Different Types of Cloud Computing Explained

Throughout the past decade, there has been a growing trend of cloud computing, gaining more and more traction in the IT world, making it a very important and substantial part of it. As one of the defining IT technologies, types of cloud computing have taken the lead amongst technologies such as augmented reality/virtual reality, robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, and IoT. However, to understand the concepts in this digitally driven world, pursuing courses is one of the best ways to learn Cloud Computing. 

Almost everyone has heard about the cloud, and it is likely that most of us use cloud platforms at least on some level on a daily basis - be it Dropbox or iCloud services (e.g., iCloud email sync) - but we do not know the 4 types of cloud computing. What is truly fascinating about the cloud is how it works at the enterprise level, and that is where its true power lies. There is no doubt that the cloud computing market size will grow by $832.1 billion by 2025 from the $371.4 billion that it was worth in 2020. In this article, we will discuss what cloud computing is with examples, types of virtualizations in cloud computing and the different types of cloud computing. 

What is Cloud Computing?

To begin with, we will first talk about cloud computing definition and types. The term "cloud computing" refers to the use of services hosted over the Internet, such as data storage, server, database, networking, and software. In the cloud service provider's data center, physical servers are used to store the data, which is managed by the service provider. The cloud computing environment is a way of providing users with on-demand access to computer system resources, particularly data storage and computing power, without the user being able to manage those resources directly. 

By storing files on the cloud instead of storing them on a storage device or hard drive, users can gain access to the files from anywhere, as long as they have access to the internet and a web browser. There are three general categories of cloud computing services that can be classified as PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). Depending on the deployment model, cloud computing can also be classified into four different types of cloud computing, namely multi clouds, public, private and hybrid cloud. 

Furthermore, it has been suggested that cloud computing can be divided into two layers and types of cloud computing, namely, the front-end and the back end. Front-end is a term used to describe the layer of the application where users interact with the system. By using cloud computing software, a user can access the data in the cloud. 

This back-end layer of the system is made up of several layers of software and hardware, such as computers, servers, central servers, and databases. There is a particular layer that is the primary component of the cloud that is responsible for storing the information in a secure manner. A software called middleware that acts as a bridge between the database and the applications on the central server ensures seamless connectivity between devices linked via cloud computing. 

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Cloud Computing and Its Types

Listed below are the different types of clouds in cloud computing: 

1. Private Clouds 

Among the different types of cloud computing models, we will first discuss the private cloud model. To clear the question of what is private cloud vs public cloud, private clouds are those pools of computing resources that are offered via a private network of computers for the exclusive use of a single organization over a long period of time. It is also known as an internal cloud, enterprise cloud, or corporate cloud, a private cloud is typically managed by internal resources and its use is not restricted to anyone outside of the organization. There are many benefits to using a private cloud, such as self-service, scalability, and elasticity, but there are also additional controls, security, and customizations that you can take advantage of. 

Private clouds provide a higher level of security by encrypting sensitive data and hosting it internally, preventing third parties from accessing sensitive information. Despite its many advantages, private clouds have one major disadvantage, and that is the fact that the organization is responsible for managing and maintaining all the data centers themselves, which can result in a considerable resource consumption. 

Advantages 

• Users benefit from the security and privacy provided by a private cloud 
• On-demand IT resources can be allocated and delivered quickly by the IT team 
• Compared to public clouds, private clouds offer better performance, faster speeds, and greater storage capacities 
• A separate private cloud for personal use is a good choice for organizations that prioritize data security 

Disadvantages 

• Cloud service management and operation require skilled personnel. 
• An organization that has a large user base, and a lack of pre-built infrastructure, sufficient staff, and infrastructure to manage and maintain a private cloud would not benefit from a private cloud. 
• Since private clouds are available within an organization, the operational area is limited. 

2. Public Clouds 

Among the different types of cloud computing models, we will now discuss public cloud model. The term "public cloud" refers to a set of computing services that are being provided over the Internet by third-party providers. In contrast to private clouds, public clouds offer a wide range of services that can be purchased or used by anyone who is interested in using or purchasing them. There are a number of cloud computing types with examples where these services are available free of charge or can be purchased on-demand, with users only paying per CPU cycle, storage, or bandwidth that is used. 

It can save businesses a significant amount of money by reducing the need to purchase, manage, and maintain on-premises infrastructure because the cloud service provider is in charge of managing the system. In addition to scalability, they offer flexible bandwidth and scalable RAM, so businesses can easily scale their storage to meet the demands of their business. 

Advantages 

• Private and hybrid clouds are more expensive than public clouds 
• Integration of public clouds is easier. Therefore, consumers benefit from greater flexibility 
• As computing resources are required, public clouds are highly scalable 
• There is no need to worry about the maintenance of public clouds, since they are maintained by the cloud service provider 

Disadvantages 

• A cloud provider's performance depends on the speed of their internet connection 
• Resources are shared publicly in public clouds, making them less secure 
• Data is not under the Client's control 

3. Hybrid Clouds 

Among the different types of cloud servers' model, we will now discuss hybrid cloud models. This type of cloud combines the advantages of both public and private clouds. With the so-called "best of both worlds" cloud model, workloads can be shifted between public and private clouds, depending on the computing requirements and costs of the workload. Hybrid clouds allow businesses to scale their on-premises infrastructure up to the public cloud when the demand for computing and processing fluctuates, enabling them to handle any overflow without worrying about their data being accessible to third parties and ensuring that their data is protected from third parties. 

