Overview of Cloud Computing Services
Cloud computing services refer to companies that build public clouds, manage private clouds, or provide on-demand cloud computing components (also known as cloud computing services) such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Compared to on-premises IT, cloud computing services can reduce business process costs. These clouds are typically not deployed as standalone infrastructure solutions, but rather as part of a hybrid cloud.
Functions of Cloud Computing Services
When hardware and software are deployed on-premises, you and your team are responsible for managing, updating, and replacing individual components to meet changing demands. However, by using a cloud service provider, you can delegate the management of part or all of the infrastructure to a third party, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain infrastructure, and simply access it as a service.
Choosing cloud computing support is an efficient way to obtain computing services, removing the complexity of building your own services. For example, infrastructure is the core component of a computing environment, which includes networks, database services, data management, data storage (cloud storage), servers (with cloud services forming the basis for serverless computing), and virtualization, among others.
Platform: The tools required to create and deploy applications. These platforms may include operating systems like Linux, middleware, and runtime environments.
Software: Ready-to-use applications. This software can be custom applications provided by independent service providers or standard applications.
How to Choose Your Cloud Strategy
The best cloud for your business depends on your business needs, company size, current computing platforms and infrastructure, and your future goals.
In modern IT enterprises, cloud computing service providers play a key role in cloud implementation plans. This could include taking responsibility for managing infrastructure, software, services, or a combination of these.
First, you need to identify which services you need from the cloud to support your business strategy. From there, you can assess whether a particular cloud computing service provider meets your needs.
An important factor to consider in this process is which cloud technologies your enterprise will need to master and which should be delegated to the cloud service provider. Hosting infrastructure, platforms, or software can free your business to focus on serving your customers, improving overall operational efficiency, and enhancing or expanding your DevOps strategy.
Many public cloud service providers offer standard support contracts that include verifying active software subscriptions, troubleshooting, maintaining security, and deploying patches. Managed cloud providers’ support services can range from simple cloud management to supporting the entire IT department’s needs.