Cloud computing business model

Software as service is the simplest and perhaps the most common type of cloud computing service models. With SaaS users can access an application using the internet without downloading and installing the app on their computers. With this service model users only have access to the application where they can change the settings to fit their preferences, and not to other parts of the system, such as networks, operating systems and servers where the app is hosted. An example of a popular SaaS application is Google Docs.

In a PaaS the owner of the cloud-based platform allows clients to gain access to it for a fee. Clients can then use the platform for various purposes, including creating new programs and applications using the resources provided by the owner of the platform. These resources often include databases with different programs, programming languages and other tools. When clients use this cloud computing service they do not have access to the servers where the platform is located, the storage devices it uses or the operating system it runs on. 

IaaS, which is sometimes also called Hardware as Service, or Haas, is the cloud computing service type that allows clients the most access and capabilities. With IaaS users can install and uninstall different operating systems on the platform, edit network settings, change storage parameters and devices etc. The only things users don’t have full authority over are the physical devices - servers. 

Cloud computing solutions for businesses can also be categorized by privacy levels. A public cloud can be used by anyone for free or for a certain fee, which is especially useful for small operations or for individuals. One of the main concerns of using public clouds is their lower level of security compared to more private cloud solutions. 

Private clouds are normally used by only one company or organization without access for anyone else. This is a more expensive solution than a public cloud but data security is much greater. 

Hybrid clouds combine together several components that can include private, public and community clouds. Data is stored in different parts of the system depending on the importance of its security. 

 

Community clouds can be both private and public, they are normally used to share information and cloud-based applications and programs between different people and organizations.