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Cloud Services
Cloud services are infrastructure, platforms, or software that are hosted by third-party providers and made
available to users through the Internet. There are three main types of as-a-Service solutions:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This is the most basic level of cloud service. IaaS provides virtualised
computing resources over the Internet, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking. It allows
businesses to rent IT infrastructure without owning or managing physical hardware.
Examples of IaaS providers include AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform and environment for developers to build, deploy,
and manage applications without worrying about the underlying hardware and software layers. It typically
includes operating systems, databases, middleware, and development tools. PaaS helps speed up the
development process. For example, Google App Engine, Heroku, and Microsoft Azure App Services.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the Internet, which are
managed and maintained by the service provider. Users access these applications via a web browser, and
the infrastructure and platform layers are entirely handled by the provider. For example, Google Workspace
(Gmail, Docs), Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.
Cloud Smart Storage
Cloud smart storage providers offer flexible, scalable and secure cloud storage solutions that help individuals
and businesses manage and store large amounts of data online. These services are designed to be highly
reliable, allowing users to store, retrieve and manage their data from anywhere with Internet access.
Cloud Smart Storage Providers
Some of the popular cloud storage providers are as follows:
Google Drive : Google launched Google Drive on April 24, 2012, as a cloud storage solution
integrated with its suite of productivity tools. Initially offering 5 GB of free storage, it now provides
15 GB of free storage. The platform allows users to store documents, photos, and other files while enabling
real-time collaboration through tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Google Drive has become a
popular choice for personal and professional use due to its accessibility, powerful sharing features, and
seamless integration with Android devices and other Google services.
Dropbox : Dropbox was founded in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi, two MIT students.
It started as a simple file synchronization tool, offering 2 GB of free storage. Today, Dropbox offers various
plans for both individuals and businesses. The platform is especially known for its file synchronization
and file-sharing capabilities, which allow users to access their files from multiple devices and share them
effortlessly. Dropbox's easy-to-use interface, combined with strong third-party app integrations, has made
it a favorite among professionals, teams, and creative users who need reliable cloud storage.
Microsoft OneDrive : Microsoft OneDrive was launched in August 2007 as SkyDrive and was
later renamed to OneDrive. Users can store files and personal data, like Windows settings or BitLocker
recovery keys, in the cloud. OneDrive initially offered 25 GB of free storage, but now provides 5 GB of
free storage, with additional storage available through Microsoft 365 subscriptions. As an integral part
of the Windows operating system and Microsoft’s productivity tools, OneDrive is ideal for users relying
on Windows PCs and other Microsoft products. It offers automatic backup, seamless collaboration with
Office apps, and easy file sharing across devices, making it a powerful platform for both personal and
business use.
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