Cloud Technologies Services

Cloud computing services have transformed the use of IT in business and public institutions. These services offer various options to cater to different needs, which can be categorized into a few types. Though each type has unique features, they share benefits that allow users to choose the best option for their needs.

Cloud Computing Services Features

Hosted Cloud Computing Services

Hosted cloud computing services are a type of cloud service where the provider handles the hardware and software needs of the service. This eliminates the need for users to invest in their own infrastructure and maintenance, allowing them to access the benefits of cloud computing with ease.

Self-Service Web Interface for Cloud Computing Services

Self-service web interface is a type of cloud computing service where users can initiate and manage specific service functions without direct interaction with the service provider. This allows users to easily increase or decrease their usage level, and make adjustments to their service as needed.

Pay-as-You-Go Cloud Computing Services

Pay-as-you-go is a cloud computing service model where users pay only for the amount of service they use. This model allows businesses to avoid the high capital expenditures and maintenance costs associated with on-premise IT infrastructure. Additionally, it provides a cost-effective alternative to the traditional approach of over-provisioning on-site IT capacities.

Near-limitless scalability

Cloud computing provides near-limitless scalability and can easily accommodate business growth or usage spikes. Additionally, users only pay for the services they use, resulting in potential cost savings compared to traditional on-site IT capacities.

How cloud computing services work

Cloud computing services share multiple common characteristics
  • Virtualization- cloud computing utilizes server and storage virtualization extensively to allocate/reallocate resources rapidly
  • Multi-tenancy -resources are pooled and shared among multiple users to gain economies of scale
  • Network-access – resources are accessed via web-browser or thin client using a variety of networked devices (computer, tablet, smartphone)
  • On demand – resources are self-provisioned from an online catalogue of pre-defined configurations
  • Elastic -resources can scale up or down, automatically
  • Metering/chargeback -resource usage is tracked and billed based on service arrangement
The most prevalent types of cloud computing services, whether delivered by third-party service providers or internally, include:
  • Software as a Service (SaaS) – software runs on computers owned and managed by the SaaS provider, versus installed and managed on user computers. The software is accessed over the public Internet and generally offered on a monthly or yearly subscription.
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – compute, storage, networking, and other elements (security, tools) are provided by the IaaS provider via public Internet, VPN, or dedicated network connection. Users own and manage operating systems, applications, and information running on the infrastructure and pay by usage.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS) – All software and hardware required to build and operate cloud-based applications are provided by the PaaS provider via public Internet, VPN, or dedicated network connection. Users pay by use of the platform and control how applications are utilized throughout their lifecycle.

Benefits of cloud computing services

  • Accelerated Implementation and Time-to-Value

    Cloud computing services enable businesses to implement new applications and services more quickly, reducing the time-to-value and enabling them to stay competitive in a fast-paced business environment.

  • Unrestricted Access to Applications and Content from Anywhere

    With cloud computing services, employees can access business applications and data from any location with an internet connection, increasing mobility and enabling remote work.

  • Rapid Scalability to Meet Demands

    Cloud computing services can scale resources up or down quickly in response to changing demands, allowing businesses to meet customer needs more efficiently and cost-effectively.

  • Optimized Utilization of Infrastructure Investments

    Cloud computing services can help businesses maximize their infrastructure investments by reducing the need for on-premises hardware and software, freeing up resources for other business priorities.

  • Reduced Infrastructure, Energy, and Facility Expenses

    By leveraging cloud computing services, businesses can reduce their expenses on physical infrastructure, energy costs, and facility expenses, leading to significant cost savings.

  • Improved IT Staff Efficiency and Productivity Across the Organization

    Cloud computing services can increase IT staff productivity by reducing the need for routine maintenance tasks, enabling IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives that add value to the business.

  • Enhanced Security and Preservation of Information Assets

    Cloud computing services can offer enhanced security measures, such as encryption and authentication, to protect critical business data and assets from cyber threats and data breaches.