Cloud computing technology (e.g. Microsoft Cloud) means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet, instead of using the hard drive of computer. It means the delivery of different services through the internet.
These resources include data storage tools, programs, servers, databases, networking, and software. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are at the forefront of this service area. Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are described below briefly:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a stable cloud services platform that provides computing resources, database storage, content distribution, and other features to help companies expand and scale. In easy terms, AWS helps the server to run the web and application servers in the cloud to host dynamic websites.
By being the first to market and the more developer friendly AWS has developed into the largest cloud services provider. It provides long-running and reliable storage services like AWS S3, EBS, and Glacier. AWS S3 guarantees high accessibility and automatic replication across regions. Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) allows independent networks to be built under the Cloud umbrella.
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is cloud computing software developed by Microsoft to develop, test, deploy, and manage applications and services via data centers operated by Microsoft. It is a comprehensive suite of cloud products that allow users to create enterprise-class applications without having to build out their own infrastructure.
Azure offers enhanced tools for the companies which are already participating in Microsoft products bringing an existing network into the cloud. It provides long-running and reliable storage services like Blob Storage, Disk Storage, and Standard Archive.
It uses temporary storage and page blobs for VM volume. Azure has Block Storage option as a counterpart to S3 in AWS. As a counter part of VPC, Microsoft Azure Virtual Network does all the things which is done by VPC.
Cloud computing services are differentiated into four categories such as: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and function as a service (FaaS). Often these are called the cloud computing stack, since they build on top of each other. These different types of cloud services and their benefits are described below:
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
The first form of cloud computing is infrastructure as a service (IaaS), which is used to access storage and processing resources through the internet. IaaS which is the most common category of cloud computing types rents the infrastructure from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis-servers, virtual machines, storage, networks, and operating systems.
The main advantages of Infrastructure as a Service are scalability, cost-effectiveness, pay-on-demand for utilities, location independence, redundancy and the security of your data. It can provide better security than your existing software.
Platform as a service (PaaS)
The second type of cloud computing is platform as a service (PaaS) which gives developers the tools which is needed to create and host web apps. It is designed for providing the users with the access to the components.
It runs web or mobile applications over the internet. It works with the setting up or maintaining the underlying server, storages, network components and database infrastructures. It has ability to improve a developer’s productivity.
It provides direct support for business agility by enabling rapid development with faster and more frequent delivery of functionality.
Software as a service (SaaS)
The third form of cloud computing is software as a service (SaaS) that is used for web applications. It is a way of distributing software applications over the internet, where cloud services host and administer software applications. That function makes it simpler for all users to use the same functionality. It gives all users to access in the cloud when is needed. This will help every company to save money, time and human capital. It can deliver simplified focus and enhanced efficiency by eliminating problems such as system maintenance and incompatibility.
Function as a service (FaaS)
The fourth form of cloud computing is function as a service (FaaS) that offers forum to the customers. It helps to create, operate and manage application functionalities without the difficulty of constructing and managing the infrastructure. It is associated with the creation and the launch of an application. It focuses more on code, not infrastructure. It can split the server into functions that can be automatically and independently scaled to avoid network management. It helps you to focus on the application code which can significantly reduce the time to market.
If you are looking for IT support to set up your company with a cloud technology then make sure to contact us for a free consultation.