Cloud is actually a metaphor for the Internet. Cloud computing actually uses the Internet to access applications, data or services stored or running on remote servers.
Any company that uses Internet-based methods for computing, storage and development can be technically called a company engaged in cloud computing. However, not all cloud companies are the same. Not everyone is a CTO, so sometimes it may be a headache to see some words behind cloud technology.
Clouds are also layered.
Any company that provides services on the Internet can be called a cloud computing company. In fact, cloud computing is divided into several levels, namely infrastructure as a service, platform as a service and software as a service. The infrastructure is at the bottom, the platform is in the middle and the software is at the top. Other soft layers can be added on top of these layers.
Iaas: Infrastructure as a Service (Infrastructure as a Service)
The first layer is called IaaS, sometimes called hardware as a service. A few years ago, if you wanted to run some enterprise applications on the office or company website, you needed to buy servers or other expensive hardware to control local applications and make your business run.
But now with IaaS, you can outsource the hardware to other places. IaaS will provide off-site servers, storage and network hardware, which you can rent. Maintenance costs and office space are saved, and companies can use these hardware to run their applications at any time.
Some large IaaS companies include Amazon, Microsoft, VMware, Rackspace and Red Hat. However, these companies all have their own specialties. For example, Amazon and Microsoft not only provide you with IaaS, but also rent their computing power to you to host your website.
PaaS: Platform as a Service (Platform as a Service)
The second layer is called PaaS, sometimes called middleware. All the development of your company can be carried out on this floor, saving time and resources.
PaaS provides various solutions for online development and distribution of applications, such as virtual servers and operating systems. This saves you hardware costs and makes it easier for scattered studios to cooperate. Web application management, application design, application virtual host, storage, security and application development collaboration tools.
Some big PaaS providers include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure, Force.com, Heroku and Engine Yard. Recent companies include AppFog, Mendix and Standing Cloud SaaS: Software as a Service.
(Software as a Service)
The third layer is also called SaaS. This layer is a layer that we come into contact with in daily life, and it is mainly accessed through a web browser. Any application on a remote server can run through the network, which is SaaS.
The services you consume completely enter these categories from web pages, such as Netflix, Mog, Google Apps, Box.net, Dropbox or Apple's iCloud. Although these network services are used for business and entertainment or both, they are also part of cloud technology.
Some SaaS applications for business include GoToMeeting of Citrix, WebEx of Cisco, CRM of Salesforce, ADP, Workday and SuccessFactors.