Cloud Computing Services and Models:

Expansion of Cloud Computing:

• Cloud computing encompasses more than just hosting virtual machines.
• "X as a service" refers to various cloud service models.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

• IaaS provides the underlying infrastructure, including networking and servers.
• Customers don't need to build their own network or servers; they pay for the service.
• Focuses on abstracting physical hardware.
• Provides access to things like virtual machines, containers, networks, and storage.

Platform as a Service (PaaS):

• PaaS offers an execution platform for running software services.
• Provides an environment for software execution, abstracting the server instances.
• Useful for developers who need an environment to run applications without managing complex infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS):

• SaaS goes beyond hardware and platform abstraction to software provisioning.
• It licenses the use of software to users while hosting and managing it.
• Popular examples include email services like Gmail for business and Office 365 Outlook.
• Many software applications are now available as browser-based SaaS solutions.

SaaS's Growing Importance:

• Increasing number of applications available as SaaS.