Cloud computing allows you to transfer the heavy lifting and sifting of data from your device into massive computer clusters in cyberspace. The computers are accessible through the Internet and can access your files, applications and development tools wherever you are. This enables you to work more efficiently on your laptop while in a busy train carriage or at the conference table.
It also means that if the power goes out in your office, your work will be waiting for you when it comes back on as the cloud keeps a backup of all your information and applications. This is the reason that some of the world’s largest companies have moved to the cloud and have tested its performance and security.
There are several different types of cloud service and deployment models. They are typically categorized into four service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Serverless/Function-as-a-Service (FaaS). Cloud computing and “cloud” are frequently used interchangeably. However it is crucial to know the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and FaaS in order to determine which cloud deployment model will be most appropriate for your needs.
With IaaS, you are renting an entire set of hardware–servers and firewalls, virtual machines and storage–from a cloud service provider. This is a great option for businesses who create unique or specialized proprietary applications that require servers to be maintained and controlled and don’t want to invest the money or time purchasing, storing and installing their own equipment.
