What is Cloud-based software

 cloud-based software

Cloud-based software refers to applications and services that are hosted and delivered over the internet, typically through a subscription model. Instead of installing and running the software on individual computers or servers, users access cloud-based software via a web browser or dedicated application, using remote servers maintained by the software provider. That means, it has on-demand availability of computing resources such as storage and infrastructure, as services over the internet.

If a company need to expand their organizational structure, need to buy physical servers and other infrastructure through procurement processes and that can take months. The acquired systems require a physical space, typically a specialized room with sufficient power and cooling. After configuring and deploying the systems, enterprises need expert personnel to manage them. If an organization uses cloud computing, it allows organizations to scale faster and more efficiently without the burden of having to buy and maintain their own physical data centers and servers. 

key characteristics of cloud-based software

·       Users can access cloud-based software from anywhere with an internet connection, using various devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

·       Cloud-based software can easily scale up or down based on demand. Users can typically adjust their subscription plans to accommodate changes in usage or business needs.

·       Cloud-based software often operates on a multi-tenant architecture, where multiple users or organizations share the same infrastructure and resources while maintaining isolation and security.

·       Software updates and maintenance tasks are managed by the service provider, reducing the burden on users and ensuring that they always have access to the latest features and improvements.

·       Cloud-based software often follows a subscription-based pricing model, where users pay for the services they use on a recurring basis. This can be more cost-effective than traditional software licensing models, as it eliminates upfront costs and allows for predictable expenses.

·       Cloud service providers invest heavily in security measures to protect user data.

 types of cloud computing services

·       Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) –

IaaS is the most basic type of cloud computing service. With IaaS, cloud providers offer virtualized computing resources over the internet, including virtual machines (VMs), storage, networking, and other fundamental computing infrastructure components. Users can provision and manage these resources on-demand, scaling them up or down based on their needs. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, and Google Cloud Compute Engine.

·       Platform as a Service (PaaS) –

PaaS provides a higher level of abstraction than IaaS. PaaS offerings include pre-configured development and deployment environments, along with tools and services for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications. PaaS abstracts away the underlying infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on writing code and developing applications without worrying about managing the underlying infrastructure. Examples include Heroku, Microsoft Azure App Service, and Google Cloud App Engine. 

·       Software as a Service (SaaS) –

SaaS is the highest level of abstraction in the cloud computing stack. SaaS providers deliver fully functional software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.

Users access SaaS applications through web browsers or dedicated clients, without the need for installation or maintenance of software on their local devices. SaaS applications cover a wide range of functionalities and use cases, including productivity suites, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, collaboration tools, and more. Examples include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce CRM, Dropbox, and Slack.

Cloud Deployment models 

·       Public clouds -

Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers, who deliver computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking over the internet. These resources are shared among multiple tenants or customers, allowing organizations to access scalable computing power without investing in on-premises infrastructure. Public cloud services are typically offered on a pay-per-use or subscription basis, providing cost efficiency and flexibility. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM Cloud. 

·       Private Cloud –

Private clouds are dedicated cloud environments exclusively owned and operated by a single organization. Unlike public clouds, private clouds can be deployed on-premises within an organization's data center or hosted by a third-party provider. Private clouds offer greater control, security, and customization compared to public clouds, making them suitable for organizations with strict compliance requirements or specific security concerns. Private cloud deployments can be more expensive and complex to manage than public clouds due to the need for dedicated infrastructure and resources. Examples include VMware Cloud Foundation, OpenStack, and Microsoft Azure Stack.