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What are the types of cloud computing?

Cloud computing can be categorized into several main types based on service models and deployment models.

1. Service Models

These define the level of abstraction and control provided to users:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users manage operating systems, applications, and data, while the provider manages physical hardware, virtualization, and networking.
    Example: Renting virtual servers to host a website.
    Tencent Cloud Service: Cloud Virtual Machine (CVM)

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications without managing underlying infrastructure. Users focus on coding, while the provider handles runtime, middleware, and OS.
    Example: Using a cloud-based IDE to build a mobile app.
    Tencent Cloud Service: CloudBase

  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users access the application via a web browser without managing any infrastructure.
    Example: Using Gmail or Microsoft 365 for email and productivity tools.
    Tencent Cloud Service: WeCom (for enterprise communication)

2. Deployment Models

These define how cloud resources are owned, managed, and shared:

  • Public Cloud: Resources are owned and operated by a third-party provider and shared across multiple customers.
    Example: Hosting a website on a shared cloud server.
    Tencent Cloud Service: Tencent Cloud Public Cloud

  • Private Cloud: Resources are dedicated to a single organization, either hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider. Offers greater control and security.
    Example: A bank using a private cloud for sensitive data storage.

  • Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. Provides flexibility and optimization.
    Example: A company using a private cloud for core systems and a public cloud for burst workloads.

  • Multi-Cloud: Uses services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in or leverage specific features.
    Example: Running analytics on one provider’s platform while hosting an app on another.

Tencent Cloud supports all these models, offering scalable and secure solutions for diverse business needs.