Make your applications future-ready

Cloud-service model can be chosen from the cloud stack, which comprises of a trio of cloud computing (also distinct business) models, that are differentiated on the basis of key players, resources, value-created, costs, and revenue streams:

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a model where the software application is delivered as a service over the internet, and businesses access the service through a web browser. The great advantage of this model is the ability to serve multiple businesses from a virtual environment, and the ease of delivering any changes, upgrades, and modifications to the software through a click-to-deploy model. In a SaaS model, businesses don’t get locked into expensive long-term contracts for software support and maintenance, and the vendor secures a recurring stream of subscription revenue, which is valued far more than one-time licensing income.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a service model that provides a virtual platform to develop, deploy, and manage application lifecycle for solutions that are consumed over the internet. In this model of cloud computing, one can access on-demand environment for rapid development, testing, delivery and maintenance of software applications, in other words the entire platform from software development to delivery. PaaS caters to the engineering /product development needs of a business, and is a variant of SaaS with additional architectural and utility components, and is typically used for rapid development and deployment of mobile and web-based apps.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the most basic cloud-service model that provides computing infrastructure (servers, storage, network bandwidth, software licenses etc.), as a service in a subscription mode. IaaS serves the needs of the IT organization, and dispenses with the need for businesses to make upfront investments in the technology infrastructure. This is an asset-light model, where businesses don’t have to worry about technology obsolescence, as it is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure flexibility and scalability of the technology infrastructure.

An appropriate cloud-deployment model must be selected for delivering your cloud services:

Private Cloud, is a mode of deployment where the cloud computing infrastructure is operated exclusively for a single business or customer. In this model, cloud computing services are delivered through a private network, and the associated infrastructure can be either located physically with the business or can also be hosted by a third-party service provider.

Public Cloud, is where the computing services are delivered and accessed through a public network that is open for all. In this deployment model, a third-party service provider owns and supports all the underlying infrastructure including all hardware, software, and network bandwidth. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are some of the well-known Public Clouds.

Hybrid cloud is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community or public) that remain distinct entities but are bound together, offering the benefits of multiple deployment models. In this deployment model, sharing of the underlying infrastructure and seamless service delivery across public and private networks is facilitated by technology. Hybrid cloud is increasingly becoming popular for its flexibility, and for some businesses, offers the added comfort ofmulti-tiered security and data protection.

Choosing the appropriate cloud service and deployment models is a strategic decision. You must consider the following factors in selecting the right mix of cloud service and deployment models:

• Impact of the service on operations, delivery, and customer relationships
• Impact on architecture and technology
• Impact on business capabilities and revenue streams
• Resource utilization, data needs, security, control, and TCO
• Cloud-ready application architecture