As a result of a hybrid approach to cloud computing, companies do not have to purchase and maintain resources that they might not be able to use for an extended period of time instead of paying for resources they will not be using for an extended period of time. Hybrid clouds offer the benefits of public clouds without the security risks associated with them, meaning you get the benefits of both. 

Advantages 

• New products and services can be delivered more quickly with hybrid cloud 
• In contrast to public clouds, hybrid clouds provide a greater level of security for organizations 
• Public and private clouds work together to provide flexible resources 
• Risks can be reduced by utilizing hybrid clouds 

Disadvantages 

• Providers of cloud services determine how reliable hybrid clouds are 
• As compared to a private cloud, the security features of Hybrid Cloud are not as good 
• The management of hybrid clouds is complex because there is several cloud computing, and its types and deployment models to consider 

4. Multi Clouds 

Among the different types of clouds in the cloud computing model, we will now discuss multi-cloud model. Multi Clouds are a type of cloud computing approach in which multiple cloud services are used from different types of cloud computing vendors, whether they are public clouds or private clouds. A hybrid cloud can be a multi-cloud or a hybrid cloud, but a multi-cloud cannot always be a hybrid cloud. A hybrid cloud is created by integrating multiple clouds together in some way or orchestrating them in some way to create one cloud. 

Multi-Cloud environments may exist by design (so that sensitive data can be properly controlled or as an added layer of disaster recovery in the event of a disaster) or by accident (usually as a result of shadow IT). Regardless of how one decides to define it, it is now more common for enterprises to utilize multiple clouds to enhance their security and performance by leveraging a wide range of different platforms. 

Advantages 

• It is easier to change vendors with a multi-cloud approach because you can keep a backup on another provider 
• By choosing the most innovative vendors in each field, you can build a multi-cloud environment. It is easy to adopt cloud services from major cloud providers, saving you from having to research and develop these technologies yourself. If you find a better or newer technology, you can change one or several cloud vendors 
• To build the best possible infrastructure within your budget, you should choose vendors both in terms of quality and price. Different cloud vendors also offer more affordable services that can significantly reduce your organization's cloud costs 

Disadvantages 

• Multi-cloud can pose a concern because it may reduce a business's purchasing power, which makes it harder to track costs.

Types of Cloud Computing Services

Listed below are the different categories of cloud computing services: 

1. IaaS 

IaaS refers to a type of cloud computing service that manages your infrastructure through the internet, which includes servers, networks, virtualization, and data storage. Through APIs or dashboards, the user has access to the infrastructure. A user manages applications, operating systems, and middleware, while the provider handles hardware, data storage, networking, hard drives, and servers, and repairs, outages, and hardware issues. Cloud storage providers typically deploy this model. 

2. PaaS 

PaaS means an outside cloud service provider that provides and manages the hardware and software platform, but the user is responsible for the apps and data used by the apps. A PaaS service enables developers and programmers to develop and manage applications in the cloud without building and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for the process (a key component of DevOps). 

3. SaaS 

SaaS involves delivering software applications to users that the cloud service provider manages. A SaaS app is usually a web application or a mobile app that users can access via a web browser. Users connect to cloud applications via dashboards or APIs, and updates and bug fixes are handled for them. In addition to eliminating the need for any app to be installed locally on each computer, SaaS also allows greater methods of group and team collaboration. 

Which Cloud Computing is the Safest?

Hybrid cloud is considered to be the safest of all cloud computing types. With hybrid cloud security, users and admins can minimize data exposure using a combination of features from multiple environments and move workloads and data between environments according to compliance, policy, audit, or security needs. 

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Cloud Computing Deployment Models

1. Cloud 

A cloud deployment involves deploying an application through one or more hosting models, such as SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS, that leverage the cloud. Workloads on the cloud are architected, planned, implemented, and operated in this manner. 

2. Hybrid

Hybrid cloud models enable enterprises to deploy workloads in both private and public cloud environments and move them in between as computing requirements and costs change. Businesses are given greater flexibility and more options when it comes to deploying their data. 

3. On-premises

Deploying on-premises means installing and managing the software yourself and storing data on your own servers. An on-premise software infrastructure is a system where all your company's software is stored on your own hardware. To keep this infrastructure up to date, your company's IT (Information Technology) department must do it themselves. 

Conclusion

The cloud revolutionized IT completely. With cloud computing, we will be able to build better products and services, serve customers, and discover new things. With cloud computing, business leaders can gain a competitive edge, whether they choose the tools and software, construct the cultures, or execute business strategies. 

So, now might be fully aware of what cloud computing is and what the different types of cloud computing are as well. However, if you are willing to widen your concepts, then it would be recommended that you pursue the best way to learn Cloud Computing at KnowledgeHut courses.