloud services have emerged to support this boom in economic growth. The multi-dimensional and multi-functional Cloud Computing types ensure streamlining of business functions and information security to organizations. Cloud Computing experts offer enterprises and corporations with the best types of security in Cloud Computing through customized applications that use high-end computer servers and networks.

If you are a tech graduate or someone looking for better career options in the digital domain, then you must at least familiarize yourself with the various types of Clouds Better still, get yourself certified from trusted platforms like Jigsaw Academy, so you are qualified to offer the different types of cloud services.

What is Cloud Computing and What Are Its Types?

Before you can dive deeper into the types of cloud services used across domains, you must be fully aware of the basics of Cloud Computing. This includes learning about:

1. Definition of Cloud Computing
2. Categories of Cloud Computing
3. Types of Cloud Computing with examples
4. Different types of Cloud Computing services
5. What are the popular uses of Cloud Computing?

1. Definition of Cloud Computing

Simply put, Cloud Computing is the delivery of services on the internet using various types of cloud architectures. This means that if you are looking to store, manage, and process data through a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet rather than a local server, this entails using one of the several types of Cloud Computing models.

2. What are the categories of Cloud Computing?

There are essentially four different types of Clouds in Cloud Computing. Of these, three are the most used and are the basic types of cloud.

The three main types of Cloud Computing are:

A) Public Cloud

Based on a standard Cloud Computing model, a public cloud provides application storage and offers various types of Cloud Computing services over the Internet. The USP of a public cloud is that it allows hardware resource access to multiple users at a time, using a wireless or remote network. 

Public Cloud is advantageous for businesses looking to scale since large-scale operations can be handled well on this type of cloud. It is also one of the most cost-effective types of cloud Cloud Computing. Low maintenance and increased reliability are some additional advantages that come along with public clouds.

B) Private Cloud

Of the different types of Cloud Computing, this one offers exclusive services for a single enterprise or organization. This provides great benefits to the user in terms of the privacy of information and different types of cloud services it can avail. 

In terms of operations and functioning, the private cloud can be installed at data centers that are physically installed within the walls of the organization. Or it can also be used remotely and managed by third-party vendors. This makes it immensely flexible, potentially scalable, and supports the user with greater control and security in terms of data protection.

C) Hybrid Cloud

As the name suggests, this type of Cloud Computing is a combination and integration of public and private clouds. This way, it can offer you the best of different types of clouds in Cloud Computing. It allows for greater flexibility in terms of data transfer and increases an enterprise’s deployment options. This ensures great control and ease of transitioning while providing everything at cost-effective prices.

Your knowledge about the different types of Cloud Computing is incomplete without a fair understanding of a fourth type that integrates components of the three main types of Cloud Computing.

D) Community Cloud

This type of Cloud Computing is designed to address the needs of a specific community, like a business or an industry. And that is how it has derived its name. Quite aptly, the different cloud services offered under this type are shared by members of a community who share common goals or operations.

3. What are the types of Cloud Computing with Examples?

For a public cloud service, all the hardware, software, and other important infrastructure are developed and maintained by the providers of this service. A popular example of this kind is Microsoft Azure.

In the field of the private cloud service provider, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is by far an industry and market leader. VMware, another key player in this sector, comes a close second and has also been reported to tie up with HPE to provide the best cloud services. Google drive is a very common public cloud example. Community clouds are very popular in sectors like Media and Entertainment, Healthcare, and Energy. Even large scientific research organizations use this type of Cloud Computing.

4. What are the different types of cloud services in Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a rapidly developing and exponentially expanding domain. It is almost indispensable to businesses and organizations to make their operations self-sustaining, all the while keeping their data secured and protected.

There are three main segments or categories of cloud services:

A) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Arguably the most important type of cloud service, IaaS is also the lowest-level cloud service paradigm. This type of Cloud Computing service is designed to provide hardware resources to users using a virtual interface. It is easy to use since it does not come with pre-installed applications or even an operating system. This makes it a hugely popular choice among business owners.

All that IaaS providers do is allow access to the required infrastructure that is essential to support the software. The rest is left at the discretion of the user. Other benefits of IaaS include:

• Extra storage provision for data backup
• Network bandwidth for the website server of a company
• Enabling businesses to allow high-power computing services

B) Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This type of Cloud Computing services simply design and deliver the cloud platform to its users. The development part is left to the latter, allowing them flexibility and the power to manage applications. Typically, PaaS offers a base operating system and an application suite, along with some development tools. PaaS allows organizations the freedom to build the traditional infrastructure required to develop applications. It is often called the middleware since it falls somewhere between the SaaS and IaaS services.

C) Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a software licensing and delivery model that develops and delivers a fully functioning software to users over the web, using a subscription model. This type of Cloud Computing essentially renders the user’s operating system useless as it offers its services through a web browser that is billed against consumption.

5. What are the popular uses of Cloud Computing?

• Cloud Computing provides database services
• Different types of cloud services can provide simulations for developing and testing products
• You can host your website on the cloud
• Cloud Computing services are widely used in analyzing big data
• You can easily share your large files in a remote cloud host
• Storing data on the cloud prevents data loss

Conclusion

Cloud Computing is not just a buzzword anymore; it is practically present everywhere. This domain offers lucrative career opportunities for skilled learners and professionals. If you wish to develop skills in Cloud Computing, our online 5.5-month Postgraduate Certificate Program in Cloud Computing course can help you become a complete professional with expertise in all types of Cloud Services!

Also Read

• What is Hybrid Cloud & Its Benefits: An Easy 5 Step Guide
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing: An Easy 5 Step Process