Different Types of Cloud Computing for Business

cloud computing
Cloud business intelligence is quickly becoming the standard by which companies marry their software, hardware, and IT infrastructure. Through cloud computing, a company has access to additional resources and applications provided by a third-party provider.

Another benefit of cloud search is improved efficiency of business processes. How cloud computing is defined varies depending on the provider, but a common characteristic is the provision of access to software or hardware housed in the cloud. Here are different cloud set-ups used by businesses.

Infrastructure as a service

A company that entirely outsources its IT infrastructure to a third-party provider uses an “Infrastructure as a Service” type of cloud business intelligence. The provider delivers hardware and software where the users have full independence on how to use and operate said infrastructure. A good illustration of IaaS cloud search services is web hosting provided by Google and IBM. Some of the benefits of IaaS include:

  • Less cost for maintenance and acquisition of equipment.
  • Business only pays for the level of service needed.
  • Access to high-quality hardware and software.
  • The company has the option to increase or decrease use if required.

While infrastructure as a service appears to have many benefits, not all companies prefer this set-up primarily because there is little control over the infrastructure.

Platform as a service

Platform as a Service is similar to IaaS but has more advanced features. In addition to the infrastructure provided, the facility incorporates a built-in cloud platform. Companies prefer this service when there is a need to develop their cloud search solutions for different applications. However, even if the company creates business applications through the platform, the provider still hosts the application. Azure cloud service is an example of this type of cloud computing. PaaS has the following notable benefits:

  • There is a community of users who can openly test and collaborate on the development of business cloud applications.
  • The provider of cloud business intelligence handles maintenance and upgrades.
  • The company is not required to make separate investments in hardware and software infrastructure. Instead, it pays for the service as the whole package.

Platform as a service is considered to be one of the most commonly adopted cloud search services by businesses. Nevertheless, there are other options available to companies with varying needs.

Software as a service

Many businesses associate cloud computing with providers of Software as a Service. What these providers do is develop web-based applications that are already fully-functioning once delivered to the users. There is no need to test or develop applications, unlike Platform as a Service. Most of the apps created cater to businesses. Aside from the implementation speed, SaaS also offers these advantages:

  • No need to worry about infrastructure.
  • Subscription based service, hence, scalability is fast.
  • Increased accessibility through the use of the internet.

These types of cloud-based computing services aim to address the different needs of companies. Each has unique features and benefits chosen by a company depending on their readiness to adopt cloud business intelligence.

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