The storage of data has been a central focus of this course.  However, some cloud providers have different offerings besides the simple storage of data in some folders. One example of this is Google.  The Google drive offers concurrent access to Google Apps in the form of a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software.  These programs provide the ability to not only store files, but to create them remotely for anytime anywhere access.  The SkyDrive/Microsoft Office combination is a similar cloud computing option. So, what is the difference between cloud storage and cloud computing?  In a sentence, it means that the provider is actually manipulating data based on your input. Such data is often in the form of database manipulation.  Your assignment is to investigate the following providers and submit a short one paragraph summary of what they do, in your own words.  Make sure you have references. Software as a Service (SaaS) Platform as a Service (PaaS) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing resources over the internet, providing users with the ability to access and use various software applications and services without the need for local hardware or infrastructure. There are different types of cloud computing services, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

SaaS is a cloud computing model where software applications are hosted and provided by a third-party provider, accessible to users over the internet. With SaaS, users do not need to install and manage the software on their local devices, as it is accessed through a web browser or a thin client application. Examples of SaaS providers include Salesforce, Gmail, and Dropbox. These providers offer a wide range of applications and services, such as customer relationship management (CRM), email, and file storage.

PaaS, on the other hand, provides a platform and environment for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without the need for underlying infrastructure. This eliminates the need for developers to worry about the hardware and operating system configurations, allowing them to focus on the development and deployment of their applications. PaaS providers, such as Microsoft Azure and Google App Engine, offer a variety of tools, frameworks, and services to support application development, testing, and deployment.

IaaS refers to the provision of virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking, over the internet. With IaaS, users have more control over the underlying infrastructure and can deploy and manage their own virtualized environments. Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, and Google Cloud Platform. These providers offer a range of infrastructure resources that can be scaled up or down based on user requirements, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

In summary, SaaS provides users with access to software applications hosted by third-party providers, PaaS offers a platform and environment for developers to build and deploy applications, and IaaS provides virtualized infrastructure resources for users to manage and scale. These cloud computing models offer various benefits, including cost savings, scalability, and flexibility, making them popular choices for organizations and individuals looking to leverage the power of the cloud.

References:
– Ghosh, A. K., & Choudhury, S. P. (2012). Cloud computing: a version in future of IT industry. International Journal of Soft Computing and Engineering (IJSCE), 2(6), 2231-2297.
– Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology, 53(6), 50.