Cloud computing has been a key buzzword on the lips of every IT pro for the past several years. However, as more and more cloud solutions make it down to the consumer market, the meaning can get lost or muzzled. After all, with millions of users walking around talking about iCloud, it can be a little bit hard to make the connection between that and, for example, a cloud-hosted application.
The truth of the matter is that there have always been several different types of cloud computing technology. Each model offers something different, and they all work together to help you get the most from your IT investment.
Here are a few of the common cloud models, and how they can each help your business:
- Cloud services in the web. These are the solutions that consumers are all abuzz about this year. Online storage solutions like Dropbox, for example, have put the term on consumer lips. In a nutshell, these services let you use web functionality to perform certain tasks. These services for your organization might include payroll processing, credit card transaction gateways, or even the Google Maps API.
- Software as a service. SaaS has been around for a while in HR, CRM, and ERP functions. It allows multiple customers to access a given application, providing greater flexibility and agility to all.
- Platform as a service. Similar to SaaS, in this configuration you actually manage the applications but you do so using the infrastructure that belongs to your cloud provider.
- Utility services in the cloud. This includes virtual storage options that are available to users on-demand. They may or may not be cloud services, like those described above.
- Managed cloud services. This was the first cloud model to appear on the scene. For this kind of cloud solution, it’s actually the provider that utilizes the application, not the end-user. Anti-spam services are an example.
Cloud solutions are likely to grow, expand, and change as time goes on. New ideas are constantly being proposed, and as more and more businesses implement cloud solutions, providers will find new ways to meet that growing demand.