Above+the+Cloud

Back to "What is Cloud Computing?"

Cloud Computing can be broken down to three main areas.

Software as a Service (SaaS)
 * Software is accessed over the internet instead of on your own computer
 * Often offers the ability to collaborate with others
 * Majority are free with possible paid upgrades
 * ex: Google Docs

Platform as a Service (PaaS)
 * Platforms where applications can be developed are housed
 * User has the ability to create their own applications but using the service providers programming language
 * ex: A districts' reporting program used on a developers platform like PowerTeacher

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
 * Supplier provides the storage and infrastructure where the client can run whatever applications they wish
 * Clients store and house all of their data
 * Clients can then access their software or data anywhere they wish
 * ex: Microsoft Windows running on an HP computer. The computer hosts Windows.