Cloud computing is a procedure that involves moving data and applications into the cloud. This enables businesses to access them from anywhere they have internet access. Businesses can cut costs by switching to the cloud and sizing their infrastructure up and down as required. This lets companies innovate more quickly without having to wait for new technology to be released.
Enterprises make use of the cloud most often by hosting their applications on servers of a cloud service provider. This type of cloud computing is called Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). SaaS providers provide all the middleware, hardware, and application software required to run a business app in their data centers. They typically provide this service on a pay-as-you-go basis, which means that the customer only pays for the features they utilize.
Another popular cloud service is called Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). With IaaS companies rent the storage and hardware needed for their own applications in a data center that’s maintained by the cloud computing provider. It’s similar to renting a home that you pay for the rooms you are using, such as the kitchen for dinner, or the bedroom at bedtime.
Finally, a newer cloud service called Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) is emerging that offers even more scalability and agility for business users. FaaS breaks down cloud applications into small parts that are activated when required. This allows you to pay only for the resources you require.