Learn About Cloud: Cloud Service Models

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

Several service models exist for cloud computing, including software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

Software-as-a-service (SaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider’s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. Applications are accessible from various client devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail), or a program interface. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user- specific application configuration settings.

Platform-as-a-service (PaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages, libraries, services, and tools supported by the provider.The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly configuration settings for the application-hosting environment.

Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, and deployed applications; and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).

Learn more about our public cloud and private cloud infrastructure-as-a-services (IaaS).

Learn more about our SaaS Hosting services.

Learn About Cloud: Cloud Deployment Types

Several cloud types, or cloud deployment models, exist for cloud computing:

Public cloud −The cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organisation selling cloud services.

Private cloud − The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organisation. It may be managed by the organisation or a third party, and may exist on premise or off premise.

Hybrid cloud − The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities, but are bound together by standardised or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).

Community cloud − The cloud infrastructure is shared by several organisations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organisations or a third party, and may exist on premise or off premise.

Learn more about our public cloud and private cloud services.

Learn About Cloud: Markets and Trends

Cloud computing represents one of the most significant technologies and trends within the IT industry. Cloud promises to reduce cost, improve business agility and reduce operational risk by improving control and standardisation.

Dimension Data Cloud Services offer differentiated capabilities, including:

Learn more about our public cloud and private cloud services.