Cloud services refer to the delivery of computing services, including storage, processing power, databases, networking, analytics, and software over the internet (the cloud) to offer flexible resources and scalable solutions. These services are provided by cloud service providers (CSPs) and are commonly categorized into three main models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Here's an overview of each:
Public Cloud:
- Services are provided by third-party vendors and made available to the general public over the internet. Resources are shared among multiple customers.
Private Cloud:
- Cloud infrastructure is used exclusively by a single organization. It can be managed by the organization or a third party and is not shared with other entities.
Hybrid Cloud:
- Combines elements of both public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This model provides greater flexibility and optimization of existing infrastructure.
Multi-Cloud:
- Involves using services from multiple cloud providers. Organizations may choose this approach for redundancy, data sovereignty, or to leverage specific services offered by different providers.