2.3. | Service Delivery Models |
Cloud computing has significantly transformed how businesses operate by offering various models of service delivery. These models outline the frameworks for how computing resources are managed and provided to users. They form the backbone of the cloud’s offerings, enabling users to select the level of control, flexibility, and management that best fits their needs. In this discussion, we will explore the three primary service delivery models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), as well as emerging models such as Function as a Service (FaaS) and Everything as a Service (XaaS).
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Definition and Core Characteristics IaaS is the most fundamental level of service, providing virtualized computing resources over the internet. It is the virtual delivery of computing infrastructure, which includes virtual servers, storage, and networking. Users can rent or lease servers for compute and storage instead of purchasing and managing physical servers and data center infrastructure.
Components and Offerings Typical components of IaaS include virtual machines, virtual LANs, load balancers, and IP addresses. This model gives the user the highest level of flexibility and management control over their infrastructure compared to other cloud services. Major IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM Cloud.
Benefits and Use Cases IaaS offers several benefits including significant cost savings since it eliminates the need for large capital expenditures on hardware. It provides flexibility, as resources can be scaled up or down based on demand. IaaS is highly suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that do not want to invest in hardware or for temporary workloads that do not justify such investments. It is also ideal for large enterprises looking to outsource their infrastructure needs.
Challenges and Considerations While IaaS provides many benefits, it also requires the user to manage the operating systems, applications, runtime, and data. Ensuring security and compliance in an IaaS setup can be challenging as the user is responsible for securing their applications and data.