Key components of cloud computing

Cloud computing is increasingly becoming a foundation for organisations of all sizes and at all stages.

From start-ups to multinationals, organisations are considering leveraging cloud solutions to scale their business operations with modern technology infrastructure.

Cloud computing supports companies, from small to large, enabling them to keep up with operational and customer demands.

Enhanced via the challenges posed from the pandemic, (specifically an increase in remote/ hybrid working) which has quickened organisation’s thought process into their digital transformation.

When it comes to cloud computing you will probably be familiar with the models Public Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid Cloud. What you may be less familiar with is what we identify as the key components of cloud computing… Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

Infrastucture as a Service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service, IaaS, is perhaps the foundation layer of cloud computing, delivering your essential IT resources (servers, networking, storage) on demand, via a subscription, on a OpEx pricing model.

This means that organisations can avoid both the capital expenditure of purchasing the infrastructure, but also the ongoing costs, efforts and expertise required for in-house management and maintenance.

IaaS enables you the facility to manage your applications and data, furthermore providing the flexibility to scale your resource up and down, based on demand- paying only for what you use, without the need to provision additional hardware.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Platform as a Service, PaaS, coincides with IaaS, offering an additional platform for developers to build, deploy and manage applications, over the internet.

PaaS providers offer pre-configured databases and environments to host both hardware and software on its own infrastructure.

Thus allowing developers to focus on writing code, eliminating the worries of infrastructure management and installation of in-house hardware and software to develop and/ or run any new applications.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service, Saas, is arguably the most common public cloud service, and is the top layer of cloud computing.

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription model. So, compared to traditional software installed on-premise, users can access the applications through a web browser.

SaaS provides take responsibility for the maintenance, management, updates and security, so users need only focus on using the software to meet their business needs.

Examples of SaaS applications:

  • Gmail
  • Microsoft 365
  • Dropbox
  • CRM tools such as Salesforce

It is undoubted that cloud computing is transforming attitudes towards technology, specifically the ways in which technology is being utilised.

If you would like a deeper insight into cloud computing please click here to view our cloud specific posts.

Our experienced engineering team can help you with any specific queries or provide you with any further information.

Please contact Data Installation & Supplies (DIS) on 01274 869 099 or info@disnorth.com.