Have you ever used Google Drive or OneDrive from Microsoft? Indirectly, you have used Cloud Computing as a data storage facility. However, the definition of Cloud Computing is not that simple, this technology also allows us to run websites, applications, or just to store files.

If Google Drive or OneDrive is for personal use, Companies or SMEs with higher requirements will usually utilize Cloud Computing.

Cloud Computing provides companies with the option to utilize Cloud services without being burdened by considerations such as procurement, maintenance, and capacity planning. 

The technology of Cloud is also constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of Companies. There are at least two categories of Cloud, where each category has 3 different types. To help us understand Cloud Computing better, we will discuss this topic with you.

Types of Cloud Computing by Model

Cloud Computing has 3 main models, based on the level of customization. These 3 models will form levels where SaaS will be at the top and IaaS at the bottom.

1. Infrastructure as a Service

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the basic infrastructure service for the Cloud that usually provides access to the network, computers (Virtual or Hardware), and storage space. IaaS is a service model with the best level of flexibility, where we can arrange all the leased infrastructure and manage it independently, examples of IaaS includes: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.

2. Platform as a Service

Next is Platform as a Service (PaaS), where in this service we can utilize all the resources that we lease, without having to do independent management like IaaS. This Cloud Computing service model allows companies to focus on the projects being worked on, while management of hardware, software, or other components is handed over to the service provider, examples: Google Apps Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Salesforce Platform, etc.

3. Software as a Service

Lastly, there is Software as a Service (SaaS), a product created and managed by the service provider, which is usually in the form of software offered as a service. Unlike the previous two models, SaaS is a product dedicated to the End User. One example of SaaS is paid email or editing applications, examples: Dropbox, Office 365, Canva, etc.

Types of Cloud Computing Based on Application

On the other hand, from application perspective, Cloud Computing has 3 types, namely Public, Private and Hybrid. Let’s discuss them one by one.

1. Public Cloud

Public Cloud is the most common type of cloud computing, where Cloud services are accessible to the public and can be used by anyone. However, resources such as servers and storage are still owned and operated in a safe and protected virtual space by the Cloud service provider, in this case, a third party. The most commonly used example of Public Cloud is web-based email or online data storage applications.

2. Private Cloud

Simply put, Private Cloud is where the Server for all the infrastructure forming the Cloud is placed on-site. This type of Cloud may not have the flexibility of a Public Cloud, but some prefer Private Cloud because resources are not shared with others, so Companies will have a greater level of privacy and control.

3. Hybrid Cloud

This type can be regarded as a combination of Public and Private Cloud. This type allows both models to be integrated into one system, which ultimately enable the company to have the desired features from both, for example, a Hybrid Cloud can achieve scalability equivalent to a Public Cloud while still protecting restricted applications like in a Private Cloud.