The Cloud Computing Stack

Business professional Michael Marlowe has significant experience as a financial manager, consultant, and entrepreneur in the Columbus, OH area. Michael Marlowe functions as the director of strategy and vice president of new markets at Chasetek. An infrastructure management company headquartered in Columbus, OH, Chasetek coordinates technological support for its clients. Cloud computing services have become an essential technological element of many large and small businesses.

Cloud computing involves utilizing a third party provider to store all of an individual’s or organization’s data and files. Access to those files is provided completely via the internet. There are three levels of cloud computing, commonly referred to as the cloud computing stack. Each service level builds on the one beneath it and they can interact with one another. An organization can select the level of cloud computing that is necessary for its specific needs by utilizing one specific level or by combining several levels.

The top level is referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS). At this level, all of a user’s documents and programs are hosted on the cloud. An individual or organization that utilizes SaaS never needs to worry about upgrading or maintaining their programs since it is all done automatically. Examples of SaaS applications are Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps.

The next level of service is called Platform as a Service (PaaS). At this level, users can create, customize, and deploy their own applications using the service provider’s platforms. Examples of PaaS include Google App Engine and Force.com from Salesforce.

The foundational level of service is called Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). At this level, users have access to the infrastructure of their cloud services. They can rent servers, data center space, and software. They can also increase the storage levels they need based on their current requirements.