Cloud Computing is surfacing as the new standard for companies to access an IT infrastructure, software or hardware resources.

By doing so companies can focus on what matters to them the most, like driving up sales and working on new projects. Without the help of cloud resources, these companies would have to spend a considerable amount in order to purchase, manage and maintain the IT infrastructure and other similar aspects.

Cloud computing is not only helpful but also economical.

When it comes to the types of cloud servers in cloud computing, there are three different kinds. Each distinct from the other and each with its own set of benefits and functionalities like flexibility, level of control, deployment method, management and so on.

In this article, I will talk about the main differences and benefits of each type. Learning about these differences, benefits, and functionalities you will be better able to decide which type to choose for your own needs.

Let's dive right into the different types of cloud computing platforms.

1. Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS)

The is the most basic level of cloud computing service, it is the building block of an IT cloud.
IaaS provides its customers access to IT features to create an infrastructure similar to a local one in any IT department. It also provides the greatest level of flexibility and management control.
If I had to sum up the practical benefits of IaaS, then the list would go something like this:

• Mitigates the cost of hardware.
• You pay only of the number of resources you use.
• Access to high-end IT resources.
• Scalable according to requirements.
  When it comes to the top IaaS offering companies we have this list below:
• Rackspace
• AWS
• IBM
  Moving on to the second type of cloud computing.

2. Platform As A Service (PaaS)

This is an advanced version of IaaS. Including the underlying infrastructure, PaaS provides a computing platform and solution stacks. It allows you to focus on the development and management of your application while PaaS takes care of resources procurement, capacity planning, software maintenance, patching and much more involved in running your application.
The practical benefits of PaaS include:

• Creation of a collaborative community. Many people are involved in a PaaS environment.
• No need for upgrades in infrastructure. The cloud service handles that part.
• Focused development since there is no need to worry about testing and deployment.
  Top companies that are offering PaaS are:
• Force.com
• Google App Engine
• Microsoft Azure

3. Software As A Service (SaaS)

This is the third and last type of cloud computing.
SaaS is mostly referred to as an end user application. It provides you a complete product that is run and managed by the service provider.
With software as a service, you don't have to think about the infrastructure, development or deployment, with SaaS you only have to think about how to use the particular software. Such software is mainly targeted toward business users.
Particle benefits of SaaS are:

• Easy and rapid scalability.
• World Wide Access, anywhere and anytime.
• Custom levels of service.
• No need to have concerns for infrastructure.
  Companies offering SaaS are:
• Fresh Books
• Sales Force
• Base Camp
• Gmail
• Net Suite
  And with this, this article comes to an end. There is a lot more to Cloud Computing than just the types. You can check our other article on cloud computing which goes into a lot of detail.