Cloud Computing and Azure: Types of Cloud Services and Deployment

The advent of cloud computing has completely revolutionised the way in which we store and manage critical business data sets. As more and more cloud managed services are being adopted as the standard technology for accessing IT infrastructure, software and hardware, they can also provide greater assistance to businesses who are looking to improve efficiency with regards to cost, performance and productivity.  

Cloud managed services allow businesses to use customised applications managed by the best cloud managed service providers such as Advantage which can seamlessly store data securely in highly secure servers and networks. 

In this article, we will provide you with the different types of cloud services that are available for your business as well as the different ways of deploying the Cloud within your business. 

Types of Cloud Services: IAAS, PAAS, SAAS 

Most cloud computing services fall into three broad categories: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS). 

Knowing which area in the cloud computing stack works best for your business allows you to meet your objectives more smoothly.  

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)  

The initial phase in the cloud computing stack is IaaS. With IaaS, you rent IT infrastructure, servers, virtual machines, storage, networks and operating systems from a cloud provider on a pay to use basis.  

Platform as a service (PaaS) 

Platform as a service (PaaS) is cloud computing services that supply an on-demand environment for developing, delivering, testing and managing software applications.  The purpose of PaaS is to make it easier for developers to quickly create web or mobile apps without the worries of setting up or managing the underlying infrastructure of servers, storage, network and the database they need for development.  

Software as a service (SaaS)  

Software as a service (SaaS) is a method of delivering software applications over the Internet on demand and typically on a subscription basis. With SaaS, cloud providers host and manage the software application with underlying infrastructure, handle maintenance which includes upgrades and security patching. Users can connect to the allocation over the internet via web browser, phone, PC or tablet.  

Types of deployment   

Public cloud  

Public clouds are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service provider delivering computing resources such as servers and storage over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is a public cloud, with a public cloud all the software, hardware and infrastructure are owned and managed by the cloud provider. The user accesses these services and manages the account using a web browser.  

Private Cloud  

A private cloud refers to cloud computing resources used exclusively by a single business or organisation. A private cloud can be physically located on the company’s data centre on site however some companies also pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud if this is a more attractive option to them. 

Hybrid Cloud  

Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, using technology which allows data and applications to be shared between them. Allowing data and applications to move between private clouds and hybrid clouds gives companies more flexibility with their deployment options and use.  

If you are looking to transform the way you work by moving your business to the Cloud with Azure, are looking for a cloud managed service provider to help you on your journey, require additional IT support or wanting to outsource your IT completely, then please give our team of IT experts a call who will be able to discuss your specific needs in greater detail. 

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