Cloud Service Models Explained
Key Concepts
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Function as a Service (FaaS)
- Container as a Service (CaaS)
- Database as a Service (DBaaS)
- Storage as a Service (STaaS)
- Network as a Service (NaaS)
- Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
- Backend as a Service (BaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. Providers manage the infrastructure, such as servers, storage, and networking.
Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 allows users to rent virtual computers and run their own computer applications.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS delivers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the underlying infrastructure. It includes hardware and software tools needed for application development.
Example: Google App Engine provides a platform for developing and hosting web applications in Google-managed data centers.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, usually on a subscription basis. Users can access the software from various client devices through a web browser or app.
Example: Microsoft Office 365 allows users to access Office applications like Word and Excel via the internet without installing them locally.
Function as a Service (FaaS)
FaaS is a cloud computing service that allows developers to execute code in response to events without maintaining the underlying infrastructure. It enables serverless computing, where the cloud provider manages the server infrastructure.
Example: AWS Lambda allows developers to run code in response to events like file uploads or database changes without provisioning servers.
Container as a Service (CaaS)
CaaS provides a platform for deploying and managing containerized applications. It includes tools for orchestrating containers, such as Docker and Kubernetes.
Example: Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) allows users to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications using Kubernetes.
Database as a Service (DBaaS)
DBaaS offers managed database services, allowing users to deploy, operate, and scale databases without managing the underlying infrastructure. It includes various database types like SQL and NoSQL.
Example: Amazon RDS provides managed relational database services, supporting MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other database engines.
Storage as a Service (STaaS)
STaaS provides scalable storage solutions over the internet. Users can store and retrieve data without managing physical storage devices.
Example: Google Cloud Storage offers scalable object storage for data backup, disaster recovery, and archiving.
Network as a Service (NaaS)
NaaS delivers network services over the internet, allowing users to access and manage network functionalities without owning the physical network infrastructure.
Example: Cisco Meraki provides cloud-managed networking solutions, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
DaaS offers virtual desktop environments over the internet. Users can access their desktop environments from any device, and providers manage the underlying infrastructure.
Example: Amazon WorkSpaces provides virtual Windows or Linux desktops that users can access from various devices.
Backend as a Service (BaaS)
BaaS provides backend services like user authentication, push notifications, and cloud storage. It allows developers to focus on frontend development without managing backend infrastructure.
Example: Firebase offers backend services for mobile and web applications, including real-time databases and user authentication.